
A long standing federal immigration policy is about to undergo some changes. The revision could open some old wounds in Prince William County.
The new directives from the Department of Homeland Security will change how local law enforcement handles undocumented immigrants convicted of a crime.
Until now the so-called 287G directive gave local police departments like Prince Williams County full authority to enforce immigration laws. The new agreement revokes that authority, and requires local police to get approval from immigration and Customs enforcement for any arrest on an immigration violation where no state or local charges are made.
Some critics say this will cripple the process of automatic deportation for illegal immigrants convicted of a crime. Not so according to Nancy Lyle organizer for the group mexicans without boarders.
"Everybody makes mistakes, if those mistakes are not significant mistakes and no one was hurt violently, then they should be allowed to pay a fine, or do their punishment and go about their business," said Lyle.
The Prince William Board of Supervisors will meet this afternoon discuss the revision.
Elliott Francis reports...

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