Scammers targeting Utah’s immigrants

Community and religious groups are reporting an increase in scams targeting undocumented immigrants in the wake of Utah’s immigration reforms.

Rose Maizner, director of development at the Enriching Utah Coalition, said her group has received so many calls from people saying they have been approached by unscrupulous vendors selling phony guest-worker permits that her nonprofit is using its crisis line.

Read More: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51518381-76/fake-fraud-guest-lake.html.csp 

Utah on immigration: We aren't Arizona

Less than a year ago, Utah business leaders worried that their state would follow in Arizona’s controversial footsteps by passing tough new laws to crack down on illegal immigration. Already, there were signs that a divisive debate — the kind that led to mass protests, boycotts and lawsuits in Phoenix — was shaping up in Utah, too.  

Read More: http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=561880

Sen. Mike Lee: Guest-worker law is ‘not going to happen’

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee said Tuesday there is no chance that a guest-worker program passed by the Utah Legislature will be allowed to take effect.

“It’s just not going to happen,” Lee said. “It would take a massive shift in federal law for that to even be considered, and there’s no appetite to transfer that authority over to the states.”

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, also denounced the law, calling it unconstitutional and saying he would have vetoed it if he were the governor.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51483424-76/address-federal-government-immigration.html.csp 

Utah: national leaders on immigration reform

It's always nice when someone else says something nice about Utah.

Under the headline, "Immigration reform, the 'Utah Way'", The Washington Post recently examined the immigration law passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gary Herbert. Its author pointed out the differences between Utah's law and Arizona's and attributed Utah's decision to avoid the Arizona approach to people he called "unimpeachable conservatives."

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700120154/Utah-national-leaders-on-immigration-reform.html

Kansas can follow some of Utah’s example in immigration issues

A little image repair is in order for Kansas.

Last week, the state took an unfair beating. National media hovered around the errant words of one Kansas state representative who suggested illegal immigrants might be shot like feral hogs. Enough’s been said on the violent verbiage. The off-the-cuff views of one politico do not define the state or its politics.

This week could make that distinction.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/03/20/2741133/kansas-can-follow-some-of-utahs.html#ixzz1HIaafc9B

 

Ruben Navarrette Jr.: It's time to talk some sense about immigration

SAN DIEGO -- When he changed parties a few months ago, Texas state Rep. Aaron Pena made waves. Now, as he tries to take a grown-up approach to the immigration issue, the Democrat-turned-Republican is making sense.
As when Pena told me, "Part of the reason I'm doing this is to get the public to stop talking out of both sides of their mouths. We're responsible because we offer (illegal immigrants) jobs."

READ MORE: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110321/OPINION16/110318006/Ruben-Navarrette-Jr-s-time-talk-some-sense-about-immigration?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinion%7Cs

The Latter Day Saints come marching in

Could America's 6 million-strong Church of the Latter Day Saints hold the key to solving the nation's immigration impasse?

It hardly seems likely given their eccentric history and controversial beliefs – including past support for polygamous marriage – that have placed them well outside the Christian mainstream. But last year, when Utah's Republican Governor Gary Herbert, anxious to find a middle ground in the state's bitter immigration debate, convened a semi-public forum of the state's business and community leaders, the situation was tailor-made for the Mormons – with their decidedly Republican membership, but relatively apolitical stances on national issues – to enter as a powerful intermediary.

READ MORE: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/mar/21/christianity-religion 

Does Utah have the right answer on immigration?

State lawmakers combine a guest worker program with an Arizona-like get-tough law. Is this an immigration compromise that the rest of the country could model?

