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Arnold changes tune on illegal immigration
In April the governor noted the out of control problems associated with illegal immigration and told a group of newspaper editors and publishers that the border with Mexico should be secured.
But in a letter sent today by Arnold to Fabian Nunez he says that “…the situation in California has improved significantly (emphasis added) in the last few years and illustrates that significant progress is attainable…” He also writes that illegal border crossings are in fact declining!
Leaving aside the fact that there is no way on God’s green Earth that the above sentence was – or even could have been constructed by the syntax-challenged big guy, and was probably written by some flunky gofer (Rob Stutzman) it still had to cross Arnold’s desk.
So, Arnold; which position is real and which is a political grease-job?
As an aside, given the delusional nature of the letter; anybody know if anybody in the Gov's office has a Prop 215 by any chance? If he does that could explain the short-term memory problem and disconnect from reality.
Here is the letter in its entirety…. Be sure to put on your hip-waders before reading it:
__________________________________________________
For Immediate Release: Contact: Margita Thompson
Wednesday, August 24, 2005 Julie Soderlund
916-445-4571
Text of Letter from Governor Schwarzenegger to Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez
Governor Schwarzenegger today sent the following letter to Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez:
August 24, 2005
The Honorable Fabian Núñez
Speaker of the Assembly
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814
Dear Mr. Speaker,
Illegal immigration and its consequences are a serious concern for California that is shared by our neighbors in states on both sides of the border. I would like you to know that I appreciate your point that the State of California should do as much as possible to reduce illegal border crossings. Given your focus on this issue, I know you will share my enthusiasm for the significant steps my administration has already taken and join me in supporting additional efforts.
While you letter raises valid concerns, its fundamental premise - that the impacts of illegal immigration would be remedied if I were to declare a state of emergency - is incorrect. In addition, my power to issue a declaration of emergency is limited under the Emergency Services Act (Government Code sections 8550, et seq.) and statutory change would be required. Specifically, California law does not vest authority in the Governor to declare an emergency to address burdens upon government resources occasioned by illegal immigration. The Emergency Services Act is designed to allow for extraordinary redirection of resources through mutual aid and the suspension of certain State laws so that government may address catastrophic conditions caused by war, natural disasters or epidemics. A declaration of emergency is not authorized in the absence of conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons or property beyond the means of local government to address. Despite the dangers which exist to those who seek to cross the border illegally, the purposes of the Act are to protect health, safety, life and property in extreme circumstances. The current situation in California does not rise to this level.
In your letter, you encourage the use of State assistance dollars to help communities in Southern California. As you well know, redirecting State assistance dollars would come at the expense of much needed assistance to Californians recovering from wildfires, floods and mudslides. Rather than take critical assistance dollars from these individuals suffering the consequences of natural disasters, I am focusing my efforts on ensuring that California gets the federal funds and resources we deserve, and have been working to this end with significant success.
Last week, I met with Representative Jerry Lewis, the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, to discuss increased funding for border protection. As a follow-up to my meeting with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff in July, the Director of California's Office of Homeland Security and the Director of the California Office of Emergency Services are meeting with Secretary Chertoff this week to continue discussions on ways to improve border security, in addition to other homeland security issues. This morning, Secretary Chertoff and I discussed the federal initiatives underway to improve our border security.
Matthew Bettenhausen, the Director of California's Office of Homeland Security, has been in constant communication with the Department of Homeland Security and the Customs and Border Patrol Agency on all aspects of improving border security. As a result of our focused efforts, California has secured funding to complete the final three miles of the border fence. Finally, while your letter asserts that President Bush has proposed eliminating all funding to California for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), the truth is that by working in a bipartisan manner with governors of other states impacted by illegal immigration and the California Congressional Delegation, California is expected to secure more funding for this important program than in previous years.
During my trip to Mexico to attend the Border Governors' Conference, I joined with my fellow governors from the United States and Mexico to discuss the tremendous toll of immigration on both sides of the border. Our discussions on the topic lasted more than four hours and we talked extensively about the dangers inherent in this situation including drug trafficking, killing of livestock, the economic burdens to the border states in Mexico and the United States, and the terrible impact on lives caused by human trafficking and smuggling. Recognizing the importance of this issue, we agreed that we will work together toward a bi-national solution and memorialized these commitments in a joint resolution. I am personally committed to this effort.
My Administration is also working aggressively on bi-national efforts that include: cross-border law enforcement activities that focus on drug interdiction, human trafficking, and vehicle theft; cross-border regional planning; bi-national environmental protection efforts; and public health. The State has committed more than $30 million to these efforts, including $700,000 to law enforcement agencies in Imperial and San Diego Counties for border enforcement support.
While it is clear that more needs to be done to reduce illegal crossing, the situation in California has improved significantly in the last few years and illustrates that significant progress is attainable if we join together in a dedicated effort. The recent decline in illegal border crossings has also resulted in a reduction of crime in the border region; again this shows the promise and importance of cooperative State and federal efforts. I am committed to addressing this issue in a significant way and have always made my commitment in this regard clear
The evidence makes plain what we already know, for California must work in partnership with the federal government if we are to ensure the safety of California's border region and reduce illegal border crossing. Under my leadership, California has been proactive in seeking assistance from the federal government to: increase the number of border patrol agents along our border; enforce the current immigration laws; and complete the construction of the border fence. I will continue to work cooperatively with the federal governments of the United States and Mexico, as well as leaders in California and Border States in Mexico and the United States to develop a rational and workable solution to this complex issue.
I appreciate your input on this important issue and know that I can count on your support as we go forward in this effort.
Sincerely,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
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blogged by: Mark Williams
Published: August 24, 2005, 7:36 pm | Permalink | Printable Version
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