Thread: Legislative committee hears effects of illegal immigration

Legislative committee hears effects of illegal immigration
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By JoANNE YOUNG / Lincoln Journal Star
Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 - 05:59:34 pm CDT
SCHUYLER — They may argue illegal immigration is a federal issue, with implications for the state.

But it’s communities — like Schuyler, Scottsbluff and Crete — that are being forced to adapt and figure out how to best live with undocumented residents.

In Nebraska, it’s primarily Hispanic immigrants, some who have entered the country illegally, who are swelling school enrollments, putting pressure on small hospitals and straining traditional lifestyles.

Sound Off: What should Nebraska do about illegal immigration?


10.15.08: Report: Immigrants pay $154M in Nebraska taxes in 2006Schuyler-area residents representing education, law enforcement, business, government and health care met Wednesday to talk about the effect of immigration on their city. Three state senators —Brad Ashford of Omaha, DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln and Chris Langemeier of Schuyler — listened.

The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee has scheduled a series of meetings around the state to talk to residents about issues surrounding immigration. The one in Schuyler was the fifth.

In each town, senators have heard a variation on the same themes. The number of immigrants are impacting economies and draining resources.

Health care and law enforcement are dealing with people with no IDs, or with multiple IDS, and people living in fear.

All the issues result from the inconsistencies in enforcing federal laws, Ashford said.

“The human toll on families and communities struggling to deal with these issues is incredible,â€

[b]Steve Thompson, Cargill vice president and general manager, recently moved to Schuyler from Hereford, Texas.

“From my perspective, we have to adapt, not cast stones,â€

Some said businesses in the area were struggling to get employees because white residents were moving out of town. Some churches are hanging on by a thread after losing many of their members who moved away. Hispanic residents tend to establish their own churches.

The town is also losing its volunteer base.

1. As taxpayers move out of town, who will be left to pay the town & school taxes? Certainly not the illegal aliens!

2. Why are "white" residents leaving? BTW, I find that statement in the article racist.

3. Illegal aliens do NOT volunteer.

4. It doesn't bother citizens that these illegal aliens are using stolen & fake ID?

5. Steve Thompson, Cargill VP - haha no agenda there, eh Steve?

6. What do the TOWNSPEOPLE think? ONE resident speaks. Where are the others?