Commissioner Haas Discusses Immigration Reform Policies at the White House

Cambridge Police Department Commissioner Robert C. Haas will join senior law enforcement officials from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and former New York, Los Angeles, and Boston Police Chief Bill Bratton today at the White House, where they will discuss strides made in securing US borders, immigration issues affecting local police forces, and the resultant need for comprehensive reform.

Commissioner Haas and other front line law enforcement officials will talk about the roles, responsibilities, concerns and impact of local police forces serving communities with immigrant populations.

“It’s important for the public to trust the officers in their community and be able to call on them when they need help,” Haas said.  “This relationship is compromised when otherwise law-abiding people are afraid to call police or share information about a crime out of fear of deportation.”

The sheriffs and chiefs will have the opportunity to inform officials like Chief Bratton, IACP President Craig T. Steckler, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, DHS Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin, Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West, and Director of White House Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz about the successes and challenges in their local jurisdictions and will be briefed on current policy and programs.

Last Monday, a bipartisan group of senators released a framework for broad immigration reform including a conditional path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, reforms to the legal immigration system based upon the needs of the economy, creation of an employment verification system, and an improved process for admitting future workers.

“We’re looking to Washington for help,” Haas said.  “Immigration reform will strengthen trust in communities across the country, leading to greater security for all.”