On Monday, during a gubernatorial debate between current Maryland Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley and former Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., the subject of illegal immigration arose and Gov. O’Malley used a term that surprised even this jaded observer.
When referring to the millions of illegal aliens now residing in the United States, O’Malley called them “new Americans.”
Apparently, for the open borders Democrat, anyone whose first act in this country is to violate the law and disrespect our sovereignty, deserves the same status as someone who faithfully observes our immigration laws by waiting years to come here legally, and longer still for the honor of taking the oath of citizenship.
Of course, under O’Malley’s leadership, the entire state of Maryland has basically become a safe haven for illegal aliens and violent drug gangs.
In 2009, the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force released a report which claimed that due to tougher laws and a concerted effort by law enforcement, many illegal alien gangs are leaving Virginia for the safe havens of Maryland.
The report said: “Many gang members from Northern Virginia are moving or driving to Prince George’s and other Maryland counties, into the District of Columbia or further south and west into Virginia to avoid dealing with police departments that are unrelenting in their efforts to keep gangs under control.”
The report also found that there are 5,000 gang members in Northern Va., including 3,000 MS-13 members. Because of more cooperation between local and federal agencies, violent crime in the region has decreased by 17 percent from 2003-2008.
However, as a direct result of Maryland’s continued lax attitude toward illegal immigration, the state’s sanctuary cities, and lack of cooperation with federal authorities, violent crimes committed by illegal aliens have recently soared.
Maryland is also one of a handful of states which issues driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. Additionally, the Maryland State Board of Education recently announced that they will not allow county school districts to count the number of illegal alien students registered in their respective districts.
Several high profile murders committed by illegal aliens in Montgomery County, MD forced city officials to change their policy in reporting criminal aliens to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
However, as Judicial Watch recently explained, Montgomery County police only report illegal aliens to the feds when they have been arrested for a very serious crime such as rape or murder.
Illegal aliens arrested for burglary, simple assault, and most weapons violations are still not reported to ICE for deportation. Just as with any offender, bail is set for them and they are released back onto the streets to either commit more crimes in the county or to flee elsewhere.
Gov. O’Malley is a big fan of granting amnesty to illegal aliens.