Pushing Again For Immigration Laws
Group Wants Immigration Laws Enforced

David Mance / Reporter
Last updated: Tuesday, June 09th, 2009 07:05:18 PM


YAKIMA -- A local group is pushing again to get immigration laws enforced in Washington state.

The supporters represent different groups in the Yakima Valley. They have one goal in common, to get Initiative 1043 on the November ballot.

The crowd made up of Minutemen, taxpayers advocates, and a group called "Grass Roots of Yakima" kicked off their signature gathering drive. Members say I-1043 would require state and local agencies to enforce federal immigration laws. It would also require people applying for benefits to verify their immigrant status. Also, employers would have to check status before hiring workers.

"The growers in the valley, they need an immense amount of people in a short period of time. It was very cumbersome to try to figure that out but it's easy now, because it's easy now as long as E-verify is in position," says supporter Sandra Berndale.

Supporters need to collect nearly 250-thousand signatures before July 3rd to qualify for a place on the November ballot.

If you're interested in signing Initiative 1043, you find petitions in Yakima at Santiago's Restaurant, Meredith Furniture. In Union Gap, Behind the Chute Western Outfitters and Tidrick's Quality Transmissions are carrying the petitions. You'll find petitions in Selah at R&B Parts & Machine, Inc.

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