Chairman Bulova says Fairfax NOT a Sanctuary County
From: chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 10:56 AM
To: Charles R. McAndrew
Subject: RE: Sanctuary County?
Dear Mr. McAndrew,
Thank you for emailing me about Fairfax’s sanctuary county status. Immigration policy is a big issue right now, and I appreciate hearing from you.
In Fairfax County, we value diversity, respect, safety, and acceptance. We will always do our best to make sure that members of our community, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or religious backgrounds, feel accepted and safe.
Immigration remains a federal matter. Fairfax County complies with federal immigration law, and our county government agencies work as partners with federal immigration authorities. One example of this partnership is the Priority Enforcement Program where individuals who commit serious crimes and are in this country illegally are turned over to the Department of Homeland Security for deportation. That being said, just being here without documentation has not been considered a serious crime by DHS. More information regarding this program can be found on ICE's website at https://www.ice.gov/pep.
Fairfax County complies with both federal and state laws which require the County to make sure that those persons who benefit from many of our programs and services are legally present in the United States. More specifically, federal and state laws provide that certain federal and state benefits can only be provided to persons with a legal presence in the United States. Such benefits include voting in elections, welfare, foods stamps, and public or assisted housing. Federal and state laws also require the County to hire only persons who are legally present in the United States and to procure goods and services from providers who do not knowingly employ an unauthorized alien. The County follows those laws, and we verify legal presence in the United States in all those situations.
Thank you again for asking for clarification. All of us are in the process of learning what direction our country will go under the new administration. Knowing that you are concerned helps me to better understand the expectations of the county at large.
Sincerely,
Sharon Bulova
------------------- Original Message -------------------
From: Charles R. McAndrew
Received: 2/7/2017 10:30 AM
To: chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov
Subject: Sanctuary County?
Mrs. Sharon Bulova
Chairman, Fairfax County
Board of Supervisors
12000 Gov. Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA. 22035
Dear Mrs. Bulova:
I recall many months ago discussing with you as to whether or not Fairfax County is a sanctuary county. I remember that you told me that it is NOT a sanctuary county. Is this true?
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Charles McAndrew
12808 Willow Glen Ct
Oak Hill, VA. 20171