READ MORE: http://theweek.com/article/index/213375/does-utah-have-the-right-answer-on-immigration

5 Things to Know About Utah's Immigration Model

News last week that the Arizona state senate had rejected five stringent anti-immigrant bills seemed to signal a turning point in the fear-the-immigrant narrative that has been spreading across the country from the SB1070 epicenter. It seemed as if anti-immigrant mongers  in all the other states in the union were fanning the flames started in Arizona. But an economic reality has doused the embers. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce issued a terse letter warning of the effects of a continued anti-immigrant rampage: Arizona is looking like a nativist, restrictive and intolerant place, and that’s bad for business.

READ MORE: http://www.texasobserver.org/our-reporting/item/17591-5-things-to-know-about-utahs-immigration-model 

Poll: Constitutional challenges aside, Utahns support Legislature's attention on immigration issues

SALT LAKE CITY — A majority of Utahns say they support the Utah Legislature's efforts to resolve immigration issues despite the likelihood that at least two recent bills may be deemed unconstitutional, according to a new Deseret News-KSL poll.

Dan Jones & Associates found that 65 percent of Utahns supported the state's involvement in the immigration debate, which is also a controversial federal issue. The poll, conducted March 15-17, of 432 residents statewide, has a 4.75 percent margin of error.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705369023/Poll-Constitutional-challenges-aside-Utahns-support-Legislatures-attention-on-immigration-issues.html?pg=2

Bishop Wester responds to signing of four Utah immigration bills

I appreciate the sincere efforts of Governor Gary Herbert and some Legislators to adopt humane solutions in the face of the federal government’s failure to act on immigration reform. Each Legislator’s desire to do what he or she felt was right under the circumstances was clear throughout the debate. I particularly respect Governor Herbert’s decision to sign several immigration bills in the face of extreme opposition.

RAD MORE: http://www.icatholic.org/article/bishop-wester-responds-to-signing-of-four-utah-immigration-245961

Utah a Washington: Es hora de buscar una solución migratoria integral

WASHINGTON, DC - El gobernador republicano de Utah, Gary Herbert, promulgó cuatro medidas migratorias, la mayoría centradas en aspectos policiales y una que crea un plan de trabajadores temporales que buscaría conceder visas de trabajo a los 110,000 indocumentados que viven en ese estado.

Queremos ser claros. El lenguaje específico de las leyes no debe servir de modelo para otros estados. Nos preocupa, por ejemplo, que las medidas de aplicación de leyes sean tan semejantes al modelo de Arizona, lo que, entre otras cosas, amenaza con minar la relación entre las autoridades y las comunidades inmigrantes dando pie al uso de perfiles raciales y dificultando el combate al crimen en esas mismas comunidades.

READ MORE: http://www.ahoranews.com/american_voice_det.php?avid=a30e6

Utah County GOP considers condemning guest worker bill

A group of Utah County Republicans would like the county party to pass a resolution condemning the passage of a bill that creates a guest worker program for illegal immigrants in Utah, among other things. The resolution was discussed at the party's executive committee meeting Thursday night, and if passed, would put the county party on the opposite side of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

READ MORE: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/legislature/article_112a0729-9e45-5f60-b526-0eb4be3dce16.html

La Opinión: Utah Immigration Laws Send Message of 'Courage'

LOS ANGELES -- This week, the governor of Utah, Republican Gary Herbert, signed into law four bills that attempted to find a solution to the presence of more than 100,000 undocumented immigrants in the state. In addition to approving a measure similar to the one in Arizona, Utah passed three other laws.

READ MORE: http://newamericamedia.org/2011/03/la-opinion-utah-immigration-laws-send-message-of-courage.php

Utah: Mixed reaction on new immigration laws

A mixed reaction is coming out in response to Gov. Gary Herbert's signing of four immigration bills on Tuesday.
"I think what Utah did is taking immigration into a new direction in passing HB 116," said Tony Yapias, Director of Projecto Latino.
Yapias was happy to see Utah support a guest worker program for the undocumented workers that reside in Utah (House Bill 116) but not as pleased with the governor signing House Bill 497, the Utah Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act. HB 497 will give law enforcement officials the ability to check the immigration status of individuals charged of a crime if they meet a certain criteria.

