Emerson calls for roundup of illegal immigrants

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson called Wednesday for a roundup of all illegal immigrants so they can be returned to their home countries.

In a telephone conference call with reporters from the 8th Congressional District, the Cape Girardeau Republican denounced the immigration overhaul measure pending before the U.S. Senate. Instead of changing the immigration rules, Emerson said the nation should turn to a strong effort to enforce current laws.

A part of that effort, she said, would be an attempt to find and send home illegal immigrants. "We have a manageable number we could round up in our district," she said. "They are in fact taking jobs that folks in our district could take. We are trying to stop illegal immigration."

Another step to better enforce current laws would be to take restraints off local law enforcement officers. That would allow local police and sheriffs to investigate whether individuals in their community are in the United States legally.

"Only when the alleged illegal has violated the law are they allowed to ask those questions," Emerson said. "That is kind of crazy."

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