Thread: NE Immigration Bill Attacked-Watch the Video!

Watch the video at the link. Get your barf bag ready for Salazar's comments.

[quote]Immigration Bill Attacked

Lincoln, Neb.
Posted: 2:26 PM Jan 21, 2008
Last Updated: 6:37 PM Jan 21, 2008
Reporter: David Jespersen
Email Address: david.jespersen@kolnkgin.com

11 comments

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Immigration Bill Spurs Protest, Jan. 21



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A | A | A Gov. Dave Heineman came under fire Monday by a group of Latino Nebraskans who say his proposal to end state aid to illegal immigrants is racist and full of bigotry.

"This is out and out bigotry, no other way to call it, it's bigotry, it's shameful," said Ben Salazar.


Those are harsh words from a group of Latino Nebraskans about Heineman's proposal to end state benefits and in-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants.

The group said the bill is full of racism and bigotry.

"This is pandering to an extremist, right wing, racist bigoted mentality. We don't need that. We don't need that," he said.

The bill would require state agencies to verify citizenship before any aid is given and would repeal a 2006 law granting illegal immigrants in-state tuition rates if they've lived in Nebraska for several years. The governor vetoed that bill, but senators overrode his veto.

When he announced his new proposal earlier this month the governor said it was good public policy.

"It is unfair to immigrants who have become legal citizens, to have illegal immigrants provided the same opportunities as those who've followed the rules," Heineman said.

The governor was unavailable for comment, but spokeswoman Jen Rae Hein said this bill has nothing to do with bigotry or racism, and it does not target any one group of immigrants.

But activists say that's exactly what it does.

"We're not dumb, not naive. We know there is a good dose of racism embedded in these bills because America stinks still of racism," Salazar said.

"We are here to continue the fight against bigotry, oppression and injustice by speaking out against these proposed bills. These bills are products of hypocrites and bullies," he said.

Salazar said hundreds of students could be affected by repeal of the in-state tuition law, but it's really difficult to know for sure.

UNL Professor Miguel Carranza said he knows of about six or so students using the in-state tuition benefits now, but the university does not specifically check immigration status, only residency.

Eight-digit student ID numbers are used instead of Social Security numbers to protect the students and family members, but Carranza said it's the wrong way to go about it.

“It's a don't ask, don't tell when they go to university or college. That's why this is step backwards,â€

We all need to be careful.

Ben Salazar and his buddies are the racists.

A Gov. Dave Heineman came under fire Monday by a group of Latino Nebraskans who say his proposal to end state aid to illegal immigrants is racist and full of bigotry.

"This is out and out bigotry, no other way to call it, it's bigotry, it's shameful," said Ben Salazar.

"We're not dumb, not naive. We know there is a good dose of racism embedded in these bills because America stinks still of racism," Salazar said.

"We are here to continue the fight against bigotry, oppression and injustice by speaking out against these proposed bills. These bills are products of hypocrites and bullies," he said.

Why doesn't Governor Heineman and the state of Nebraska sue Ben Salazar for libel, slander, deflamation of character and so forth?

"When in Mexico the U.S. State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation."
U.S. State Departmen