A legal immigrant's take on immigration

I've followed the immigration debate with great interest for the same reasons it interests everyone else. But also because my family immigrated and settled in Arizona, the epicenter of the debate. Moreover, I'm a devout Latter-day Saint and am intrigued with the way the issue seems to divide perfectly good members of the Church.

I don't necessarily have solutions, just observations and personal insight.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700105912/A-legal-immigrants-take-on-immigration.html

Immigration bills pile up, focus on birthright citizenship

The state-led battle against illegal immigration continues to gain momentum, with more than 600 bills filed in January.
In all of 2010, state legislators filed 1,400 immigration-related bills and resolutions, according to a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures

. Just under 350 were enacted — a record that states seem on course to break

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700105830/Immigration-bills-pile-up-focus-on-birthright-citizenship.html

Possible change to birthright citizenship debated

SALT LAKE CITY — Days after a resolution was introduced to the U.S. Senate that would deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants, the University of Utah Law school hosted a debate to explore whether the 14th Amendment should be changed.

Both Peter Schuck, a law professor at Yale University, and Margaret Stock, an Alaskan attorney and adjunct professor at the University Alaska Anchorage, said immigration reform is needed, but Stock argued strongly against changes to the 14th Amendment.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705365590/Possible-change-to-birthright-citizenship-debated.html

McEntee: Utah’s Office of Ethnic Affairs is an avenue to inclusion

Confusion and tension filled the legislative committee room Monday as lawmakers restored funding to some programs that just last week seemed to be taking hefty budget cuts.

But the state Office of Ethnic Affairs wasn’t on the restoration list — yet.

That left OEA supporters wondering if it can even survive.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51162255-76/oea-mcentee-ethnic-office.html.csp 

Ethnic Affairs Office supporters seek a reprieve

The Office of Ethnic Affairs acts as a bridge between government and those who don’t feel they have a voice, and eliminating it through budget cuts would be devastating, according to a crowd of about 70 people who met Monday night to strategize ways to save it.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51163216-76/affairs-budget-ethnic-gamonal.html.csp 

Utah's Latino leaders keep tabs on immigration proposals

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's Latino leaders held the first of many meetings Saturday to inform the community about the progress of immigration proposals on Capitol Hill.

Community leader Tony Yapias says the meeting was to let the community know if the bills will affect them in a negative way. If they do, Yapias says, they won't pass without a fight.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700105431/Utahs-Latino-leaders-keep-tabs-on-immigration-proposals.html

Utah's Latino leaders keep tabs on immigration proposals

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah's Latino leaders held the first of many meetings Saturday to inform the community about the progress of immigration proposals on Capitol Hill.

Community leader Tony Yapias says the meeting was to let the community know if the bills will impact them in a negative way. If they do -- Yapias says they won't pass without a fight.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14189622

Utah Ethnic affairs office may be eliminated

A legislative panel voted Friday to wipe out Utah’s Office of Ethnic Affairs, as well as to cut funding for cancer research, stop printing tax booklets and eliminate the state’s property-rights ombudsman.

The vote came as the Business, Economic Development and Labor Appropriations subcommittee made preliminary recommendations to shave $16 million from programs, part of an effort by the Legislature to cut more than a half-billion dollars from the state’s budget.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51145225-76/affairs-cut-ethnic-funding.html.csp 

Paul Mero, Closing remarks on the "RULE OF LAW" debate on Immigration

AMIGOS: I attended the immigration debate last week, Paul Mero gave an excellent closing remarks on the Rule of Law. As we know, SOME LDS members use the "Rule of Law" to justity their anti-immigrant position. Mr. Mero clearly explains what it means. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO WATCH THE VIDEO. Thank you!

Sandstrom bill runs into some turbulence

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom said he has about 18 lawmakers lined up to co-sponsor his enforcement-only immigration bill and former House Speaker David Clark, R-Santa Clara, urged the Republican Caucus on Thursday to allow it to go to the floor for a full debate.

“I haven’t seen many legislators up here take as much time, effort and occasionally — abuse — on a singular issue as Representative Sandstrom,” Clark said. “He’s earned that particular right.”

