Seals says immigration issues require mix of solutions

There's nothing wrong with federal authorities training local police to begin deportation proceedings against illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, congressional candidate Dan Seals said in a radio interview Friday.

But that step alone, controversial when introduced in Waukegan last summer, does not begin to address the wide range of issues related to illegal immigration in the 10th Congressional District, said Seals, a Democrat running against incumbent Mark Kirk.

Tightening border security, working with Mexico's government and enforcing laws against U.S. employers hiring illegal immigrants also are vital, Seals said.

And no wall alone will stop illegal immigration, Seals said.

"You put up a 20-foot wall, and there will be a run on 21-foot ladders," said Seals, a former marketing director and teacher making his second run in two years against Kirk, a Republican.

Seals said the U.S. administration must more fully engage Mexico's leaders and urge them to accept responsibility for controlling the flow of people out of their country.

He also said failure to crack down on workers who hire undocumented immigrants sends a mixed message to those from Mexico drawn north for job opportunities.

Seals has said he favors establishing work visas for illegal immigrants who have been in the United States for a long period of time and who meet certain requirements and pay fees and penalties.

Calls to deport the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in this country are unrealistic, he said.

"It's not practical," Seals said, "You can't do it."

Contacted Friday afternoon, Eric Elk, spokesman for Kirk, said the incumbent believes the federal government needs to control borders by finishing a security barrier. He, like Seals, also voiced support of the program in which federal authorities train local police to begin deportation action against illegal immigrants who commit felonies.

Elk added, "When Gov. Blagojevich said he would bar Illinois employers from using the federal government's new E-verify system to check legal status, Congressman Kirk filed a resolution and called on the governor to reverse his decision. He did."

In the radio interview, Seals also reiterated his call to set up a timetable for removing U.S. troops from Iraq and to begin removing those troops in what he called a responsible fashion. Only then, he said, will the Iraqi government be sufficiently motivated to put its house in order.

The 10th District, which Kirk has served since 2001, covers much of eastern Lake County and portions of northwest Cook County.

WBBM News Radio 780 will feature the 30-minute interview with Seals in its weekly "At Issue" program, scheduled to air at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday.