SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff says a new federal policy allowing many illegal immigrants without a criminal record to stay in the country is a better use of limited law enforcement resources.
Shurtleff says during a Tuesday conference call that fellow Republicans who oppose the plan are making political arguments that ignore the realities of immigration enforcement.
Shurtleff says the new policy will improve relations between police and immigrant communities.
The new policy, announced last week, allows many illegal immigrants who don't have criminal records but are facing possible deportation to stay in the U.S. indefinitely and have a chance to apply for a work permit.
Deporting illegal immigrants who are convicted criminals will be the Obama administration's priority.
Comments