OK - Hispanic group pushes for immigration reform

[kniggit]

By Larry Levy
State Correspondent
TULSA — Hispanic community leaders are planning several events next week to call attention to what they say is the need for immigration reform.

The Rev. Victor Orta II, president of the American Dream Coalition, announced the group's plans Thursday.


"We are the only organization in the state going to hold a rally,” he said.

There are about 15 million people in this country "whose lives have been on hold too long” because the nation's immigration laws are outdated.

"We are going to be more visible,” Orta said.

What's planned

•Between 4,000 and 6,000 people are expected to march May 5 in support of immigration reform legislation.

•The coalition is going to promote voter registration, especially among American-born children of parents who are not legal residents.

•Graduating high school students who are 18 years old are to be registered on May 14 during a luncheon at the southeast campus of Tulsa Community College. With voter registration, "we will make a significant difference,” Orta said.

Group's efforts

•Last year, Orta headed what was termed the "Great American Boycott” at Tulsa's Civic Center. By withholding their work for the day, undocumented workers demonstrated their importance to the national economy.

•Orta said the coalition does not condone illegal entry into the United States, favors English-language education and supports background checks for those entering the county.

•"We are making so much more money from the immigrants than we are spending,” said Julian Rodriguez of the Iglesia de Eficaz.

House Bill 1804

•Guillermo Rojas, general director of LaSemana Del Sur, a bilingual newspaper, said Oklahoma House Bill 1804 is "a racial law, an unwanted law” and should be vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry.

•The bill sets out criminal penalties for knowingly and willingly harboring illegal immigrants.

•It also would make it illegal to transport an undocumented immigrant into Oklahoma or hide someone in the United States illegally.

•Punishment would not be less than a year in jail or a fine up to $1,000, or both.

Supporters

•Orta's group has the support of several Tulsa community groups.

•The Tulsa Indian Coalition supports the efforts because immigration policies are spitting up families and that should not be happening in America, said Alice Whitecloud, a member of the group.

http://www.newsok.com/article/3046033

[pjr40]

•"We are making so much more money from the immigrants than we are spending,” said Julian Rodriguez of the Iglesia de Eficaz.

Wonder what Julian's been smoking?

[Stealthy]

House Bill 1804

•Guillermo Rojas, general director of LaSemana Del Sur, a bilingual newspaper, said Oklahoma House Bill 1804 is "a racial law, an unwanted law” and should be vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry.

Um, excuse me!!! an "unwanted law" -- it's unwanted by those here ILLEGALLY! Go pound sand, Rojas!!! You don't speak for the REAL Oklahomans, I'm certain of that.

[JAK]

There are about 15 million people in this country "whose lives have been on hold too long” because the nation's immigration laws are outdated.

Well, there's about 240 million of whose lives have been on hold because the nation's immigration laws HAVE NOT BEEN ENFORCED!!!

[SOSADFORUS]

•Guillermo Rojas, general director of LaSemana Del Sur, a bilingual newspaper, said Oklahoma House Bill 1804 is "a racial law, an unwanted law” and should be vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry

Just how does Rojas get anything racial out of this law? would that be because most of the 15 million are Hispanic, and people who have no respect for our laws, were expected to change any of them they don't approve of!! Our laws are outdated, how would anyone know they have never been enforced!