IMMIGRATION
ST. MAARTEN HAS TO MITIGATE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Illegal immigration contributes to numerous social issues in the area of social welfare, health care, public housing, education, labor, legal protection and human rights.
Illegal immigration causes substantial damage to our island. St. Maarten should not be burdened with these additional challenges on its way to country status.
During 2008, my cabinet was strengthened by two additional members, specifically to assist with the support of tasks related to immigration. An immigration work group has been established. And a great deal of attention and effort has been dedicated to the handling of appeals and backlogs for residence permits.
IN 2009 WE WILL BE DELVING INTO MATTER SUCH AS:
1. Effective immigration control and supervision with as main objectives; prevention, arrest and removal of undocumented persons.
2. Enforce of penalties for employers for breaking the law
3. Adequate housing and additional personnel for the Bureau of the Local Chief of Police.
4. Funding for the construction of more humane holding cells for persons awaiting deportation.
5. Recruitment of skilled qualified immigration personnel
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