READ MORE: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_dd1654dd-b8e8-5f2a-8c47-2025beda4475.html

Utah: LDS Church takes public stance on immigration legislation

The LDS Church stepped from the sidelines on immigration reform and squarely onto the playing field Tuesday by sending Presiding Bishop H. David Burton to attend and speak at Gov. Gary Herbert’s signing ceremony for four bills passed by the Utah Legislature.

“Our presence here testifies to the fact that we are appreciative of what has happened in the Legislature this session,” Burton said at the signing, indicating it was no accident or private decision. “We feel the Legislature has done an incredible job on a very complex issue.”

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51439173-76/bills-burton-church-immigration.html.csp

Herbert signs ‘Utah Solution’ on immigration

Gov. Gary Herbert signed four immigration reform bills in a semiprivate ceremony at the Capitol on Tuesday — officially marking Utah’s attempt to pioneer a path on the hot-button issue by challenging federal sovereignty through the authorization of guest-worker permits.

If successful, state politicians believe the laws could lay a foundation for a national solution to the complicated issue. If they fail, Utah will likely become just another state embroiled in litigation over the federal government’s claim to sole responsibility in setting immigration policy.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51437254-76/bill-bills-federal-government.html.csp

Anti-illegal immigration group targets Hatch

Washington • An anti-illegal immigration group angered over Utah legislation to create a state-based guest-worker program is taking out its angst against someone who didn’t write it, vote on it and says he has no position on it: Sen. Orrin Hatch.

Raleigh, N.C.-based Americans for Legal Immigration political action committee urged Utahns to oust Hatch and Gov. Gary Herbert for supporting “amnesty for illegal aliens,” an allegation that didn’t sit well with Hatch.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51430949-76/alipac-amnesty-anti-group.html.csp 

Utah Immigration: The path forward

For those who have labored to produce a unique Utah solution to the challenges of illegal immigration, Tuesday's signing by Gov. Gary Herbert of this year's comprehensive immigration reform legislation must have felt like the end of a long road.

This year, Utah's lawmakers have managed to accomplish legislatively what has eluded Congress: increased enforcement that weeds out dangerous criminals while providing a guest worker program coupled with tough but common-sense safeguards.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700118841/The-path-forward.html

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signs immigration bills into law

"Utah is doing the right thing, is doing the hard thing. Doing nothing is not an option," Herbert said in a brief signing ceremony in the Capitol's Gold Room attended by business, legislative and religious leaders, including Presiding Bishop H. David Burton of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Asked by a reporter for the LDS Church's public position on the immigration bills, Bishop Burton said the church had endorsed the Utah Compact. "We feel that the Legislature has done an incredible job on a very complex issue," Burton said.
READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705368733/Utah-Gov-Gary-Herbert-signs-immigration-bills-into-law.html

Latino community divided over boycott

Some members of Utah's Latino community have decided to take action against a
perceived lack of respect from the state's citizens and lawmakers by organizing
a boycott, but others are questioning their methods.

They plan to begin a two-week boycott of Utah businesses is set to begin at
midnight Monday morning. An informational session was held Sunday afternoon to
educate Latinos about the benefits and consequences of the boycott.

READ MORE: http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-latino-boycott-latino-community-divided-over-boycott-20110313,0,3806402.story

Immigration reform, the ‘Utah Way’

Utah, where Republicans outnumber Democrats by better than threeto one in the state Legislature, has passed the nation's mostliberal and most reality-based policy on illegal immigration. Andthe Republican governor is expected to sign it.

The legislation includes both a watered-down enforcementprovision that police say won't make much difference and aguest-worker program that would make all the difference in theworld -- if it survives constitutional challenge -- by grantinglegal status to undocumented workers and allowing them to livenormal lives. In a nutshell, it's a one-state version of theoverarching immigration reform package that Congress has repeatedlytried, and failed, to enact.

