Election 2008: What’s At Stake?

Without widespread immigration reform from Congress, some local governments are taking it upon themselves to deal directly with illegal immigration. But using taxpayer money can stir tensions, at least in the case of Prince William County, Virginia, and nearby communities.

Prince William first received attention when it passed its crackdown plan last year. The move spurred protests, but also prompted ten grassroots anti-illegal-immigration groups to join forces in the Capital Area Alliance Against Immigration.

The county expects to save $6 million as a result of hundreds of foreign-born families moving their children to public schools in nearby Fairfax County, Arlington County and Alexandria, reports Amy Gardner in an April 28 Washington Post article. Yet, as a result of the move, those neighboring suburbs face “a new financial burden … in a time of lean budgets.” At the same time, the total cost of enforcement to Prince William County is expected to total more than $26 million, creating a further tax squeeze for its own residents, Gardener writes.

The dispute continues to boil over. NBC4.com reported April 29, for example, that a budget vote in Prince William County turned into a heated debate on immigration policy, among supporters of the crackdown and opponents. The approximately 125 people who spoke shared opinions such as:

“In October, you all passed the rule of law resolution, and now there is talk of rescinding part of this resolution. How can you all even entertain such a thought?” — Janet Rosenthal, who supports the crackdown.

“I believe the resolution has tarnished our reputation and provided an environment where racists can speak freely. … It’s sent a message to many businesses and progressive-minded people that Prince William County is not the place to call home.” — Nancy Escue, an opponent.

The situation in Prince William mirrors what other counties may face across the nation as the immigration debate continues to heat up locally. Are you or voters in your county focusing in on immigration reform as a deciding factor in Election ‘08?