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PWC immigration lawsuit dismissed
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Prince William County Chairman Corey Stewart, shown at his home in this file photo taken Feb. 10, said the court's decision was a major setback for critics of the anti-immigration laws the county recently passed.
Judge James C. Cacheris' decision in a 30-minute hearing was a huge blow to the critics of the plan who were trying to have it overturned.
Prince William County Attorney Ross Horton said the county was diligent in creating a policy allowing local officers to check the residency status of suspected illegal immigrants would be fair and constitutional.
"This is an important issue and it deserves a lot of careful thought and input and obviously we are doing that," Horton said.
After the county's victory, Horton told the plaintiffs' attorneys the county would be diligent in making sure the law was fair.
An obviously disappointed Woodbridge immigrant leader, Ricardo Juarez, kissed fellow Mexicanos sin Fronteras coordinator Nancy Lyall on the forehead as they stepped out of the courtroom.
Despite having the high-profile suit immediately dismissed, Eduardo Ferrer, a lawyer for a group of 22 Hispanic residents suing to have the laws overturned called it a "minor setback."
Prince William County Chairman Corey Stewart replied: "It reminds me of Baghdad Bob saying, 'hey, don't mind those American M-1 tanks rolling by, we have everything under control.'
"This is a major setback for the critics of the resolution and it's a big win for Prince William County."
The challenge, led by the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Woodbridge Workers Committee, will not be the last, said Ferrer, presenting the case for the Howrey law firm.
"We will continue to monitor the situation," he said. "I think [Judge Cacheris] felt these were not the right people to sue."
But Stewart said the dismissal will send a signal the county's plan, though controversial, is constitutional and a model worth replicating elsewhere.
Because the county's crackdown is still months away from taking effect, other groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union had said they would monitor the effort before making a decision to sue.
Cacheris said he would make a formal written ruling in the case soon.
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Examiner Reader said:
i didnt know hispanics were terrorists? Why are we fighting in Iraq/Pakistan and not in Mexico and El Salvador. Hispanics arent terrorising america our president is. People are crying about hispanics dont pay taxes my boyfriend is illegal and the $3500.00 his employer took out for federal and state he cant get back so how didnt he pay his taxes? As far as them being greedy PLEASE they spend their money in our grocery stores,gas pumps,bars,wal marts and many other stores so how dont they help contribute? America is going to be in alot of trouble if all the illegals go. The small businesses will really be hurting with out them. Think about the future because Bush sure the hell isnt. Stop wasting money on the war and start rebuilding America before its to late.
3 agree | 2 disagree
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Kulturkampf said:
It was only dismissed because "nothing has happened yet." We're talking an avalanche of illegal search and seizures and false arrests about to occur in Prince William County. I guess the South is rising again
89 agree | 78 disagree
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BostonRay said:
Kudos to a massive slap/hammer in the face against the "progressive" frauds in NoVa. When one removes the illegal support structure, mandated by Alexandria and Arlington so called "governments" and their "sanctuary city" fraud the illegals will all pay their own way home. Costing American Citizens nothing. The Court has spoken and exposed another liberal bold faced lie.
72 agree | 82 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The A.C.L.U. (American Communist Lawyers Union) should be dis-banned. This Law is here to stay. Those that want to give sanctuary to illegals should be jailed. Maybe the American citizens should sue all of those trying to sue PWC for Aiding and Abetting illegals. And please, call them illegals because that is what they are. Un-documented is just sugar coating illegal. Deport all of the illegals. I don't want my tax dollars supporting illegals from the Federal level either. And those that have their "Anchor Babies" here should be deported with the kids in tiw. The Constitution entitles them to certain rights, it does not automatically make them U.S. citizens. There parents have to be here legally for them to be considered legal citizens of this country. They should also be made to speak English. A country without one common language is destined to fail. English is that language.
