Napolitano defends immigration enforcement policy

But Roy Beck, executive director of NumbersUSA, which wants to reduce immigration to the U.S., said the policy encourages people to overstay their visas and remain in this country illegally.

“Yes, if you ask the American people whether the government should go after the worst of the worst or the people helping in the PTA, they’ll say go after the worst of the worst,” Beck said. “The problem is that the administration is basically telling people that if you come here and overstay your visa and have never been convicted of a violent crime, we will never deport you. It’s presence amnesty.”

Beck said he sees a mixed message from Napolitano and the administration.

“On one hand, they’re trying to convince the nation as a whole that they’re tougher than (former President) George W. Bush because they’re deporting more people,” he said. “On the other hand, they’re trying to convince Hispanic voters that they’re not really all that tough. It’s an interesting high-wire act.”

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/10/05/20111005napolitano-defends-immigration-enforcement.htmlBy Erin Kelly — Arizona Republic