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Fulfilling Campaign Promise, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee Repeals Executive Order on E-Verify, Pledges More Tolerant, Welcoming Rhode Island

Providence, R.I. – Less than 24 hours after his swearing-in as Rhode Island’s 58th Governor, Lincoln D. Chafee today fulfilled a fundamental promise of his campaign in signing a repeal of the so-called Executive Order on E-Verify, which former Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed into law in March 2008. Governor Chafee also directed the Rhode Island State Police (RISP) to withdraw from its memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal immigration enforcement body. RISP Superintendent Col. Brendan P. Doherty has agreed to support and uphold the Governor’s directive.

“This repeal of all parts of the Executive Order on E-Verify will effectively turn the clock back to March 26, 2007, the day before then-Governor Carcieri signed it into law,” Chafee said. “This re-set will allow us to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with our immigrant communities, law enforcement agencies, and all interested parties. This is an opportunity to reach a consensus on how best to enforce the law.”

Governor Chafee signed the Executive Order before an audience of more than 150 at Providence’s International Institute, a non-profit institution that provides educational, legal, and social services to immigrants and refugees throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England. Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts and Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis were among the observers.

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