Read More: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/opinion/article_569e9ae3-3023-520f-b146-250b45ae55f7.html

Utah's new immigration law will make things worse

(UNEDITED) Utah's Grand Old Party (the GOP) took one right out of President Obama's playbook this session when they passed a new Illegal Immigration bill, which I call Utah's Obama-gration law. Now from the beginning, let me set one thing straight. ObamaCare has some really good ideas in it, ideas that everyone would agree on. And the same goes for Utah's new Obama-gration law, HB116.

READ MORE: http://www.standard.net/topics/opinion/2011/03/11/utahs-new-immigration-law-will-make-things-worse

Illegal Immigration a Focus of Utah Legislature

Illegal immigration was a dominant category of the 2011 Utah Legislature, which ended midnight Thursday.

Hearings on immigration bills occurred early in the 45-day session, and passions ran high. Utah Highway Patrol troopers and legislative security stood guard and committee chairmen banned cheering and jeering.

A heated exchange took place between Republican Senator Curt Bramble and Republican Representative Chris Herrod in the hall outside the House chambers the night legislators debated illegal immigration.

"This is exactly what the public didn't want," an angry Herrod told Bramble. "I'm working the floor to try to kill it."

Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/news/illegal-immigration-focus-utah-legislature_3-12-2011#ixzz1GVSUwwYm 

Utah: A legislative session with two big triumphs

It would be hard to find a more incendiary political issue in recent years than immigration reform. While there appears to be near-universal agreement that the federal government ultimately is responsible for finding solutions, other states have sought to satisfy public anger through punitive laws. This year's Utah Legislature, however, pioneered new ground by addressing, in a comprehensive and effective way, the complex issues involved.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700117690/A-legislative-session-with-two-big-triumphs.html

Utah governor under spotlight over immigration laws

LOS ANGELES — Controversial plans to reform Utah's immigration laws have thrown the spotlight on the western US state's governor, whose signature is needed to bring the new rules into force.
Governor Gary Herbert is expected to ink the legislative bills passed by the Republican-controlled legislature last week after months of discussion and behind-the-scenes wrangling.
The new laws would notably create a state guest-worker program while giving police the ability to assist in immigration enforcement.

READ MORE:  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5is310fr-wy6Va7aJLt7NOKoCl6iw?docId=CNG.c24b36c3fa9ebaf6a82bf3e95df9eca3.171

UTAH: The Truth About HB 497 (Immigration Enforcement)

Today the national office of the ACLU, in cooperation with the ACLU of Utah, issued the first in-depth, preliminary legal analysis of what H.B. 497, "Utah Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act," really means for anyone living in or traveling through Utah. Utah lawmakers have represented to the public and the media that HB 497 is a "kindler, gentler" version of Arizona's SB 1070--which the ACLU, the Department of Justice, and others sought successfully to block in two separate federal lawsuits.

READ MORE: http://www.acluutah.org/HB497analysis.html 

Some Utah Latinos say boycott a bad idea

A proposed boycott by Latinos in Utah is running into some opposition within that community a day after it was announced in the Capitol over worries the approach was rushed and lacks focus.

The boycott is scheduled to begin Monday just after midnight, and its chief organizer, Jose “Pepe” Gutierrez, will have people distributing fliers Saturday to get the word out. He said the word is already out in the community. Gutierrez expects “many thousands” to participate in the two-week boycott.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51415162-76/according-bill-boycott-community.html.csp

Immigration: The Utah solution

As Utah's Legislature finishes its work today we acknowledge the thought, the effort, the resolve and the heart that went into passage of immigration reforms that thoughtfully step up enforcement, improve public safety and provide a pragmatic guest worker program that doesn't create a path to citizenship.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700116927/The-Utah-solution.html

Utah: Opponents question need, focus of planned boycott

A proposed boycott by Latinos in Utah is running into some opposition within that community a day after it was announced in the Capitol over worries the approach was rushed and lacks focus.

