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St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Board Opposes Proposition 200
The diocesan board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, based on the recommendation of the Voice of the Poor Committee, voted to oppose Proposition 200, ’ÄúProtect Arizona Now,’Äù at its September 15 meeting. On the same day, the bishops of Phoenix, Tucson and Gallup issued a statement in opposition to Proposition 200. Also opposed to the proposition are the leadership of both the Republican and Democratic parties in Arizona, all eight members of the Arizona congressional delegation, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Governor Janet Napolitano among others.
From a news release by the Arizona Catholic Conference, September 15, 2004:
Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix, Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson, and Bishop Donald Pelotte of the Diocese of Gallup believe that Proposition 200 is bad public policy and are against this legislation.
The three bishops who represent the Arizona Catholic Conference state that Proposition 200 does nothing to control our borders or solve the complex immigration problems in our state. They feel it will potentially make criminals out of well-meaning government workers and deny basic rights to undocumented workers.
The supporters of Proposition 200 claim that this measure is needed to prevent undocumented immigrants from voting or receiving welfare benefits. There is, however, no documentation of widespread problems in these areas, largely because current law already prohibits undocumented immigrants from voting or receiving welfare benefits
The initiative proposes fines and jail time for state and local officials who suspect fraud but do not report it when a person applies for public benefits. Ordinary citizens may turn in officials they suspect are overlooking fraud. However, state law already requires a written report of suspected fraud by employees who are subject to immediate dismissal and charged with a misdemeanor if they do not comply.
Federal law mandates certain services for undocumented persons including emergency health care and the right to attend public schools. Proposition 200 as a state initiative will not change these federal mandates. Undocumented immigrants are NOT eligible for welfare benefits (cash assistance, food stamps, healthcare). These programs include significant federal funding and require proof of citizenship.
"Public benefits" are not defined in the initiative. This could lead to additional bureaucracy and associated costs for state and local government in order to check valid identification for such services as police, fire, sanitation and even library cards.
Why should Vincentians oppose Proposition 200?
Simple justice and common sense calls us to join our bishops and oppose this initiative as unnecessary, costly and ineffective in addressing meaningful immigration reform.
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