89 agree | 53 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
And for the record, ANYBODY WHO BREAKS THE LAW WILL BE CHECKED !!! What part about this don't Hispanics don't get? The difference is that a majority of everybody else here is legal and have no problems proving it. Hispanics a majority can't say that. If you did a all out crack down, you would see California, Texas, and mainly Florida lose half of their population. The Hispanics did it to themselves. Greed brought them here not force. And on top of that they got arrogant with the marches and the notion that they are inferior to everybody that is not Hispanic. Their true colors have been uncovered and the blatant racism has been uncovered. Anytime you get illegals marching at OUR govt something is wrong. Anytime you get many putting their kids in the way of their wrong, something is wrong! Then you have many that will flat out tell you you are going to hell if you don't allow them to stay is wrong. Well take that fight up with your native govts and see how far you get. You got 0 hea
79 agree | 73 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Finally, we see a judge with some spine This coming from PW is a miracle
72 agree | 76 disagree
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Kgotthardt said:
Stewart and his bigot local lobbyists will reap what they sow. Note our "leader's" reference to war. Apparently, he acknowledges he has rolled in with tanks. Problem is, there aren't insurgents here. There are families and citizens, decent human beings who might have a paperwork problem but don't need the kind of intimidation this county is thrusting on ALL of us, documented and otherwise. Stewart has listened to the few and not the many, and because of his complete disregard for democracy and human rights, will fail one way or the other. It's now a matter of how many people will get hurt in the process-casualties in Stewart's Board-made war. This lawsuit is only the first, and ALL of us will continue to pay by his poor decisions and arrogance.
76 agree | 84 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I agree w/ the courts decision.Every one should pay thire way.
75 agree | 71 disagree
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G Man said:
Boom, Boom, Boom, another one bites the dust! Prince Wm Rule of Law - 4, Pro-Illegal Apologists - 0
61 agree | 75 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The lawmakers should know that THE U.S.A. Constitution was wrightting for U.S. CITIZENS, NO for ILLEGAL ALIENS so they don't have any right to benefit from IT.
88 agree | 79 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
It's about time that all of the United States does what Prince William supervisors did!!!! Illegal is just that; illegal! When do we change the laws for just one group and why? Congratulations to someone with intestinal fortitude to do what our federal government won't!!
103 agree | 93 disagree
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Jonathon Moseley said:
Let's Remember: There is NO war in Mexico. There is NO natural disaster in Mexico. There is no famine or drought in Mexico. THIS IS ALL ABOUT GREED, not need. I have sat across the table from debtors in the Prince William County Courthouse in Virginia who could not pay their debts because illegal aliens had stolen their jobs. I have represented clients in the region whose houses were wrecked by unlicensed building contractors and painters who were illegal aliens, under-cutting American citizens by breaking the law without licenses.
94 agree | 75 disagree
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Jonathon Moseley said:
If someone comes to the USA without a work permit, illegally, DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE A BUILDER'S LICENSE? Half the houses in Prince William and Loudoun upgraded or built in the last 10 years were built by illegal aliens -- WITHOUT LICENSES to be building contractors. As an attorney in that area, I run into it all the time, from homeowners who got ripped off by illegal aliens, etc. If illegal aliens are here illegally, do you really think they get a contractor's license? How many people are living in unsafe houses because unlicensed, unqualified illegal aliens built or rebuilt their house? (Unfortunately too many homeowners do not ask to SEE a license. Many illegal aliens WRITE a contractor's license number on documents -- which is FAKE. ASK TO SEE THEIR LICENSE.)
92 agree | 90 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
didn't know illegal's" were a race. The marches and chants are for welfare ,not rights.
90 agree | 104 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I am in complete agreement with this crack-down. What is it that Dr. Owen doesn't understand about being illegal. I agree with Mr. Chin, do it the right way. M.L. Roland
93 agree | 80 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I guess I've engaged in some banter and I'd agree with you that the actions of some people can be really horrible. But the rage I hear here (often) seems to be cited against hispanics with the assumption that they are all illegal and pigs. That doesn't sit well with me.
105 agree | 101 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
By the way, my name is "Bill" and it was nice to make your acquaintance, whoever you are.
115 agree | 95 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Well, I never thought of it as a "race" issue. I really didn't. I've always seen it as a person-to-person issue -- But, in spite of our banter,you gave me food for thought, and I thank you. Not much, mind you, but I thank you.
