The March 2, 2011 memorandum makes no significant changes in policy from a similar memorandum issued in June 2010. The memorandum priorities alien enforcement as follows:
- Aliens who pose a danger to national security or a risk to public safety
- Recent illegal entrants
- Aliens who are fugitives or otherwise obstruct immigration controls
Similar memorandum have been looked to by immigration advocates as grounds to argue for use of prosecutorial direction, especially in the prosecution of juvenile aliens and aliens potentially eligible for the DREAM Act. However, such policy guidance has made little effect on the enforcement efforts of local ICE offices. Related Links Civil Immigration Enforcement Priorities Memorandum, Civil Immigration Enforcement Priorities for the Apprehension, Detention, and Removal of Aliens, Morton, Director, ICE (Mar. 2, 2011) (PDF)
