NAPO MEETS WITH WHITE HOUSE AND DHS

TO DISCUSS IMMIGRATION REFORM

On January 8, 2010 , NAPO met at the White House with staff from the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President and the Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security to discuss our concerns with current immigration policy and our suggestions on how to reform those policies.  NAPO discussed the importance of securing the border, the need for federal support of state and local law enforcement along our nation’s borders, and the necessity of information and intelligence sharing between federal, state and local law enforcement. 

Specifically, NAPO recommended additional training on federal immigration laws for state and local law enforcement, as well as the Department of Homeland Security providing more resources to educate law enforcement on immigration policies and procedures.  NAPO also suggested that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reach out to agencies and communities and make them aware of its presence and services.  Improving the relationship between ICE and state and local law enforcement agencies is vital to protecting our communities from criminal aliens.  Communication and cooperation are essential and NAPO firmly believes that the 287(g) program plays a major role in improving the relationship.   NAPO advocated for the 287(g) program and we voiced our support for expanding the program in order to augment the ICE’s limited resources.

This meeting was a continuation of the conversation between NAPO and the administration about immigration reform.  The next step is working with Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on an immigration reform bill to be introduced this year.  NAPO continues to push for stronger immigration enforcement policies as the administration and lawmakers move forward with immigration reform.

If you have any questions about the meeting or NAPO ’s stances on immigration issues, please contact the NAPO office at (703) 549-0775 .

News Archives