Aren't these criminal invaders stealing enough of our money, now these so called state officials want to hand it to them from us taxpayers? This should be up to the American People not these clowns!

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs. ... BUSINESS04

Meeting tonight to discuss state help available
RAID AFTERMATH: STATE ASSISTANCE


REGISTER STAFF WRITER

December 15, 2006
Add comment


State officials will hold a town hall meeting this evening in Marshalltown to tell the community what state assistance is available for families with members detained by immigration officials. Gov. Tom Vilsack promised Wednesday to reach out to children and the community affected by the raid at Swift & Co. and provide state help. On Thursday, his office announced that the town hall meeting will be held and that state officials plan to meet with civic leaders, church groups and members of the Latino community.

Vilsack's statement: "The actions at Swift Packing in Marshalltown yesterday reinforce the demand from Americans that the federal government reform the nation's immigration and enforcement policy," Vilsack said in a prepared statement. "We must be respectful of the law, however Iowa has a humanitarian tradition to come to the aid of those who need assistance. Throughout this situation, our concern lies with the family members of those affected. Iowans have always been there to help our neighbors, and we will do so now."

Who's eligible: Most of the state's assistance is available only for U.S. citizens or documented workers. But there may be some ways to help, said Roger Munns, spokesman for the Iowa Department of Human Services, such as food assistance for children born in the United States to undocumented workers who have now lost their jobs. Also, he said, there may be some emergency medical care available. He said his department is working to see what other areas can be tapped to help.

People in Marshalltown interested in seeking state assistance can go to the DHS office at 206 W. State St. or call (641) 752-6741.

The meeting: Vilsack was not slated to attend the meeting, though his staff said Thursday they were trying to rearrange his schedule so he could attend. The meeting will be hosted by Armando Villareal, head of the state's Division on Latino Affairs. In addition, lawyers and immigration experts will be in attendance to talk with family members of the detainees. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, 11 E. Linn St. W. in Marshalltown.