Federal policy on deportation roils Georgians - 'Lack of seriousness about illegal immigration is why we have to take measures on the state level.'

From the AJC:

The Obama administration’s announcement this week that it will generally steer away from deporting certain groups of illegal immigrants is highlighting a disconnect between the federal government's goals and those of Georgia leaders who are pushing for a tough crackdown here.

Complaining that the federal government has fallen down on the job of enforcing the nation’s immigration laws, lawmakers in Georgia and several other states have adopted sweeping measures to curb illegal immigration. They say illegal immigrants are taking jobs away from U.S. citizens amid high unemployment and burdening public schools, jails and hospitals.

The new federal guidelines drew a strong reaction from Gov. Nathan Deal’s office Friday.

“It is unfortunate that the president is picking and choosing the ways in which he will enforce the law,” said Jen Talaber, a spokeswoman for Deal. “The lack of seriousness about illegal immigration is exactly why we have to take measures on the state level to protect Georgia's taxpaying citizens.”