During debate on the 1996 immigration reform bill, Grassley won congressional approval for his plan to allow the Justice Department to work cooperatively with state and local officials on immigration enforcement issues. Under the discretionary program, the U.S. Attorney General could enter into a formal agreement with any state or local community and authorize local law enforcement to assist the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The program was not implemented during the Clinton administration.
In response to the Sept. 11 attacks, Grassley held meetings in Iowa last November on the progress of homeland security measures in the state. At the meetings in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Grassley heard from state and local officials about the resources they needed from the federal government to ensure the safety of Iowa's communities.
Grassley's letter to Ashcroft follows.
February 28, 2002
The Honorable John Ashcroft
Attorney General
Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Attorney General Ashcroft:
For years, it has been all too clear that the Immigration and Naturalization Service has had a difficult task in protecting our borders and our citizens. Without a doubt, the September 11 attacks have increased the INS' workload in identifying and removing people who have no lawful immigration status in the United States.
I realize that the INS does not have the enforcement tools to go after every alien whose visa expires, especially those who generally do not pose a threat to society. Nevertheless, these aliens are breaking the law.
Since 1993, Congress has tripled the budget of the INS and provided the agency with more staff and resources to handle their workload. However, Congress can only give so much. The Department of Justice should pursue more efficient methods and look for alternative sources to enforce our immigration laws.
I firmly believe that the INS can enlist state and local support. We can crack down on illegal immigration by allowing the Justice Department to work cooperatively with state and local officials to authorize qualified officers to help in the investigation, apprehension, or detention of illegal aliens. By implementing Section 133 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, the Department of Justice can obtain resources to fight the war on terrorism on our own soil.
There are foreign students and tourists in the United States who aim to disrupt our way of life. There are sleeper cells that are taking advantage of our immigration system. With appropriate training, this program can address some of our country's security concerns while protecting the rights of all people.
I am writing to encourage your Department to enter into more written contracts with local agencies in order to allow qualified officers to help in the investigation, apprehension, or detention of illegal aliens. As the author of this program in 1996, which the former Clinton Administration failed to implement, I will stand behind the local police who are essential to enforcing our country's laws.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you on this issue.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator
cc: Commissioner James Ziglar