Cities shouldn’t have to do Congress’ work- Austin American Statesman

<>In reference to “Cities shouldn’t have to do Congress’ work” (Austin American Statesman, Friday, June 6, 2008), I must state that I support the city council of Farmers Branch. I agree with the Statesman that towns like Farmers Branch should not have to do the federal government’s job concerning illegal immigration. But I support the city for taking action rather than being a quiet victim or just whining about how little Congress is doing to help them.
Farmers Branch is not alone on this issue. According to CNN.com, the following cities have also passed similar laws: Escondido, California; Hazelton, Pennsylvania; Riverside, New Jersey; and Pahrump, Nevada (“Dallas Suburb Bans Rentals by Illegal Immigrants”, CNN.com, 6/8/08). According to this article, “Most cities said they acted out of frustration with the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws more vigorously.” So it’s obviously a country wide, federal issue which needs federal action. While Washington plays politics and politicians give big speeches about building fences across the border, the federal government doesn’t even provide the means to enforce the existing immigration laws adequately and small cities are left to deal with the problems of illegal immigration. Again from CNN.com, ”The effect of the government – the feds – not enforcing the law is 100 percent local.” Escondido City Council member Marie Waldron said in November. “We have to deal with the overcrowding in our neighborhoods. We have to deal with the overcrowding in our schools and the diseases that our children are exposed to. Our police department has to fight the gangs.”
I believe that if the Government isn’t taking control over this immigration issue it’s the right of the Farmers Branch community to take action. Even though the government has shown great progress over the years of catching and decreasing the amount of terrorists and imposters coming into our country, I think the community will be wise in their decision because they’re the ones that have to live and deal with immigrants in everyday life. The politicians residing in Washington don’t know what its like to live first hand with illegal immigrants that have to opportunity to smuggle drugs, diseases and gangs into their community. Illegal immigration is affecting the border cities in various ways and I think each city/ state needs to deal with their issue their own way. The government shouldn’t even have a right to object to and overrule Farmers Branch actions, unless they were already full handedly involved, which they aren’t. If the Government refuses to do their job dealing with illegal immigrants protecting our border towns and putting order to our country then it’s only up to us, the citizens, to take matters into our own hands.