The boycott is scheduled to begin Monday just after midnight and its chief organizer, Jose “Pepe” Gutierrez, will have people distributing fliers Saturday to get the word out. He said the word is already out in the community and Gutierrez expects “many thousands” to participate in the two-week boycott.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51415162-76/according-bill-boycott-community.html.csp?page=2

Utah Lawmakers pass immigration reform

Other states are watching as lawmakers in Utah enter the national immigration debate by approving a guest worker program and Arizona-like enforcement measures for people who are living in the country illegally.
The legislation could require police officers and deputies check the immigration status of those stopped for serious crimes.
Rep. Joel Briscoe, a Democrat who represents a chunk of the Snyderville Basin, said he voted for the controversial guest worker program before voting against it.

READ MORE: http://www.parkrecord.com/ci_17594729

Utah becomes a pioneer on immigration

The Legislature passed three immigration reform bills Thursday that set Utah up to blaze a new — and controversial — path that diverges from Arizona’s approach on the volatile issue.

The journey, however, was something of a roller-coaster ride until the very end.

Late last Friday night, House members took turns wrestling with the step Utah was about to take: passing a bill that directly challenges the federal government’s sovereignty on immigration.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51406812-76/approach-arizona-bill-bramble.html.csp

'Utah Solution' to immigration to be put to the test

SALT LAKE CITY — Only time will tell if Utah has really found a solution to illegal immigration.
State lawmakers said from the outset of the 2011 legislative session that they wanted a "Utah solution," meaning they wanted to distance the state from the fallout in Arizona.
That much seems to be accomplished. So far pundits nationwide have viewed the series of bills passed in the Utah Legislature as a less punitive, more even-handed approach.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705368494/Utah-Solution-to-immigration-to-be-put-to-the-test.html

Latino organization praises Utah immigration measures

In an op-ed piece on Politico, Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles executive director Alfonso Aguilar heaps praise on the Utah legislature for its recent passage of immigration legislation "that mandates tougher illegal immigration enforcement and employee verification provisions (and), most important, (gives) undocumented immigrants a permit to work and live in the state without the fear of being detained and deported."

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700117451/Latino-organization-praises-Utah-immigration-measures.html

'We have to live in the shadows,' says family stuck in immigration dilemma

SALT LAKE CITY — It's a rare occasion when "Kate" feels comfortable enough to share her secret.
And even when she does, most don't believe her — at least not at first.
Kate is a U.S. citizen who's married to Luis, an undocumented immigrant. Together, the couple has four children between the ages of 7 and 13 — all of whom were born on U.S. soil.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705368486/We-have-to-live-in-the-shadows-says-family-stuck-in-immigration-dilemma.html

Utah: Great job on immigration

The Utah Legislature has accomplished something that has eluded Washington and state governments: It has moved a few steps forward toward a practical answer to the problem of illegal immigration.
Three bills just approved by lawmakers incorporate the best ideas lawmakers have produced over the past several years, while dropping or revamping dubious concepts.
What's more, the tone of the debate has become more moderate. In the real world, that's just as important as the letter of the law.

READ MORE: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/opinion/article_d752bac6-5c3e-5202-b3fa-d681ad3e39e8.html

Utah Legislature passes immigration reform package

(AP) SALT LAKE CITY - Utah lawmakers have approved an immigration package that includes an enforcement law reminiscent of Arizona’s but tempered with a guest worker program for illegal immigrants.

The immigration measures approved by both chambers Friday night would allow illegal immigrants to get a permit to work in Utah. But they also include a requirement that police check the immigrant status of anyone stopped for a felony or serious misdemeanor.

READ MORE: http://www.whec.com/news/stories/S2007901.shtml?cat=10065

Utah distances itself from anti-immigrant sentiment in U.S.

