Minn. Group Wants Ariz.-Style Immigration Reform
Apr 26, 2010 5:56 pm US/Central
Minn. Group Wants Ariz.-Style Immigration Reform
ST. PAUL (WCCO)
"I'm in favor of immigration, immigration built this nation, but it has to be orderly and measured to some extent. We don't want drug dealers, gangsters, human traffickers coming across the border," said Dan McGrath with Minnesota Majority.
The crackdown on illegal immigration in Arizona heated up Monday. Some vandals smeared refried beans in the shape of swastikas on the state Capitol's windows. Last weekend there were dozens of protests.
The Arizona law would require police officers to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect may be an undocumented immigrant. If they can't prove citizenship, they could be arrested. The law takes effect in three months.
There is at least one group in Minnesota pushing for the same kind of law. Minnesotans Seeking Immigration Reform said Minnesota lawmakers should move forward under state rights with a similar initiative.
Dan McGrath is the Executive Director of a group called Minnesota Majority.
"I'm in favor of immigration, immigration built this nation, but it has to be orderly and measured to some extent. We don't want drug dealers, gangsters, human traffickers coming across the border with impunity," said McGrath.
His group says illegal immigrants cost Minnesota taxpayers $180 million to 340 million per year. But that number varies depending on who you ask.
"With unemployment being in the double digits, it's not the greatest time to have [a] large influx of new workers coming into the country," said McGrath. "We've got to look after our own and make sure there's enough jobs to go around."
But not everyone sees the situation that way.
"They are not by any means a threat to the community. On the contrary, they are contributing to this community," said Ana Luisa Fajer, the Consul of Mexico.
According to a study last year by the Department of Homeland Security, less than 2 percent of illegal immigrants nationwide live in Minnesota. That same study also shows the makeup of unauthorized immigrants in the state. Fifty percent are from Africa, 27 percent from Asia and only 10 percent come from Latin and Central America.
Minnesota doesn't currently have any laws like the new one in Arizona. Last February there was a House bill introduced that would require law enforcement to check for citizenship or immigration status, but it was shot down.
http://wcco.com/local/immigration.law.m ... 57568.html
