Thread: Hispanic groups rally in Topeka

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascit ... 097320.htm

Posted on Tue, Mar. 14, 2006

Hispanic groups rally in Topeka

GARANCE BURKE
Associated Press

TOPEKA, Kan. - "Dream Big," read one of the signs held aloft at the annual rally for immigrant rights Tuesday on the Capitol steps, where several hundred people gathered to promote civil rights and benefits for Hispanics.

Many of the issues they pressed, such as eligibility for driver's licenses and comprehensive immigration reform, depend on the outcome of congressional debates in Washington. Yet as Kansas gears up for a competitive election season, Hispanic activists from Garden City to Wichita said they will use local strategies to make their mark on policies affecting the state's immigrant population.

"We're going to keep getting organized," said Jose Manuel Ortiz, a construction worker and member of Sunflower Community Action, a Wichita-based nonprofit that organized the event with Kansas City-based El Centro, Inc. "Latinos have so many important needs, and it's our time to make an impact."

Organizers said the rally drew about double the number of participants as last year's events and included university students, meatpacking workers and numerous families. Participants met with legislators and with the chief of staff to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

The Kansas Legislature is currently considering a bill that would deny non-citizens state and local benefits. A proposal to repeal a law granting in-state tuition to some illegal immigrants may re-emerge this session.

As the Hispanic population has grown in strength and numbers over the last decade, a new crop of state leaders has emerged. Six different groups are receiving technical assistance from the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission to increase Hispanic political participation.

"We're trying to develop capacity for Hispanic leadership across Kansas," said Elias Garcia, the agency's executive director. "Some of that overlaps with immigration issues, and they're definitely emotional issues for people."

Several legislators said Tuesday's rally was a reminder that immigration themes will loom large in campaigns this year.

"People are going to try to take out the frustration they feel about the lack of federal action on immigration in state races," said Rep. Ann Mah, D-Topeka. "We're going to see a lot of this popping up on the campaign trail."

Yet the groups' success in making policy inroads will depend on Kansas Hispanics' ability to marshal traditional political resources.

"Hispanics will gain force in Kansas politics as an ever increasing number become registered to vote and can jell together as a cohesive voting bloc," said Joseph Aistrup, associate professor of political science at Kansas State University. "And to the extent that illegal immigration is a big issue in our Kansas communities you'll see these issues playing a more dominant role in state politics."

They are going to take over the USA without firing a shot!

I expect the only thing our Reps will see, is civil unrest in the streets...

Thank you Washington!