http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-918238.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – That caveat is money. John Morton said Congress provides enough
to apprehend and deport only about 400,000 people a year.
Congress just approved an extra $600 million in new border
security funds. But Morton said even that isn't the answer.
(You've got to have complete, comprehensive federal reform that
recognizes a need for strong border security, a need for strong
interior enforcement, but also a means for families and workers
to come here lawfully, which is what we all want, not unlawfully,
not across the border through the desert illegally, but lawfully,
and an ability for a people who have been here a very long time
to get right with the law.)
Morton said, though, that's not amnesty. He said the difference
is that those seeking citizenship would have to pay a fine, learn
English, pay their taxes and, as he put it, go to the back of the
line.
(Is the answer for the government to deport all 10.8 million
people here in the United States? That's not possible. And it's
not the right answer at the end of the day.)
In June, the union which represents ICE employees voted no
confidence in Morton, saying top agency officials devote more
time to campaigning for amnesty instead of advising the public
about the severity of the illegal immigration problem. For
Arizona Public Radio this is Howard Fischer.