In one of his first acts as the recently-elected Governor of Maine, Paul LePage rescinded an executive order by former Governor John Baldacci that had turned Maine into a partial sanctuary state for illegal aliens. (The Portland Press Herald, Jan. 18, 2011) Specifically, the rescinded order prevented state employees – other than state law enforcement officers – from inquiring or disclosing information relating to an individual’s immigration status except for under limited circumstances. (See Executive Order 34 FY 04/05, Feb. 2005) To reverse the former sanctuary policy, Governor LePage issued a new executive order explicitly rescinding the 34 FY 04/05. The new order states that “[e]mployees and officials of the State of Maine shall cooperate with employees and officials of the federal government on all matters pertinent to immigration. . . .” (Executive Order 08 FY 11/12, Jan. 6, 2011) The new order also states that Governor LePage’s Administration intends to promote the enforcement of federal immigration law. (Id.)
Amnesty advocates decried the new executive order. Shenna Bellows of the Maine Civil Liberties Union remarked that it is “the first step in an anti-freedom agenda.” (Bangor Daily News, Jan. 6, 2011) “It doesn’t matter where you were born. We’re all human and we’re responsible for one another,” she said. (Id.) But a spokesman for LePage said the Governor intended to send a message to those who have heard it is easy for illegal aliens to get driver’s licenses and social services in Maine. “We have got many fiscal issues, and I’m intending to take care of Mainers first,” asserted Governor LePage. (Id.)
Poster Comment:
Embedded links at source.