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51140419-76/already-bill-enforcement-fiscal.html.csp 

House GOP wants vote on Ariz.-style immigration bill

SALT LAKE CITY – House Republicans pushed their leaders Thursday to ensure a controversial immigration enforcement bill will come to a vote rather than be lumped into omnibus legislation.
The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, later told the Deseret News he is already looking at coming up with a separate immigration bill that would make it easier for foreign workers to get agricultural visas.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705365313/House-GOP-wants-vote-on-Ariz-style-immigration-bill.html

Bill targets Utah employers hiring illegally

Rep. Chris Herrod on Wednesday revealed the first Republican-sponsored bill in the Utah Legislature designed to penalize businesses for hiring workers who are in the country illegally while also trying to require more employers in Utah to participate in the federal E-Verify program.

 http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51131083-76/bill-business-employees-employer.html.csp 

UTAH: Legislative schedule for Thursday, January 26, 2011

Here is the complete Agenda at the Caitol today.  Legislative committees for Thursday, January 27, 2011

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51112881-76/appropriations-atc-budget-building.html.csp

Legislative schedule for Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Utah: Legislative Committees for Wednesday, Jan. 26

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51112881-76/appropriations-atc-budget-building.html.csp

(Utahn) Mexican native wants stricter immigration laws

OREM — It's not hard to tell Arturo Morales-LLan is proud to be an American: the evidence is plastered all over the walls of his Orem home. In a over-sized portrait hanging above the stairs, his four children, dressed in red, white and blue, stand in front of an American flag. His shelves are full of books about the Constitution. His desk is cluttered with Americana paraphernalia.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700104151/Mexican-native-wants-stricter-immigration-laws.html

States passed record number of immigration laws in 2010

Frustrated with the federal government's failure to enact immigration reform, states in 2010 passed a record number of immigration-related bills.
Arizona stole the national spotlight with the controversial SB1070, which made it a state crime to be in the country illegally, but, according to a recent report by the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures, immigration was on the agenda for every state that met in regular session in 2010.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700104079/States-passed-record-number-of-immigration-laws-in-2010.html

Utah religious leaders ask lawmakers to push for immigration reform

SALT LAKE CITY — Local religious leaders on Monday called for Utah lawmakers to put pressure on the federal government to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
"We believe that we need to bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and provide them with an earned pathway to permanent residency, to protect family unity, and ensure the just and equitable treatment of all people," said Rev. Steven A. Klemz of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, who organized the news conference at the Capitol.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705365024/Utah-religious-leaders-asking-lawmakers-to-push-for-federal-immigration-reform.html

Religious leaders ask lawmakers to push for federal immigration reform

SALT LAKE CITY — Local religious leaders on Monday called for Utah lawmakers to put pressure on the federal government to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

"We believe that we need to bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and provide them with an earned pathway to permanent residency, to protect family unity, and ensure the just and equitable treatment of all people," said Rev. Steven A. Klemz of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, who organized the news conference at the Capitol.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=833&sid=14123271

Capitol rally against immigration bills

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Monday was the start of the legislative session and already crowds protested potential legislation. United for Social Justice sponsored a rally to send a message to the Republican-led legislature to not let Utah become Arizona.

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/Capitol-rally-against-immigration-bills/d4_v2-5rnkuKfiH8jQkLww.cspx

Utah: Budget, Immigration On Legislative Agenda

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - When the Utah Legislature begins its 2011 general session Monday, legislators will aim to fix what some see as a broken immigration system and to cut an already tight budget.
During their 45-day session, they also may decide whether to loosen the state's permissive gun laws, protect gays and lesbians from discrimination and challenge federal authority over land use.

http://connect2utah.com/news-story?nxd_id=127726

Tribune poll asks: Are politicians listening?

A more conservative Utah Legislature than has been seen in years gathers Monday, looking to crack down on illegal immigration, shake up public education, thumb its nose at the federal government and end racial preferences.

But a new poll by The Salt Lake Tribune shows that public opinion is divided and in some cases opposed to some of the initiatives that will top the Legislature’s 2011 agenda.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51101446-90/poll-state-support-utah.html.csp 

The man behind Utah’s most hailed, hated bill

Stephen Sandstrom banks his twin-engine plane through the mountains and emerges above Spanish Fork — his eyes alternately scanning the instrument panel and the horizon beyond, where gray sky dissolves into an iced-over Utah Lake.

The plane flattens out at about 8,000 feet above rows of homes. It’s quiet, except for the low hum of propellers chopping through the cold air.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51072945-76/sandstrom-bill-utah-orem.html.csp

Immigration debate draws cheers, jeers from Lehi crowd

LEHI -- Some of the most ardent and articulate voices on the issue of illegal immigration in Utah and what to do about it sounded off Friday night in a lively debate, making plain that any solution to the problem will be hard fought.

Hosted by the Sutherland Institute, the event at Thanksgiving Point was intended as a prelude to Monday's start of the Utah legislative session, which is expected to be the stage for a variety of competing bills tackling the subject.
"Resolved: Utah Should Enforce Federal Immigration Laws," featured two teams of five panelists representing opposing positions.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14094485

Immigration reform debated

LEHI, UT (ABC 4 News) - With the Utah legislature set to convene next week, Friday evening at Thanksgiving Point the Sutherland Institute sponsored a debate on immigration legislation.

The central question of the debate: Should Utah follow Arizona’s lead and try to enforce federal immigration law.

