Utah's Undocumented Immigrants Lacked Voice in Congressional Debate
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) Opponents of an immigration reform proposal jammed the phone lines of Congress last week in the final hours of a crucial vote that ultimately stalled the measure. Local activist Alex Segura was among the callers, and he credits conservative radio and cable TV hosts with mobilizing opposition to the measure.It would have tightened border security, cracked down on employers hiring undocumented workers and provided a path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants. But Segura and many opponents say it was unacceptable because it offered amnesty for undocumented people currently in the U.S.
Tony Yapias of the Utah Latino Project says the voice of undocumented workers was missing in the debate. He urged many illegal immigrants in Utah to have their friends, church members and employers call Congress in their support. But Yapias laments the Latino community was unable to rally enough support for the immigration bill.
Senate leaders now suggest it will be difficult to revive the topic again until after the 2008 election.
In the meantime, Segura and his supporters are turning their attention to Utah law, hoping to abolish the driving privilege card and in-state tuition benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Susan R said:
I am with Segura.We need to hold local politicians accountable now we finally see the Feds are a miserable failure.Where do I sign up?
2. Terri L said:
I am also with Segura on this issue. I would love to see this country deport every single illegal in this country. I would also love to see this country do the right thing and deny citizenship to anchor babies. These people broke the law to get here, so they should never have an opportunity to become legal citizens. Let those who followed the rule of law by applying for legal status without breaking into the country have a chance at citizenship. I'll bet they wont rape the welfare system and bleed the taxpayer dry. I'm even willing to bet that they wont hang the American flag upside down and place another countries flag on top of it. NO TO MEXICO and their ungrateful citizens.