Thread: Dozens at meeting oppose 'unworkable' immigration reform bil

Dozens at meeting oppose 'unworkable' immigration reform bill

Web Posted: 05/20/2007 12:09 AM CDT

Sig Christenson
Express-News Military Writer

Jaime P. Martinez preached from the podium of a small chapel at Primera Baptist Church flanked by U.S. and Mexican flags, his message one of defiance — not of turning the other cheek.
"We must not sell out, and we must fight for the rights of our people that have been here!" he shouted, a crowd of 50 or so cheering and applauding as the short speech closed. "This is our land and we're going to fight for just and humane comprehensive immigration reform!"


Martinez, the League of United Latin American Citizens' national treasurer, drew a line as long as the Rio Grande Saturday on the immigration bill that Congress is to debate this week. A dozen senators from both parties and the administration crafted the bill, which has drawn fire from all sides.

Most of those at the town hall meeting hosted by LULAC, the National Council of La Raza and the Service Employees International Union oppose the bill, in part because of provisions to fine each head of household $5,000 and require them to return to their home countries before seeking permanent residency.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said he had high hopes for the measure but was convinced it was unworkable after U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez outlined its provisions before the crowd.

"If you pass a bill that can't be implemented or puts so many obstacles that it won't work, you're better off not passing one," Wolff said in an interview.

KENS video
Group discusses immigration reform


One part of the proposal, the "Z visa" plan, would allow an estimated 12 million immigrants living illegally in the United States to obtain probationary status. Holders of the Z visa could apply for permanent residency status but also have to return to their home countries and then re-enter the U.S.

Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, said the provision is unworkable. He said 3 million to 4 million immigrants would be forced to return to countries other than Mexico — some of them as far as Asia.

"I think we can fashion a piece of compromise legislation that addresses everyone's concerns," Gonzalez told a reporter, calling the bipartisan legislation "a great starting point" but little more than that. "I actually look at it as promising only for the reason that it gets debate started on the floor of the Senate."

Those at the church, almost all Hispanic and some of them immigration activists, weren't in the mood to compromise. La Raza, LULAC and the union issued a news release announcing the town hall meeting that was an ultimatum. They said U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, R-Texas, were "on notice" that "we want workable reform and we want it now!"

The release went on to say the groups are seeking legislation "that balances stronger border security with common-sense reform — including family reunification, respect for worker rights and a pathway to citizenship."

Antonio Diaz wore a button with the phrase "No child left behind bars," a reference to a Taylor detention facility where hundreds of immigrants are held. He handed a reporter a broadsheet announcing a June 9 protest at the facility. It declared, "Free the Imprisoned Children and their Mothers."

Echoing Martinez, who told the crowd, "We did not cross the border, the border crossed us," Diaz, a 50-year-old self-employed San Antonio contractor, said Mexicans have an absolute right to live in the United States — either as residents or citizens. U.S. residents, he said, had the same right to live in Mexico.

"The only borders that we used to recognize are the natural borders of rivers, mountains, lakes, deserts, not these international boundaries that this colonial government has set up by dividing our land," he said.

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sigc@express-news.net

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politi ... 9e939.html

They said U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, R-Texas, were "on notice" that "we want workable reform and we want it now!"

The absolute arrogance of these folks is ridiculous!

"I think we can fashion a piece of compromise legislation that addresses everyone's concerns," Gonzalez told a reporter, calling the bipartisan legislation "a great starting point" but little more than that. "I actually look at it as promising only for the reason that it gets debate started on the floor of the Senate."

Those at the church, almost all Hispanic and some of them immigration activists, weren't in the mood to compromise. La Raza, LULAC and the union issued a news release announcing the town hall meeting that was an ultimatum. They said U.S. Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, R-Texas, were "on notice" that "we want workable reform and we want it now!"

Looks like HUTCHISON is capitulating.

She's fighting to obfuscate the TRUTH and looking at "THIS IS BETTER THAN THE STATUS QUO"....quote from this morning on Fox Sunday.

she seems to be faltering... which sucks. i have emailed, called and faxed her daily telling her she had better not start working for amnesty or she is out of office.

i even told her i thought about a recall petition to get her out if she looks like she is going to vote yes to amnesty.

The gall of these people, it is not your country so get over it!! WE PAID YOU FOR IT STUPID!! and we don't want to live in Mexico so just don't worry your little self about us!

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To everybody out there hanging in the backround yes you!! we invite you to...
let your voices be heard, Its time to get involved, calls, faxes, and e-mails, post at the link below to let everyone know what you are hearing, it helps our leaders to make decisions on what steps to take next. Lets let congress know what real Americans Want!!

http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=F ... c&p=363412

Check out Operation Bring it Home also and get your home towns involved!!

http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=F ... ic&t=63288

If anyone can't find information for contacting senators or not sure what to do, just ask, we have lots of nice people willing help you,

HINT: EASY WAY TO HELP OUT.....When you post on another site with good non-racist patriotic Americans leave behind a Momentous message, the link to ALIPAC ( http://www.alipac.us/index.php ).
Any donations to help keep ALIPAC afloat will be much appreciated

Originally Posted by dragons5

she seems to be faltering... which sucks. i have emailed, called and faxed her daily telling her she had better not start working for amnesty or she is out of office.

i even told her i thought about a recall petition to get her out if she looks like she is going to vote yes to amnesty.

DRAGON & GANG

The very best thing to do during this coming week is to get INTO THEIR OFFICES........just walk in.

Please NOTE: We have it on a reliable Congressional source that WALKING INTO the OFFICES is a VERY POWERFUL TOOL!

** The majority of those entering these traitor's offices are FOREIGN ENTITIES/LOBBYISTS --------- why not AMERICANS? WE can't be that lazy, fearful or respectful of these idiots, are we?