Law & Order

I just realized this post needs some context. A recent discussion over at TinyCatPants got me thinking about how lots of folks talk about the importance of law and order in immigration, and conflate the illegality of immigration with terrorism and public safety. It occurred to me that every day most Americans ignore laws that aren't consistently enforced, with far greater public safety impact.

I wondered how the law and order crowd would feel if the whole "no amnesty, send them home" argument was applied to them.

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Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, May 2, 20xx 7:45pm

The administration today announced the results of a major new security initiative. The President addressed reporters in a conference at the White House briefing room just before 11am.

“Good morning.

Just over a year ago, on May 1, the federal government -- working with the governors of over 30 states -- completed the installation of an extensive network of high-resolution satellite cameras along America’s national borders, highways and rural roads. Using the data from this network – called SAFENet -- government analysts at the Department of Homeland Security have spent the last 12 months identifying lawbreakers who have put this country and its citizens at risk. The identity and location of these individuals has been passed to local law enforcement in all 50 states.

I’d like to address some comments to the good law-abiding citizens of the America, and also to those who will be contacted by the police over the coming weeks. Then I’ll take your questions.

On September 11, 2001, our nation was attacked by terrorists. In addition to military, diplomatic and intelligence responses, our government combined the expertise of the FBI, the Transportation and Security Administration, the Immigration and Naturalization Service and others organizations to form the Department of Homeland Security. DHS’s mission was and is to “lead the unified national effort to secure America … prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation … ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.”

This administration understands that you want to be able to live and bring up your children in communities that are free from fear and insecurity. You teach your children to play by the rules, and you want them to be able to get ahead. You want them to be safe in a dangerous world.

Your government has worked to achieve all these things. But until now we have failed you in one important respect. Though we have laws controlling the flow of people into, out of, and across the country, we’ve had neither the technology nor the will to enforce them.

Now that we’ve developed the technology, we intend to demonstrate the will to protect the American people.

Ineffective border enforcement contributed to the nearly 3,000 deaths on 9/11 and contributes to about 5,000 deaths due to illegal drug overdoses every year. Within our borders, ineffective traffic enforcement contributes to the death of over 10,000 fellow Americans every year.

Immigration laws exist to promote economic and social stability, and to prevent the flow of drugs and other dangers into this country from those who would wish us harm. Speed limits promote fuel efficiency, protecting our lungs and the air we breathe, and lessening the flow of funds out of this country to people who would wish us harm.

Speed limits and other traffic laws can save lives. The lives of children playing in their front yard, the lives of parents walking to church, the lives of families cycling on a Sunday afternoon. Speed limits and other traffic regulation can also save the lives of thousands of drivers themselves.

This is not only about security.

Many Americans feel like they are always falling behind. They wait patiently in line, abide by the law, and watch as others illegally pass them by. It does not matter that those cutting in line -- whether undocumented Mexicans or BMW-driving businessmen -- may think they are “bending” our laws to meet family obligations. These are our laws. We chose them democratically. They exist to protect us and our freedoms, and nobody is above them. Nobody can choose which laws he wants to follow and which he does not.

Some argue that it is our laws that should change, that if the laws were different then people would obey them. We can debate changes democratically. Perhaps We the People will decide to raise the limits on speed and immigration. But the American people will not support any such changes to the law as long as they believe violations of the law will continue to be ignored. Americans have seen that words are cheap; it is easy for the government to relax limits and promise future enforcement. Americans want to see enforcement first.

We hear you.

Starting immediately and using the data gathered by SAFENet over the past 12 months, local and state police and the FBI will be enforcing the existing penalties on the books for all detected violations of the law. These will mainly fall into two categories. Anyone seen entering or remaining in the country illegally will be deported to their country of entry or origin. Anyone seen repeatedly violating speed limits or other traffic safety laws will have their driver’s license revoked. These folks can apply again for a visa or license after paying all fines and observing waiting periods of 1-3 years, consistent with existing state and federal laws. These folks will then start at the back of the line.

To those who will be contacted by the police: we recognize that this enforcement action will bring hardship to many families. We remind everyone that the government is merely punishing violations of existing law, under current statutes of limitation. The government does not force anyone to break the law. The fact that everyone else does it, or you think you can get away with it, is not an excuse. All who would seek to live and travel in America have a responsibility to do so lawfully. The only way to make our roads and our country safe is to ensure that there is no room for those who have repeatedly demonstrated their disrespect for the law.

We do not seek to demonize or discriminate against anyone. The economy of America depends on cars, trucks and immigration. The vast majority of immigrants and drivers are good people. But just because you are a good driver or worker, this does not entitle you to ignore the rules. It’s not personal, we’re not saying we don’t like you. But it’s time for you to go home and stay there.

And now I'll take any questions.”