This tragedy could have been prevented

An illegal alien, hired to be a foster parent by the State of Oregon in 2007, shook his two year old foster daughter so violently he caused irreversible brain damage.  The settlement the state will pay for that horrible abuse will be $3.85 million dollars.

His wife lied on their application about either of them having a very questionable record.

The man was sent to prison in 2009, were he died from an allergic reaction of a preventative medication for TB.  He apparently had repeatedly asked for help and was ignored which resulted in his death. The settlement for his death while in prison, is $2.1 million dollars.

So, a young life altered forever and the death of an illegal alien child abuser results in nearly SIX million dollars paid out in settlements from the state.

If E-Verify had been used at the time, this could likely have been prevented.  A 2010 department policy addresses that issue: It bars applicants who are illegal immigrants from becoming foster parents.  ( The questions is:  HOW?)  An exception can be made for illegal immigrants who are taking in a relative's child.

The 2012 Oregon Legislature would not even schedule a hearing for a bill that would require all state agencies to use E-Verify.  A tragic event could have been stopped and young girl could have had a happy life if they had taken this one simple, FREE, step.  

What a tragedy.  Those in the Oregon Legislature responsible for killing the many E-Verify bills offered up each session, should be held accountable.

Read the full article at: http://www.oregonlive.com/gresham/index.ssf/2012/05/state_makes_record_375_million.html