122 agree | 79 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
No, but when people do bad things I don't go after them for their race, but for their actions. Sure - maybe your neighbors are in the country illegally, but I bet that's not what bothers you. I bet it's their actions and the actions of other people regardless of their race or legal status. So if you think people are forcing you to live like an animal go after them for that - not their race/immigration status - or would you give a legal person a pass?
110 agree | 94 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
It would be interesting to see and exchange of leaders, Prince Williams leaders moving to D.C. and vice-versa.
107 agree | 78 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
By the way, I tried working with my local cops, too. But, this, being a "Sanctuary City", there is nothing they will do short of a felony.Like I said, I call it like I see it. It isn't my idea or fault that they are hispanic. Again, thats the way it is.
96 agree | 86 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Then, you obviously enjoy it. I don't.I keep forgetting - if you don't like living like an animal, than you must be "racist." I must remember that.
104 agree | 86 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Actually I live in an urban "gentrifying" neigborhood that has a lot of issues, but it is not majority "Barrio" - but you betry your racist leanings because since when is being a hispanic person the same as being Illegal? If you have problems with people urinating, waiting on the corner for work, then be against them for that. That's what I do - I work with my local cops vs. antisocial behavor whether it's a black, white, hispanic, legal or illegal. So I'd just appreciate you stop equating anti-social behavior withbeing fromthe barrior - lord knows a ton of US born people of all races are pretty anti-social too!
116 agree | 77 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I just gave a realistic accouting of what it is like in my neighborhood, and it got deleted - as well as receiving remarks from those who think I'm "racist." I didn't start this mess. I didn't turn my neighborhood into a Barrio. I didn't get to make that call. I didn't ask for 75/100 people to gather on my corner, urinating on the didewalks as they wait for day work. I had nothing to do with that. Fact is, I -- and millions like myself - are pi$$ed off at it and want it to stop. Nobody cares who the protagonists are. We've just had enough.I used to be very sympathetic -- no more. Nope. You want to be here, then do it the legal way and show us you are willing to become Americans. Coming here through the back door, and gentrifying neighborhods to suit you doesn't cut it. Perhaps yu wouldn't mind if they moved next door to you and pulled this stuff? You'd be the first whining about it.
86 agree | 84 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Re the post: "You want to see first hand the damage they are doing?" Wow, I hope this guy doesn't speak for all of you. And yeah, like I said before if you didn't think racism runs deep in this debate reread his post. Personally, I think this debate is encouraging every closeted racist to come out because they can hide behind the "I'm not racist; I'm just against people breaking the law". To all those who are "anti-illegal", just watch the company you keep. P.S. anyone wiling to call these guys out on their posts to this forum?
101 agree | 73 disagree
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It is... said:
The Constitution rights should be applied to only US citizens and its legal immigrants. That's the point it IS SUPPOSE TO BE FOR ONLY CITIZSENS. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that all individuals of the world are protected under the U.S. law. Nowhere! Yet, this govt. turns it around to the effect which in itself is unconstitutional. Somebody needs to tell these so called judges and lawyers this.
109 agree | 78 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Hey, since everyone is so law and order, let's impeach Bush for his innumerable violations of US and international law? whose game?
102 agree | 82 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
About 10 community hospitals are in a state of emergency near the southern border. With no laws against emergency care for illegal immigrants, about 42% of their patients, the hospitals may have to close.
97 agree | 104 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I still do not understand how someone can enter this country ilegally and not be punished for it? Go Prince William BOS, Please stand strong, Do not back down, if you need a deck built or your lawn mowed I would be happy to come do it for you, Can I break into your home and steal from you and then the next day come have dinner with you? I also would like to know , why if you are here ilegally why do you have the right to protest our govt?