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/Immigration-reform-debated/SQojwKCcF0Spgx1VYn0r-A.cspx

(Utah) Minutemen Cancel Rally Due To Threats

One protest scheduled for the start of the legislative session has been cancelled.  The Utah Minutemen called off their rally to support local immigration enforcement.  Some members received threatening phone calls this week, which is not out of the ordinary.  They also pointed to manifesto advocating violence circulating on Facebook.

http://connect2utah.com/news-story/?nxd_id=127606

Opposing groups debate Utah immigration before legislative session

LEHI, Utah —

Lawmakers debated Utah immigration bills as a practice run Friday night in an unusual setting and unusual format.

It took place in a barn at Thanksgiving Point. The debate, hosted by the conservative think tank, The Sutherland Institute, argued whether Utah should enforce federal immigration laws.

http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-immigration-barn-debate,0,1121398.story

Illegal immigration debate: hard workers or criminals?

LEHI -- If the immigration debate on Friday night was any indication, the legislative session is going to be loud, a little ugly and will not change anyone's mind.
Four legislators, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and a number of citizens weighed in on Rep. Stephen Sandstrom's enforcement-only bill and the role of the state in dealing with illegal immigrants during the debate sponsored by the Sutherland Institute at the Thanksgiving Point Barn in front of hundreds of area residents.

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_cef83a3e-9a3b-52a1-943d-fe352dc86fb1.html

Flurry of rallies, debates, ad campaigns usher in immigration debate

Things are heating up on the immigration front as rallies, debates and online videos are being launched to garner attention on the hot-button issue as the legislative session kicks off Monday and lawmakers consider a variety of immigration reform bills.

Hours before it hosts a debate with Rep. Stephen Sandstrom on his enforcement-only immigration bill, the Sutherland Institute launched a website this afternoon blasting his proposal for mirroring the law in Arizona.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51097938-76/bill-immigration-arizona-monday.html.csp

700 pack debate on immigration bill

Lehi • The final public debate before state lawmakers consider an enforcement-only immigration bill drew more than 700 people Friday night and featured a few outbursts, a mid-debate reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and emotional testimony from a victim of identity theft.

Not surprisingly, what it didn’t feature was a solution.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51100182-76/bill-immigration-sandstrom-debate.html.csp

Immigration debate draws cheers, jeers from crowd

LEHI — Some of the most ardent and articulate voices on the issue of illegal immigration in Utah and what to do about it sounded off Friday night in a lively debate, making plain that any solution to the problem will be hard fought.
Hosted by the Sutherland Institute, the event at Thanksgiving Point was intended as a prelude to Monday's start of the Utah legislative session, which is expected to be the stage for a variety of competing bills tackling the subject.
Immigration-debate-draws-cheers-jeers-from-crowd

Poll: Utah Compact divides Mormons

A new poll indicates that a little less than half of Mormons in the state agree with the Utah Compact, despite the church leaders support of the document that seeks to keep local police from enforcing federal immigration laws.

The Salt Lake Tribune poll, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, says 48 percent of LDS members support the Utah Compact, while 39 percent oppose it.

Those numbers virtually mirrored the statewide results, with 49 percent supporting it and 39 percent opposing it.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51090116-76/utah-compact-poll-support.html.csp

Utah immigration debate set ahead of Legislature

SALT LAKE CITY — The head of a conservative think tank and a GOP state lawmaker sponsoring an Arizona-style immigration bill are planning an immigration debate before the 2011 Utah Legislature begins.
Sutherland Institute President Paul Mero will serve today as captain of a team of public figures arguing that Utah shouldn't enforce federal immigration laws.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700102628/Utah-immigration-debate-set-ahead-of-Legislature.html

Ruben Navarrette: Rushing to judgment, again

Not long after the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords -- a tragedy that resulted in the killing of six people and the wounding of 14, including Giffords -- a Latina friend sent me an e-mail with an awful confession:
"Aren't you relieved," she asked, "that it was a white guy and not a Latino? Can you imagine how the (expletive) would have hit the fan if it had been a Latino? OMG."

http://www.indystar.com/article/20110118/OPINION12/101180312/Ruben-Navarrette-Rushing-judgment-again?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinion%7Cs

GOP Must Address Immigration Reform

As Congress continues to punt on the immigration issue, a group of prominent GOP leaders urged them to take up comprehensive immigration as a way to win votes in the nation’s burgeoning Hispanic electorate.
"(Hispanics) will be the swing voters as they are today in the swing states. If you want to elect a center-right president of the United States, it seems to me you should be concerned about places like New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Texas, places where but for the Hispanic vote, elections are won and lost," said former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who co-chaired the conference organized by the new Hispanic Leadership Network, the Associated Press reported Friday.

