PRESS
February
25, 2008 - Scontras Applauds Positive National Developments
in Illegal Immigration Crisis
Maine's "Sanctuary State" Policies Continue
to Undermine National Progress
 PORTLAND,
ME - Republican Congressional Candidate Dean Scontras commented
today on several developments in the past week that give hope
to those concerned about the current wave of illegal immigration
into the United States. Despite these positive developments,
Maine continues to undermine federal efforts to secure the
border and penalize predatory companies by providing sanctuary
to illegal aliens.
Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced
approval of funding for a 28-mile "virtual fence"
that will use radar and surveillance cameras to catch people
entering the country illegally. The virtual fence system consists
of numerous unmanned surveillance towers, sophisticated technology
including radar, sensors and cameras capable of identifying
people at a distance of about 10 miles.
Additionally, Chertoff and Attorney General Michael Mukasey
announced on Friday that new rules would be rolled out in
the coming weeks imposing increased fines on companies that
knowingly hire undocumented workers. The civil fines for employers
that hire illegals will increase by as much as $5,000, or
25 percent, Chertoff and Mukasey said during a news conference.
The new rules will take effect March 27. The minimum penalty
for knowingly employing an undocumented worker will increase
from $275 to $375, while the maximum penalty for a first violation
will jump from $2,200 to $3,200. The biggest increase raises
the maximum civil penalty for multiple violations from $11,000
to $16,000, the department said.
"These are eagerly awaited moves," said Scontras.
"The effort to strengthen border security, combined with
a clampdown on magnet companies should go a long way toward
stemming the tide of illegal aliens that is flooding our country."
"Unfortunately, Governor Baldacci and Maine's current
crop of career politicians are unwilling to partner with the
federal government and work toward real reform on this critical
issue, as is evidenced by the disturbing news coming out of
Augusta this past weekend."
In Augusta, a New Jersey man faces charges following his arrest
this past week for allegedly bringing illegal aliens to Maine
to get driver's licenses. Anderson Dos Santos, 30, of Newark,
appeared in U.S. District Court on Thursday after being charged
with harboring or transporting illegal aliens. If convicted,
he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Dos Santos allegedly told a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
agent that it was well-known in the Brazilian immigrant community
in New Jersey that it is easy for illegal aliens to get driver's
licenses in Maine.
"This recent crime proves what we have been hearing
all along," said Scontras. "Maine has a widespread
reputation as a state where people in the country illegally
can get a driver's license. The state of Maine does not require
proof of citizenship or proof of residency to get a driver's
license. Not only that, but the Governor's Executive Order
makes Maine a sanctuary state where all nature of services
are afforded people who break the law to get here. As other
states clamp down on their sanctuary policies, Maine becomes
more attractive to human smugglers and illegal aliens looking
for states that enable their illegal entry into the country."
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