Staff Reports
The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have passed Senate Bill 69, a controversial piece of legislation that has Republicans shaking their heads. The bill calls for individuals who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to be eligible to serve as law enforcement officers in the state of Virginia. This news has sparked quite the debate among politicians and citizens alike.
Democrat-backed bill would allow noncitizens to serve as law enforcementhttps://t.co/prHzDR8puR
— The Center Square (@thecentersquare) March 1, 2024
DACA, as many conservatives like to point out, was passed under the Obama administration, and it essentially allows certain undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 to stay in the country and work legally. However, this program does not provide a pathway to citizenship, leaving many to question the intentions of those seeking to serve in law enforcement.
Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, is the primary sponsor of the bill and has been quite vocal about his support for it. He shared heartwarming stories of young people in his district who have grown up in the U.S. thanks to DACA and now aspire to join the ranks of law enforcement. While their dreams are certainly inspiring, many Republicans argue that our country’s immigration laws should not be bent to accommodate these individuals.
Furthermore, the most diverse county in Virginia, Prince William County, is facing a rise in crime and a shortage of law enforcement personnel, making the debate even more heated. The county has seen a 40% reduction in police applicants since the tragic events surrounding the death of George Floyd. This has prompted local police departments to offer incentives like a $10,000 hiring bonus and starting salaries of $62,000 in an effort to attract new talent.
Despite these challenges, Republican politicians, like Del. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, have stood firm in their opposition to the bill. Many argue that the federal government is to blame for the immigration crisis and that it should address its own failed policies rather than burdening the states with their consequences. The bill ultimately passed 53-47, mostly along party lines, leaving Republicans feeling dismayed and Democrats feeling victorious.
As the debate rages on, the voice in Virginia remains steadfast in its belief that laws should be upheld, and the integrity of our nation’s borders should not be compromised. Only time will tell how this new legislation will impact law enforcement and the immigration debate in Virginia.
