Florida Group Rebukes Petition Demand By Immigration Enthusiasts

A call for gubernatorial candidates Rick Scott and Alex Sink to oppose any efforts to emulate Arizona's immigration law drew a stiff rebuke today from Floridians for Immigration Enforcement(Flimen).

"It would be premature for the candidates to take a pledge one way or the other now because Rep. Bill Snyders bill is only in the drafting stage at this time," said Jack Oliver, spokesman for the Pompano Beach-based group.

"Flimens position in general is that we support the rule of law. Anyone who violates a law immediately makes themselves subject to arrest and prosecution for violation of any statute on the books," Oliver said.

The Florida Immigrant Coalition said it would present to the Miami offices of both gubernatorial candidates petitions signed by immigrant advocates, the Florida Catholic Conference, the NAACP and the ACLU.

In response, Oliver told Sunshine State News:

"Laws are enacted to protect the public, and no person or group should have immunity from enforcement of our laws. The only reason we are having this discussion today is because of the lack of enforcement of current federal immigration laws."

He continued:

"These groups oppose Arizonas S.1070, claiming that the law would lead to racial profiling even though the Arizona law has language prohibiting racial profiling.

"It is important to note that many of these groups have a track record in the past of opposing every proposed bill meant to address Floridas illegal alien crisis."