On Friday Mayor Kenney decided not to renew the city’s contract of data-sharing with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“I cannot in good conscience allow the agreement to continue,” – Mayor Kenney

PARS is a real-time computer arrest database. While it does not collect immigrant status, it does house country of origin and social security numbers.

Kenney based his decision on growing concern that ICE was inappropriately using the data to conduct investigations into undocumented immigrants who had not broken any other laws.

ICE has admitted that use of PARS could result in immigration enforcement against residents who have not committed a crime. In response to the end of data-sharing in Philly ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have called the decision “irresponsible”, but said they will “continue to remove illegal immigrants and uphold public safety.”

While I agree with not targeting illegal immigrants who have not committed crimes (other than entering the country illegally), I do believe the non-sharing of data is also an issue.

The problem is until there’s immigration reform, there’s no reason to trust this administration and its immigration policies.

 

As always….

If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!

Source: The Inquirer