Thread: Lamm backs efforts to halt illegal immigration

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News
January 4, 2006
Former Gov. Dick Lamm and two other Democrats said a proposed ballot initative to stop illegal immigrants from getting government services sends a message that Colorado will not tolerate such immigration.
"What ultimately I want is you should not be able to get on an airplane, get a job or open up a bank account unless you're in this country legally," Lamm said.

He was joined by Denver community activist Waldo Benavidez and Fred Elbel, director of Defend Colorado Now, the group trying to put the issue on the ballot.

During a sometimes testy news conference at the Capitol, the Democratic trio was unable to say what services illegals are receiving that they would stop receiving if the initiative passed in November.

Immigration is expected to be a hot topic this year at the legislature, which convenes a week from today.

Lamm said he supported efforts by Republican lawmakers who want employeers to verify Social Security numbers before making any hires to determine whether the person is a U.S. citizen.

Benavidez blasted both Democrats and Republicans, saying neither party wants to tackle illegal immigration because they're afraid it will cost them votes from other minority groups or businesses that rely on the cheap labor.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/l ... %2C00.html

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