For those who think I ask boring questions, here's a REALLY boring one ... mind you, it interests me ... :)
Thomas Jefferson forcibly tells us what the States retained under the US Constitution in regards to immigration:
Resolved, That alien friends are under the jurisdiction and protection of the laws of the state wherein they are; that no power over them has been delegated to the United States, nor prohibited to the individual states, distinct from their power over citizens; and it being true, as a general principle, and one of the amendments to the Constitution having also declared, that "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved, to the states, respectively, or to the people," the act of the Congress of the United States, passed the 22d day of June, 1798, entitled "An Act concerning Aliens"
Anyone care to read and interpret for themselves? :)
2006-08-12 17:11:48 · 17 answers · asked by Sashie 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Sure there's a question ... question is, for those who claim they are interested in immigration matters, would they like to have a stab at interpreting the above? Very simple really .... :)
2006-08-12 17:21:10 · update #1
What I get from this is that each state has the right to decide if they would like to have illegal immigrants or not. So it is up to the states to close their borders and get the illegal immigrants out.
I think that is what they are trying to do. The states just asked for help from the federal government due to the cost of the thing.
P.S. - if they find your question boring, they can move on. I happen to think that it was an interesting thing to point out. It was very new to me. Thank you for bringing it to the table.
2006-08-12 17:23:43 · answer #1 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, aliens are legally bound by our laws as any citizen is. Now, it says 'alien friends' so of course many will argue that illegals are not friends (Jefferson was careful about words). It looks like the States can rule on immigration individually (but this is an old act and may be superceded by newer immigration laws, so it would go to the courts as to how to rule)......... of course, it's 11.30 and I've been working all day, so I'm not wrapping my mind all that well around this.
2006-08-13 00:22:36 · answer #2 · answered by Ananke402 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd say that the US controls the borders but the states can pass whatever laws regarding aliens within their borders as fits their individual state Constitutions. I also think that "distinct from their power over citizens" clause is enlightening.
I'm going to bookmark this one and read it again later.
2006-08-13 02:04:32 · answer #3 · answered by DAR 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not very good at interpreting legal stuff, but to me this says that the individual States can make their own laws regarding "aliens," (illegal immigrants).
2006-08-13 00:18:40 · answer #4 · answered by Daisy 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It is entirely up to the state to decide and the federal government act as a governing body.If federal law is impose on the state then .......
2006-08-13 00:20:46 · answer #5 · answered by Joe P 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The US as a country doesn't have power over "alien friends".But the states do.
2006-08-13 11:22:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I see the questions marks.
States have their own power to make laws and alien visitors are under their laws if in those states.
2006-08-13 00:51:00 · answer #7 · answered by *** The Earth has Hadenough*** 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It says that the same laws apply to citizens and non-Citizens.
This holds true today. This does not make them being here legal though.
2006-08-13 00:26:03 · answer #8 · answered by billyandgaby 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Maybe worked in 1798?? Been just a few years since, and I guess I was in the bathroom when that was presented?
2006-08-13 00:22:01 · answer #9 · answered by TJG 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
States are starting to make their own laws, to keep illegals out ... the federal goverment can't stop them.
2006-08-13 00:28:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