Washington –  The state of Utah, where approximately 110,000 undocumented immigrants live, is not a paradise but at least it wants to show the world that "it's not Arizona," approving measures that will benefit the foreigners illegally residing there.

Only the national government can ensure that federal immigration laws are upheld, but the U.S. Congress has shown itself to lack the appetite to address once and for all the problem of illegal immigration.

READ MORE: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2011/03/08/utah-distances-anti-immigrant-sentiment/ 

Immigrant sponsorship bill sails through Senate

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Senate quickly approved a bill on Tuesday that will allow Utahns to sponsor immigrants.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland, was passed in the Senate with less than five minutes of debate. Five Democrats and one Republican, Sen. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, voted against the bill. Sen. Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, said this is a first step in fixing the illegal immigration problems in the country.

Read More: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/immigration/article_b5faf563-0c00-57c8-80cb-5f710f75ef57.html

Immigration Bills Headed To The Governor

Immigration bills headed to governor
Posted:03/04/2011 10:13 PM


A deal between the House and Senate resolved itself dramatically late Friday night when both chambers passed immigration measures — an enforcement-only bill and a guest-worker bill — giving Gov. Gary Herbert a chance to sign a comprehensive series of proposals.

But the key player in the deal — Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem — was disgusted when it was all over and said the vote to pass a comprehensive guest-worker bill was “a tragedy.”

Read More: http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/db_22794/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=N3BBClBW&src=cat

Utah Legislature passes package of immigration bills

SALT LAKE CITY — State lawmakers pushed through a series of bills touted as a Utah solution to illegal immigration, though it nearly crumbled like a House of cards late Friday night.

The package includes provisions for enforcement, a guest worker program, a migrant worker partnership with Mexico and employee verification and employer sanctions.

Read More: http://www.deseretnews.com/mobile/article/705368042/Utah-Legislature-passes-package-of-immigration-bills.html

Utah Legislature passes package of immigration bills

Sandstrom's new illegal immigration enforcement bill looks much like the old one

SALT LAKE CITY — Meet the new bill. Same as the old bill.
Rep. Stephen Sandstrom's revised enforcement-only illegal immigration measure came out Thursday with only slight changes from the much-maligned HB70.
"There's very little difference," the Orem Republican said.
After meeting with the Utah Attorney General's Office, the Utah Department of Public Safety and Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Burbank, he said he made technical adjustments that would help police officers carry out the law.

Read More: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705367954/Sandstroms-new-illegal-immigration-enforcement-bill-looks-much-like-the-old-one.html

Best chance for immigration reform

Within the first few weeks of the 2011 legislative session, I asked Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, if he would provide some added legislative leadership on the volatile issue of undocumented immigrants living in Utah. He said he would, and he has — and I’m grateful for it.

We now have Senate Bill 288 in addition to SB60 and HB116 as comprehensive alternatives to Rep. Steve Sandstrom’s Arizona-style, “enforcement-only” HB 70, even though the current patchwork of SB288 includes HB70.

Read More: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/51339344-82/utah-senate-state-policy.html.csp

New Sandstrom immigration enforcement bill emerges

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom unveiled the new version of his enforcement-only immigration bill Thursday, believing he had made enough changes to appease Senate leaders and to ensure its passage out of that chamber.

He was wrong.

The Orem Republican had been told to remove “objectionable language” linked to the old bill, HB70, because of its roots in Arizona’s enforcement-only immigration law. That language included the words “reasonable suspicion” when directing a local law enforcement officer to determine the legal status of a person suspected of a crime.

