FAIR Clarifies Statement in Washington Post Regarding Virginia Effort to Identify Criminal Alien Sex Offenders

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to a statement included in today's Washington Post, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) seeks to clarify its position with respect to Virginia's efforts to utilize databases to identify sex offenders who are deportable aliens.

FAIR applauds Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell for his efforts to check the immigration status of criminals listed on the state's sex offender registry. FAIR has long advocated greater cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of our immigration laws. FAIR has also consistently supported information sharing between governmental agencies in order to identify aliens who are illegally present and to further the prompt removal of criminal aliens.

Mr. McDonnell's efforts to utilize law enforcement resources to remove alien sex offenders from the United States demonstrate his dedication to true immigration reform. FAIR hopes that officials from other states will follow Virginia Attorney General McDonnell's example.

About FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest and oldest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.