http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=5211963&nav=5ka4

Immigration Ordinance Getting International Attention


Friday, July 28, 4:53 p.m.
By Rosa Yum

Hazleton's new ordinance aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants is now attracting international attention.

A crew from the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, NHK, was in Luzerne County Friday to report on Hazleton's new immigration law.

The NHK correspondent explained why people in Japan would be interested in a local issue in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

"We don't have history to accept many immigrants. But in America, I found it a very complex problem," said Kensuke Okoshi.

"Initially, CN from Canada came and made an interview. We also had people from Germany that are going to air in Germany, in France, in Switzerland and in Austria," said Hazleton community leader Agapito Lopez of the international attention.

He said the international interest in this issue may be a good thing because other countries may face similar immigration problems.

"Having international coverage will expose exactly what they're doing with the immigration law here," he said. "I think there are mixed feelings here. The mayor told us illegal is illegal."

The Japanese TV crew wanted to get the story from the other side and was able to arrange interviews with two undocumented immigrants.
Lopez served as translator.

"They come because of the opportunity that they have in American which is a country of immigrants, made up of immigrants. So they came only to work here. And they are in agreement that those who come to commit crimes they shouldn't be here," Lopez said.

Japan is a country with a strict immigration law. Viewers there will get a chance to see part of America's struggle with the immigration issue when the report on Hazleton airs in Japan next week.