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Menino Withdraws Support For Controversial Immigration Program

After initially defending it, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is now threatening to withdraw Boston from a controversial federal immigration plan.

Menino says he will opt out of the Secure Communities program unless federal officials focus only on immigrants who have committed serious crimes.

"Deporting people for minor crimes is not the way the executive order's written. It's for the major crimes, and some people in the federal government are taking this on as a crusade," Menino said.

A federal official says the program will be implemented nationwide by 2013, regardless of whether state or local leaders approve.

Earlier Coverage:

This program aired on July 11, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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