Branches of Criminal Justice Policy-Making - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Arizona's immigration laws are some of the toughest in the nation and have surpassed all other States in their attempts at immigration control. 36 other states have attempted to pass harsh immigration laws though only five States have been able to get bills passed and laws into effect which has been similar to those in Arizona.

The Immigration Reform Coalition of Texas reports on local legislative immigration control and committees ranging from public safety and homeland security to civil jurisprudence (Immigration Reform…). Another local organization is Texans for Immigration Reduction and Enforcement, its purpose and mission is strict control of Texas borders and they are strongly in favor of thorough and harsh enforcement of those illegal aliens who are in the workforce and otherwise members of society without becoming a United States citizen.

Executive offices would more clearly define what the provisions of the bill are and exactly how they would come into effect. An example of an executive office would be the Department of Homeland Security, which has control over immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security provides benefits such as naturalization and work authorization and also provides enforcement of federal immigration laws.

State executives include law enforcement in opposition to the proposed immigration policy (Wiles). Law enforcement executives claim that immigration is a federal policy that should be handled at the federal level, rather than the State level. Law enforcement also prefers to be able to focus consistently on criminal activities and not be forced into roles of immigration officials.

The Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition is a local Texas group that works to promote human dignity among immigrants, social and economic equality, and human rights through the organization of community groups that act as policy advocates and public education advocates. This group established a Human Rights Organizing Program in Austin, Texas where those who are in the program undergo intensive training in human rights.

The United States Department of Justice oversees the office of the Chief Immigration Judge, who at this time is Brian Leary. This office handles immigration appeals and they are independent of the INS. Their authority comes from the Attorney General and the office adjudicates cases that involve detained or criminal aliens, and those who may be seeking asylum within the United States (About…). The court also ensures that immigrants receive fair treatment and due process.

The Texas judicial immigration Judge is Larry Dean and though this Judge is assigned to the State of Texas and Texas areas this department is still under the authority of the United States Department of Justice.

Local Judicial authorities include law enforcement officials who are also in opposition to strengthening immigration policy because they do not want to lose focus of their primary responsibility which is maintaining criminal justice.

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