Thread: Arkansas becoming a prime destination for immigrants

http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/Articl ... 17983ac984

The support network struggles to catch up with Arkansas’s status as a prime destination for Latino immigrants.
Warwick Sabin
Updated: 6/23/2005


COLORFUL CULTURE: Cinco de Mayo.
In Arkansas politics and media, illegal immigration and the state’s growing Latino population are provoking intense debates.

The recent legislative session illustrated two ends of the ideological spectrum. One side wanted to enlist the State Police in enforcing immigration laws and prevent immigrants from accessing state services. Other lawmakers tried to extend public college scholarship eligibility to the children of undocumented residents.

Despite these actions and the heated rhetoric, most Arkansas Latinos are oblivious to the tension they are causing.

“One word they use a lot is ‘tranquilo,’ which means ‘tranquil,’ �

explains Carlos Cervantes. “The reason that they enjoy Arkansas is that they enjoy the small towns. They just feel real comfortable here.�

Cervantes is the owner of a recycling and technical equipment business who recently was elected Arkansas state director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He will take office next week, when LULAC holds its national convention in Little Rock.

That LULAC is bringing its most important annual gathering to Arkansas is an indication both of Latinos’ rising importance here and the attention that has attracted nationwide.

Arkansas has the second-fastest-growing Hispanic population in the country, which puts it on the crest of the next wave of Latino migration that is following initial settlement in Texas, California, and other states. As a result, the Mexican government has closed its consulate in New Orleans and is opening one in Little Rock.

“Little Rock is the border between Mexico and the U.S.,â€? said the Rev. Julio Barquero, who operates the Centro Cristiano Fellowship in Sherwood, and is the LULAC state chaplain. “Not Texas anymore â€â€

How long will Americans tolerate this IN - YOUR - FACE invasion?

https://www.alipac.us/ftopict-5427-.html

“I’ve never met a Latino who didn’t want to learn to speak English,� he said. “But in order to have reach into the community, there has to be some thought behind policies, rules and regulations.�

I guess the immigration laws don't reach very far into the community.

[quote="Brian503a"]http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=9d1b5464-9e3e-45a1-9b9d-6317983ac984

The support network struggles to catch up with Arkansas’s status as a prime destination for Latino immigrants.
Warwick Sabin
Updated: 6/23/2005


COLORFUL CULTURE: Cinco de Mayo.

Sixx says: Outlaw all "celebrations" of this day.


In Arkansas politics and media, illegal immigration and the state’s growing Latino population are provoking intense debates.

The recent legislative session illustrated two ends of the ideological spectrum. One side wanted to enlist the State Police in enforcing immigration laws and prevent immigrants from accessing state services. Other lawmakers tried to extend public college scholarship eligibility to the children of undocumented residents.


Sixx says: Arkansas politics is even worse than The Peoples Republic Of Massachutes.



Despite these actions and the heated rhetoric, most Arkansas Latinos are oblivious to the tension they are causing.

“One word they use a lot is ‘tranquilo,’ which means ‘tranquil,’ �

explains Carlos Cervantes. “The reason that they enjoy Arkansas is that they enjoy the small towns. They just feel real comfortable here.�

Sixx says: We will see how long that comfort zone last.

Cervantes is the owner of a recycling and technical equipment business who recently was elected Arkansas state director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). He will take office next week, when LULAC holds its national convention in Little Rock.

That LULAC is bringing its most important annual gathering to Arkansas is an indication both of Latinos’ rising importance here and the attention that has attracted nationwide.

Arkansas has the second-fastest-growing Hispanic population in the country, which puts it on the crest of the next wave of Latino migration that is following initial settlement in Texas, California, and other states. As a result, the Mexican government has closed its consulate in New Orleans and is opening one in Little Rock.

“Little Rock is the border between Mexico and the U.S.,â€? said the Rev. Julio Barquero, who operates the Centro Cristiano Fellowship in Sherwood, and is the LULAC state chaplain. “Not Texas anymore â€â€