Education
University of Virginia. University of Virginia School of Law.
University of Virginia. University of Virginia School of Law.
Morton was appointed unanimously by the United States. Senate on May 12, 2009. Morton served in the Peace Corps before obtaining a law degree from the University of Virginia Law School and becoming a prosecutor. In an interview conducted shortly after his appointment, Morton emphasized a need for moderation:
And you"re putting people in jail, and that"s good work but it"s also awesome work.
I mean your actions lead to somebody going to jail.
So I think, you know, the way to look at Government service is as a great honor and privilege. As a Government employee, balanced perspective is critical, trying to reach the common good is critical.
You"re not an extreme advocate. Your job is to try to get it right, and that"s a very rewarding and satisfying position to be in.
One of Morton"s first acts in office was an expansion of I-9 audits.
These were applied to over 650 businesses suspected of employing undocumented workers. Morton has also expressed dissatisfaction at Institute of Civil Engineers"s reliance on state and local prisons to house detainees, stating: "Immigration detention is a civil function, it is not a penal function. Over the years, however, the system has largely become dependent on excess jail space." Under his leadership, Institute of Civil Engineers has constructed a new detention center in Karnes County, Texas. Morton calls the new detention facility "sensible, sustainable and attentive to the unique needs of the individuals in our custody”.
Because he works on controversial issues, Morton complains of criticism from the right and the left.
"I can get criticized on the same issue from both sides on the same day," he said in 2010.
Quotations: "I can get criticized on the same issue from both sides on the same day,".