Thread: Butler Co. Holds Meeting On Immigration Regulations

http://www.wcpo.com/news/2006/local/06/ ... eting.html

Reported by: Tom McKee
Web produced by: Laura Hornsby
Photographed by: 9News
First posted: 6/12/2006 12:08:32 PM Last Updated: 6/12/2006 05:50:59 PM

Butler County leaders are considering requiring home builders to help control the problem of undocumented workers.

Butler County Commissioner Mike Fox wants builders and subcontractors to sign papers promising they won't use illegal workers before a building permit is issued.

So why construction? Because it's one area where the county has authority.

The plan highlighted an immigration forum in Hamilton and drew quick criticism.

Dan Destefano, president of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Cincinnati, says he doesn't understand why the building industry is being singled out.

He says members don't hire illegal workers and wonders about other industries.

Fox blames the federal government for creating a moral and economic mess, saying there has been an underground economy created.

The hard-line immigration stance of Sheriff Richard Jones also came under fire, especially the arrest of 20 workers that had to be let go.

Fairfield school board member Arnold Engel suggested following the sheriff's lead in billing Washington $650,000 for his district's English-as-a-second-language classes.

Pastor Josh Colon of Hamilton says his better plan includes bringing children to his church and having volunteers teach them English.

The national debate on immigration reform rages on, with the spotlight remaining on Butler County in an election year.

The hard-line immigration stance of Sheriff Richard Jones also came under fire, especially the arrest of 20 workers that had to be let go.

Why did the 20 illegal immigrants have to be let go? This is a good example of what is wrong with our system!