Both sides of immigration debate to rally on Capitol steps

THELMA GUERRERO-HUSTON
GUERRERO-HUSTON

February 3, 2008

Statehouse administrators and Oregon State Police are gearing up for a possible clash Monday between opponents of illegal immigration and those who support the rights of migrant workers.

Both groups plan events on the state Capitol steps.

"We're working with state police to make sure we have enough police presence that day," said Dave Henderson, the state's legislative administrator. "We never know what can happen."

Members of Oregonians for Immigration Reform, who oppose illegal immigration, will be at the Capitol to collect signatures for an initiative they hope to get on the November ballot.

Groups that support migrant workers -- CAUSA, PCUN and Centro Cultural of Washington County -- will be there to rally against two separate but similar measures that call for proof of legal presence to get an Oregon driver's license. They also plan to register eligible citizens to vote.

The gatherings were timed for the first day of a four-week legislative session. It's also the same day that new emergency rules governing the issuance of driver's licenses, instruction permits and identification cards take effect.

Although organizers on both sides say they don't expect things to get ugly, OFIR president Jim Ludwick expressed frustration with opposing groups.

"This is another clear indication that advocates of illegal aliens don't think laws and rules apply to them," Ludwick said, adding that his group was the first to reserve the Capitol steps for that day.

"I'm sure they're going to show up, try to overwhelm us with their mob tactics and intimidation," he said. "If there are any problems, it won't be because of us."

Paulina Brabin, an organizer with Centro Cultural of Washington County, shrugged off Ludwick's comments.

"OFIR members have shown up at a number of our rallies," Brabin said. "While they have called us names, none of them have ever given us any real problems, and we don't believe they will this time, either. At least we hope they won't."

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