142 agree | 87 disagree
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Daves said:
in violation of law, shall be punished as provided . . . for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs . . . fined under title 18 . . . imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both." Section 274 felonies under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act, INA 274A(a)(1)(A): A person (including a group of persons, business, organization, or local government) commits a federal felony when she or he: * assists an alien s/he should reasonably know is illegally in the U.S. or who lacks employment authorization, by transporting, sheltering, or assisting him or her to obtain employment, or * encourages that alien to remain in the U.S. by referring him or her to an employer or by acting as employer or agent for an employer in any way, or * knowingly assists illegal aliens due to personal convictions. Hire U.S. citizen taxpayer workers and pay a reasonable, living wage with benefits and then your business will run smoothly. Employers need to start to look over their shoulder f
125 agree | 98 disagree
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Daves said:
If the individual is a legal immigrant and been authorised to stay in this country. Then they are welcome! If they broke our sovereign law, and entered this country illegally they should be deported. No exceptions! It is still a felony to aid and abet any illegal aliens. If some honest men and women, in law enforcement, would go after the lowlifes in the government, business and the general population that have been aiding and abetting them, by the time they had enough of a handle on it to raise their heads from the job and look around I don't think many illegal aliens would still be left. We don't need any new laws to do this either. Just some honest men and women that take their oaths of office seriously! Finding them is the first step! Federal Immigration and Nationality Act Section 8 USC 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv)(b)(iii) "Any person who . . . encourages or induces an alien to . . . reside . . . knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such . . . residence is . . .
131 agree | 123 disagree
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Mark JM said:
I praise the Prince William County Board for passage of this resolution. The liberals talk about them deserving rights. THEY DESERVE NOTHING!!Every illegal immigrant I've seen has done nothing but stand around, drink in public, disrupt traffic, and add to the crime rate. In fairness, I say Prince William County Police should check citizenship status on EVERYONE (I would gladly submit to such a check if need be), not just those suspicious, that way the hispanic groups can't claim racial profiling.
117 agree | 95 disagree
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faisal islam said:
we want the immigration reform very soon.because the presidental election is coming .so the work is very long and we wannt to every one in the contry legel because everyone give the votes in the election and all the people will happy on senater and president selection. this issues is very important thankx ..
139 agree | 122 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The Constitution rights should be applied to only US citizens and its legal immigrants. Illegal immigrants are border invaders, sneeking into US without permission. They should be stopped and shot dead at borders . There is 100% difference between LEGAL and ILLEGAL .
131 agree | 105 disagree
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Paul the American said:
To not be biased, Prince William County should check the immigration status of EVERYONE who breaks the law. I recently needed a new birth certificate. I went to the Vital Statistics office, they only needed my name, SS#, county of birth, mother's maiden name, and hospital where I was born. Within 5 MINUTES, they knew who I was and issued me a new birth certificate. Give the police access to the same database and check the status of EVERYONE they police bring in.
109 agree | 115 disagree
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Mike Licht said:
I guess all the Prince William County Board members have completed their new houses and back decks, and now they don't want to see the folks who built them. There will be a lot more building if PWC Police detain all their undocumented neighbors. Do you have any idea what the backlog is like in immigration court? These kinds of laws will evaporate the first time local police ask a US citizen for proof of citizenship. Meanwhile, the County Board has succeeded in endangering public safety - no one in the immigrant community will go anywhere near a cop, so crimes will go unreported, witnesses will stay silent, and gang violence will spread to the public at large. Good work, Prince William County Board.
108 agree | 149 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I applaud them for this! Illegals are ruining this country in ways that many of you are not aware of. If you go to Texas, you'll see what illegal Mexicans have done to the state. It's very sad.
129 agree | 95 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I Think Bush proves he is a real idiot !! heres a man that claims that the war with Iraq was justified for 9/11 then he claimed that he was protecting Americans from terrorists How can you do that with out security ? you can't !! This Government is to busy killing our American soldiers for there oil !! yet they wont stop illegal immigration which has an effect on ALL The American people !!
132 agree | 94 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Are illegal the same as citizens?
151 agree | 114 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
PW County officials, you better seek the advice of justices regarding the constitutionality of your proposed resolutions before you proceed. You might end up like Hazelton, PA- wasting away precious time and tax money only to be told that the passed ordinance was against the constitution.
102 agree | 122 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Are illegal immigrants the same as terrorists ? they are not. The fact that they invade the border without border control and identification means there are a lot of hard core terrorists following the tide unchecked into our country . It has become very very expensive and inefficient to detect these terrorists living among ourselves. Therefore , contruction a big fence at the border is a must . The main issue is SECURITY for our people.
137 agree | 116 disagree
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