Immigration issue reigns at forum

[Nadys]

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/607107.html

The government's plans for reform proved a tricky but unifying topic for Hispanics at El Pueblo's annual conference

RALEIGH - Each year at this time, Hispanic leaders come together to confront the issues of the day.
But at this year's Foro Latino -- with federal immigration overhaul stalled and Hispanics at the center of mounting controversy -- they found few answers.

Some said they are caught in the difficult spot of desperately wanting immigration reform, yet being dissatisfied with this year's version. The proposal, which has stalled in the Senate, would cut back on family-based immigration, increase border enforcement and create a long and expensive path to legal residency for the nation's more than 10 million illegal immigrants.

"Is it better to have something this year, or nothing?" asked Marisol Jimenez McGee, advocacy director for El Pueblo, a statewide Latino group that runs the forum. "Or is it better to have nothing than this bill that could make things a lot worse?"

The nearly 400 forum participants -- who included advocates, government employees, factory workers and teenagers -- hashed out that question, along with others, during a nearly two-hour discussion at the Raleigh Christian Center on Saturday.

Alejandra Hernandez, a rising senior at Raleigh's Broughton High School, said Latinos should call their representatives in Washington and make their voices heard as clearly as those of immigration foes.

"There are more negative phone calls than positive phone calls," said Hernandez, who was born in the United States to Mexican parents. "The Latino community should unite."

Hernandez said that recently many of her classmates, who don't know that she and her parents are American citizens, have questioned her legal status and told her to return to Mexico. Some questioned her right to take the SAT.

Several participants said they are feeling the effects of ire against Hispanics.

And forum leaders gave people tips on how to deal with the crackdown that has resulted in many illegal immigrants being deported.

Some have been arrested in raids at factories; others have been caught up in new programs that allow sheriff's departments to check the immigration status of those they arrest for other crimes.

Tony Asion, El Pueblo's public safety director, told forum participants to know their rights. He said they aren't required to carry identification, except when driving, and that police officers cannot demand their passports or green cards. He told them they weren't required to answer detailed questions about where they work or live.

Asion also warned that some arrests are fueled by racist motives and told those who encounter police officers, "First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent, and sometimes we should do that."

Other participants suggested that Hispanic communities begin creating disaster plans in case of immigration raids that can suddenly separate families, leaving them without a breadwinner.

"It's like preparing for a natural disaster," said Susana Guijarro, who works with a Head Start program in Newport. "This is a social disaster."

Most agreed that, in a time of increasing division, Hispanics must look to each other for support.

Guadalupe, 33, a baby sitter in Orange County, crossed the Mexican border illegally more than six years ago. She declined to give her last name for fear she would be deported.

She said she desperately wants a new law that would grant her legal status so she can travel back and forth to Mexico, where her family remains. A year ago, her mother died, and she wasn't able to go to the funeral.

The Senate's failed attempts at immigration reform have felt like a personal blow.

"What else can we do?" Guadalupe said to the crowd, beginning to cry. "We can be leaders of our own communities."

[Paige]

Well if you get deported take your family with you. That would be the best thing to do. That would be the right thing to do. While you are walking back could you please apologize to the United States of American for sneaking into our country?

[TennesseeDaughter]

DO ANY OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS GROUP YOU HAVE DESCRIBED HAVE A

LEGAL RIGHT TO VOTE??????

[Paige]

In Utah a Drivers License will get you in the door to vote.

[domack]

She said she desperately wants a new law that would grant her legal status so she can travel back and forth to Mexico, where her family remains. A year ago, her mother died, and she wasn't able to go to the funeral.
The Senate's failed attempts at immigration reform have felt like a personal blow.

"What else can we do?" Guadalupe said to the crowd, beginning to cry. "We can be leaders of our own communities."

"What else can we do?" Go home! You have no right to be here! America owes you nothing! Take Harry, Teddy, McCain, and Bush with you back to Mexico please !

[dem4labor]

Ms Collins, the journalist, invariably writes pro-illegal stories. I've sent
several emails complaining about the lack of balance & pointing out
factual errors, but I don't think she's ever replied. Her stories always
focus on the emotional aspects of the problem.

Tony Asion's comments always infuriate me. He used to be a police
officer:

Tony Asion, El Pueblo's public safety director, told forum participants to know their rights. He said they aren't required to carry identification, except when driving, and that police officers cannot demand their passports or green cards. He told them they weren't required to answer detailed questions about where they work or live.

The above information would be perfect for a terrorist who invaded
our country at the southern border. Of course, 'where are papers,
pleeeeese' is not the solution & there are other methods to enforce
immigration law (get caught driving without a license = deportation),
but Asion's intention is to protect only the civil rights of foreign nationals
here illegally.