Read More: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51360287-76/bill-changes-enforcement-immigration.html.csp

A.G., Sandstrom, Bramble unveil migrant worker bill

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah's Attorney General Mark Shurtleff was joined by Sen. Curt Bramble and Rep. Stephen Sandstrom in announcing the latest immigration bill of the session.
House Bill 466 will create a Utah Commission on Immigration and Migration and provide for the creation of a Migrant Worker Visa Pilot Program. The pilot program would allow for businesses to come to the state and say they need a certain number of workers to do a job

READ MORE: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/legislature/article_3d456d97-d7ad-50d6-a830-051dda4f0e42.html

Bipartisan effort to create Utah migrant worker program unveiled

SALT LAKE CITY — Lawmakers unveiled a bipartisan effort Wednesday to create a migrant worker program between Utah and a state in Mexico.
The proposal is the first to unite the various factions in the state's divisive debate over illegal immigration. Democrats and Republicans joined Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff to announce the proposed Utah Commission on Immigration and Migration Act.

READ MORE:  http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705367863/Bipartisan-effort-to-create-Utah-migrant-worker-program-unveiled.html

Immigration and the Utah economy

As Utah economists, we have closely observed the immigration debate on Capitol Hill.
The Utah economy is at a crossroads, transitioning from a long and deep recession to what we hope will be a period of prolonged expansion. A strong, stable and sustained economic expansion, however, won't happen by chance. It will occur because of purposeful leadership.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700114987/Immigration-and-the-Utah-economy.html

The immigration enforcer

WASHINGTON — During his first 18 years in Congress, the view from Lamar Smith's office was of a parking lot. Now, in his 13th term, he looks out upon the Capitol dome. Seniority confers perquisites.
Today he chairs the House Judiciary Committee that has custody of the immigration issue. When first elected, his Texas district — then 42,000 square miles, five times larger than Massachusetts — included 400 miles of the border with Mexico.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700114967/The-immigration-enforcer.html

Bill proposes resident immigrant sponsorship program in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill proposing to allow Utahns to sponsor foreign nationals to come to the United States legally cleared a House committee Wednesday.
Rep. John Dougall, R-American Fork, said people who want move to the United States lawfully have been overlooked in the illegal immigration debate.
"I contend we've largely locked the front door and made it difficult for folks to immigrate here, live the American dream," he said.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705367826/Bill-proposes-resident-immigrant-sponsorship-program-in-Utah.html

Keep out inferior people ...like Tony Yapias

Oh, I know, people who have a problem with the type of immigrants we get must be xenophobic or racist, at least according to The Salt Lake Tribune or Tony Yapias, director of Proyecto Latino de Utah. No, the fact is, some countries produce a better culture and type of people than others do. Some are much more advanced, while others are still way behind.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/51338171-82/type-countries-immigrants-lake.html.csp 

Utah bill to partner with Mexico

Two lawmakers who have been at odds with each other on immigration legislation stood together Wednesday to jointly introduce a migrant worker bill that seeks to begin a partnership between Utah and a state in Mexico.

The bill, HB466, is sponsored by Rep. Stephen Sandstrom and co-sponsored by Sen. Curt Bramble and would allow businesses in Utah who need labor to directly solicit it through Nuevo Leon. The approach would work within federal guidelines where legal visas are distributed by the federal government with the state acting essentially as middleman.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51349338-76/bill-bramble-federal-immigration.html.csp

Shurtleff: Investigation of ‘The List’ is complete

The investigation into the unauthorized release of “The List” of 1,300 names people who were supposedly in the country illegally is complete and the outcome could be announced soon.

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said Wednesday that his office screened the case and he expects to make an announcement next week, nearly eight months after the list was released to news outlets and law enforcement agencies.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51351462-76/1300-agencies-attorney-bassett.html.csp

Utah immigration idea gets hearing in Mesa

While state Senate President Russell Pearce continues to push controversial immigration legislation, the city he represents is edging toward endorsing a more moderate discussion of the issue.

