Thread: Green Bay ordinance on illegal immigrants advances

Posted June 6, 2007

Green Bay ordinance on illegal immigrants advances

Licensing measure stirs heated debate

By Patti Zarling
pzarling@greenbaypressgazette.com


As federal legislators debate ways to handle the influx of illegal immigrants into the country, the Green Bay City Council on Tuesday decided to make a statement of its own.


The council threw its support, by a 9-3 vote, behind an ordinance that would require any applicant for a city license or permit to promise not to be an illegal immigrant and not to hire illegal immigrants. The ordinance must go through one more reading before becoming law.


A long line of people spoke to the council before votes were cast. About 100 people, in a pretty even split, indicated support or opposition to the rule. Not all of them spoke, but many did.


Those in favor said businesses who employ illegal aliens are breaking the law and should be held accountable. They argued their ancestors entered the country legally, and that rather than sneak into the U.S., illegals should fight for better working conditions in their own countries or come into the U.S. through legal channels.


But dissenters called the new rule mean-spirited and said it smacks of racism and discrimination. They questioned why the city would adopt a law it can't enforce.


"We come here to work," said Maria Herrara, who grew up in Milwaukee and moved to Green Bay about seven years ago. "In my opinion, this seems racist. That's what I think."


But council President Chad Fradette, who brought the measure forward, says that's not true.


"I doubt anyone is going to be going down the street and picking people out," he said. This is saying, "Shame on any businesses in Green Bay who are hiring illegal aliens. They're breaking the federal law."


The proposed ordinance, he said, is meant to do two things: punish businesses who hire illegals, and create the perception that Green Bay is not a welcome place for illegal immigrants to live.


Still, Alderman Jerry Wiezbieskie said who voted against the ordinance, argued that instead of passing a rule the city can't really enforce, leaders and residents should work with federal representatives to create workable immigration policies.


"The power does lie with the federal government," he said. "Yes, it's wrong for businesses to hire illegal aliens, but the city or City Council doesn't have the power to enforce it. We still have to rely on the federal government … if we can't enforce something, I, for one, can't support (it.)"


http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/app ... 06/GPGnews

"We come here to work," said Maria Herrara, who grew up in Milwaukee and moved to Green Bay about seven years ago. "In my opinion, this seems racist. That's what I think."

You think this because you are obviously under educated and can't think for yourself. Do you even know what the word racist means Maria? Obviously not.
Illegals are not a race estupida!