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Latino group considering lawsuit against Loudoun
A group that has already legally challenged and protested other localities' get-tough stances against illegal immigration is threatening legal action against Loudoun County."We consider what these jurisdictions are doing is unconstitutional and goes against civil rights," said Rev. Miguel Rivera, president of National Coalition of Latino Clergy & Christian Leaders, a large Latino Christian advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.
The same group has filed or may file lawsuits to negate illegal immigration laws passed in Oklahoma and Riverside Township, N.J. It has also organized church rallies opposing illegal immigration laws in Hazleton, Pa., and Atlanta, Ga., according to published reports.
This summer, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution asking county staff to examine ways of denying some services to illegal immigrants and withholding contracts and business licenses from businesses that employ illegal immigrants. The Sheriff's Office is also negotiating with federal authorities to have deputies trained in deportation proceedings.
"All we are doing is obeying federal law," said Board Chairman Scott York (I-at large), reacting to the lawsuit threat. "So obeying federal law is trouncing on civil rights? Very interesting."
In a brief telephone interview before he was to attend a meeting at the White House, Rivera said his group is now assisting the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund in a lawsuit it filed against Prince William County on Oct. 10 challenging the illegal immigration resolution supervisors there are considering. It includes having police check a person's immigration status if they find probable cause to do so.
“Latino children should be taught to trust police. Not to fear they might take their parents away," said Fund President Cesar Perales in a statement announcing the suit Wednesday.
Rivera said while legal action against Loudoun County is not imminent, his organization is paying close attention to what is transpiring here. If the county board escalates its actions with respect to illegal immigration, he said, then his group will probably sue.
"We want to put pressure on lawmakers" in Washington to stop jurisdictions from enforcing immigration laws, he said of his group's intentions.
Contact the reporter at jjacks@timespapers.com
So, what church is Rev Rivera associated with? They should lose their tax exempt status immediately. Bring on the lawsuits. It'll take a lot of money to sue every jurisdiction that is trying to do the RIGHT thing.
Posted by MarkKay
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If people come to this country LEGALLY like the millions before them have, then places like Loudoun County wouldn’t have to consider such ordinances. This country has good immigration laws in place if only the current administration would enforce them.
Posted by dpunty
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Lobby to "not enforce" laws? to me that is offensive. I can see lobbying to "change" laws, but laws on the books have to be honored... They basically want selective enforcement of laws, and special treatment. That is not what this country is all about (maybe that's what it's like in the countries they came from.) Our country is about fairness and fair application of our laws, not special treatment for any class.
Posted by sallymann
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This is typical of radical leftist groups who's aggenda is in direct opposition to the well being of the American public.The only way these radicals can get any traction is through intimidation and hollow threats.
This organization and others like them are scrambling in that they have failed in the marketplace of ideas and must now resort to legal action in order to achieve their goals.
Their threats are hollow and worthless.
Americans all over this county are saying enough is enough. It will take more than leftist ambulance chasers to turn this tide.
Posted by gstone
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This particular issue has nothing to do with "Left" or "Right". Don't forget, "the cheap labor party" (The Republicans) are responsible for these people being here by pandering to their fat cat corporate contributors who own Washington DC. Now it's time for WE THE PEOPLE to take our country back.
Posted by MarkKay
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