Mesa's Human Relations Advisory Board, a citizen panel that advises the City Council, is considering the "Utah Compact" and may recommend that the council endorse the document.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2011/03/02/20110302utah-illegal-immigration-bill-hearing-in-arizona.html#ixzz1FRd8pwvN

One immigration bill moves on, one doesn't

SALT LAKE CITY -- Two bills dealing with illegal immigration were sent in different directions Tuesday by the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Committee members opted not to take action on House Bill 253, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Herrod, R-Provo.
Sen. John Valentine, R-Provo, said there were too many problems with the bill for the committee to send it to the Senate floor for consideration.

READ MORE: http://www.standard.net/topics/utah-legislature/2011/03/01/one-immigration-bill-moves-one-doesnt

Omnibus immigration bill easily clears first vote

Sen. Curt Bramble’s comprehensive immigration reform bill passed out of committee by a 7-1 vote while Rep. Stephen Sandstrom followed through on his agreement with Senate leaders to open a new bill file Tuesday by removing “objectionable language” from his enforcement-only immigration bill.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51342910-76/bill-bramble-enforcement-federal.html.csp

Utah lawmakers moving closer to resolution on illegal immigration legislation

SALT LAKE CITY — State lawmakers appear closer to assembling legislation to address illegal immigration in Utah, though not everyone is content with where it's headed.
"We're making progress," said Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo. "This is a very complex, emotionally charged issue."

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705367809/Utah-lawmakers-moving-closer-to-resolution-on-illegal-immigration-legislation.html

Nationwide ICE operation results in 104 Utah arrests

A three-month law enforcement operation in Utah has ended in the arrests of 104 people authorities say are gang members or gang associates now facing criminal charges or deportation.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced it had targeted gangs affiliated with drug trafficking organizations in 168 cities across the country, including cities in Utah.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51338575-76/utah-enforcement-gang-operation.html.csp 

AMIGOS: ESCUCHAN AQUI EN VIVO EL DEBATE

AMIGOS DALE UN CLICK AL LINK PARA ESCUCHAR EN VIVO:  http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2011&Com=SSTREV

Asegurate que des un CLICK donde dice AUDIO

Deal in works on immigration legislation

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom has agreed to a deal with legislative leaders in which he will remove the words “reasonable suspicion” from his legislation to have local police check the legal residency of people arrested or pulled over. In exchange, he has assurances of the likely passage of his enforcement-only bill in the Senate, knowledgeable sources confirmed Monday.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51334401-76/arizona-bill-bramble-deal.html.csp 

House OKs in-state tuition bill for undocumented

HB191 • The House voted by a wide margin Monday to repeal in-state tuition for undocumented students who can’t, through a parent or legal guardian, prove they have paid state taxes for three consecutive years.

Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, had fought to repeal the in-state tuition rates for the entire undocumented population, but agreed to compromise with an amendment offered by Rep. Todd Kiser, R-Sandy, who chose to include undocumented students who were paying taxes through a job or whose parents were gainfully employed and paying taxes in Utah.

READ MORE: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51332844-76/amendment-bill-compromise-rep.html.csp 

Editorial: Happy birthday El Observador de Utah

Think of El Observador de Utah as a one-year-old child. Our offspring, our voice, where we sow our memories, our present day lives and our future aspirations.
At one year, this child has taken its first steps in a world that's ever changing. Like any one year old, it already shows marked personality traits, in the case of El Observador these traits are reflected in the issues that define our editorial focus. These are issues that we care about passionately because we know you, our readers, live and feel these issues every day.

READ MORE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700114084/Editorial-Happy-birthday-El-Observador-de-Utah.html

House passes amended bill repealing Utah college tuition for illegal immigrants

SALT LAKE CITY — Sniping between the House and Senate over how to approach illegal immigration legislation took center stage at the Capitol again Monday.
With passage of a bill aimed at repealing in-state tuition for undocumented college students, the House has now approved four measures on the controversial subject.
And the primary movers behind those bills are accusing the Senate of cherry-picking them for a comprehensive proposal they say they can't support.

READ MORE http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705367657/House-passes-amended-bill-repealing-Utah-college-tuition-for-illegal-immigrants.html