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/peter-roff/2011/01/18/gop-must-address-immigration-reform

New Mexico Gov.: No driver's licenses for foreigners

SANTA FE, N.M., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- New Mexican Gov. Susana Martinez says she wants the state Legislature to rescind a 2003 law that lets foreign nationals obtain driver's licenses.
One of Martinez' campaign pledges was to get rid of driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, but so far she hasn't found anyone to carry such a bill through the state Legislature, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.


Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/01/17/Gov-No-drivers-licenses-for-foreigners/UPI-93131295281073/#ixzz1BLCx2gDO

What do republicans Need to Do To Capture the Hispanic Vote?

Jeb to GOP: How to Appeal to Hispanics“Mr. [Jeb] Bush’s wife was born in Mexico, he is fluent in Spanish, and he lives in a heavily Hispanic state, so he has great interest in our hemisphere. He’s also had unusual success earning the political support of Spanish-speaking Americans, so I ask him what tips he has for his immigrant-challenged party.

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2011/01/17/what-do-republicans-need-to-do-to-capture-the-hispanic-vote/

Unfairly pinned with 'anchor baby' label, Olympic-gold winner sets sights on another medal - and citizenship for Mom

After he won his Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Summer Games, Henry Cejudo ran around the Beijing gymnasium floor, waving a U.S. flag, looking as if he were ready to fly, before falling to his knees and wrapping himself in it.

So, as the son of a Mexican mother and father who sneaked across the border illegally, he feels wounded by the most recent battleground in illegal immigration, the one that targets what proponents call "anchor babies," saying they are unworthy of citizenship at birth.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2011/01/16/20110116cejudo0116.html#ixzz1BEB3fZLT

 

Opinion: Navarrette: Rushing to judgment, again

SAN DIEGO -- Not long after the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords -- a tragedy that resulted in the killing of six people and the wounding of 13, including Giffords -- a Latina friend sent me an e-mail with an awful confession:

"Aren't you relieved," she asked, "that it was a white guy and not a Latino? Can you imagine how the (expletive) would have hit the fan if it had been a Latino? OMG."

http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_17100277?nclick_check=1

Jeb Bush: GOP 'incredibly stupid' to ignore Hispanics

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Republicans would be “incredibly stupid” to ignore the fastest-growing population of voters, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told a conference of Hispanic Republicans Friday, particularly if they hope to recapture the White House.
But missing from the opening speeches of the two-day gathering was any direct mention of immigration, the issue that has long stymied Republicans from making lasting gains with Hispanics.


Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/47622.html#ixzz1B30u5RLX

Jeb Bush: GOP needs to reach out to Latinos now

MIAMI -- Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told a Republican gathering Thursday evening that the time is now to connect better with Latino voters, not two months before the general election.

Bush is co-chairing a conference Friday of the new Hispanic Action Network, part of the GOP's latest efforts to forge ties with the growing number of Latino voters. The conference will focus on trade, immigration, media outreach and education.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/13/AR2011011302004.html

Hispanic Republicans look to raise profile on immigration

SALT LAKE CITY — The first-of-its-kind Utah Compact is getting some company, a push-back to get-tough solutions.
That collaborative approach on immigration is spawning similar efforts in other states. A relatively new group of Hispanic Republicans called Somos Republicans is spearheading alternative legislation in states debating get-tough Arizona-style immigration bills.
"'Somos' means 'we,'" said Antonella Packard, the group's northwest director, who is based in Utah. "Well you know, we are Republicans." 
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705364411/Hispanic-Republicans-look-to-raise-profile-on-immigration.html

State sensitive to ‘perception of advocacy’ involving Latino Day

State officials reiterated their position Thursday that there would be no financial help to put on a Latino Day event planned at the Capitol but again suggested the heat from a debate on immigration reform drove that decision.

Mike Hansen, acting executive director of the Utah Department of Community and Culture, issued a statement to the Hispanic Legislative Task Force that said it was trying to avoid an advocacy role.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51045952-76/latino-event-immigration-office.html.csp

Jeb Bush warns Republicans not to take Latinos for granted, helps launch new outreach effort

MIAMI — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told a Republican gathering Thursday evening that the time is now to connect better with Latino voters, not two months before the general election.
Bush is co-chairing a conference Friday of the new Hispanic Action Network, part of the Republican Party's latest efforts to forge ties with the growing number of Latino voters. The conference will focus on trade, immigration, media outreach and education.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gFlLc2cgxvPTymjBGm-EqFTG63DA?docId=5641386

Jeb Bush, Other Republicans Start Effort to Court Latino Voters' Support

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush has a new title: Republican ambassador to Latino voters.
Fluent in Spanish and married to a Mexican-born woman, Bush has spent much of his career wooing and winning Latino support for the Republican Party -- for his own two successful gubernatorial campaigns and twice for his older brother’s winning presidential bids.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-14/jeb-bush-other-republicans-start-effort-to-court-latino-voters.html