Thread: NJ: Local Latinos to work with immigration panel

08/14/2007
A new policy

Local Latinos to work with immigration panel

By Al Sullivan
Reporter senior staff writer
http://www.hudsonreporter.com/site/news ... 2622&rfi=6

Members of the Bayonne Hispanic Association, Inc. are throwing their support behind a new initiative by Gov. Jon Corzine to help deal with some of the problems involving immigration.
Daniel Valentine, founder of the BHA, attended a ceremony at the old rail terminal in Liberty State Park recently, where Corzine signed an executive order establishing a 27-member panel to look into immigrant related issues such as citizenship status, education, civil rights, fair housing, language proficiency, healthcare, housing, and employment training.

The panel, headed by Public Advocate Ronald Chen, also includes Rep. Albio Sires, Rep. Donald Payne, County Executive Tom DeGise, and Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy.


In a ceremony using the same historic rail station that many immigrants of the past used after leaving nearby Ellis Island, Corzine was joined by local officials and representatives from various community organizations, including Valentine, who said his group was invited to join the event to show support.
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Corzine's action was prompted by Morristown's announcement that it would begin to use local police to enforce federal immigration laws. In his executive order, Corzine noted that the federal government sets immigrant policy while states bear the brunt of development and implementing policies to assist an immigrant's integration into society.

"For years, New Jersey has been a gateway to America - a place of opportunity and new beginnings," Corzine said. "And today we take an important step in creating a comprehensive statewide strategy for weaving immigrants into the economic, social and civic fabric our communities and state."

State Sen. Ronald Rice of Newark and a member of the panel and chair of the African American Legislative Caucus was on hand to support Corzine's efforts.

"When people come to this country, often under duress, they need a place to live and a way to provide needed healthcare for their families," Rice said. "But immigrants also need to be treated with respect and be granted the basic human rights associated with the dignity of living in America. We are still a nation of immigrants, and we can never forget that. I am hopeful that the governor's blue ribbon panel will expose the injustices imposed on many immigrants today as they struggle for survival. It's time to ensure justice for immigrants who today often find the path to citizenship marked with violent attacks, job discrimination, and inequality."

Assemblyman Joe Vas, who is also the mayor of Perth Amboy and the Hispanic Legislative Caucus's representative on the panel, said, "Undocumented residents have become an incredibly important facet of our nation's economy and they deserve to be treated in a matter that is respectful and well-reasoned. It's good to see New Jersey moving in a rational manner where the federal government has failed so miserably. This advisory panel is a solid step toward fostering a constructive dialogue on the immigration issue. It will enable all parties to avoid the xenophobic and ill-informed hysteria that too often accompanies the issue."

The governor's executive order authorizes the panel to call upon any department, office, division or agency of the state to supply it with any information, personnel or other assistance available as deemed necessary to carry out its duties. As the panel begins to deliberate on issues such as farm labor, driving privileges and other issues it deems necessary, the panel will consult with experts in those fields.

"The creation of this panel certainly demonstrates the governor's commitment to ensuring that all New Jersey residents enjoy equal opportunities to participate in the wealth, culture and diversity of this state," said Public Advocate Chen. "I share that commitment and feel honored to be part of this effort. On a state level, we must work toward developing policies and programs that encourage our newest residents to integrate into our communities, helping to fuel our economic growth, enhance our social network, and enrich our cultural fabric. This panel will work hard toward achieving these vital goals."

The advisory panel will consist of 27 members. The governor will appoint 18 public members from various arenas. There will be two legislatives members, one each from the African-American and Latino legislative caucuses. There will also be seven commissioners or their designees who will serve as ex-officio members. Along with Valentine, members of the BHA who attended the signing included Abett Hernandez, president of the BHA.

"We at the Bayonne Hispanic Association believed that, for the first time in the history of New Jersey, the governor has taken the lead in the nation to establish a panel of such dignified nature that will analyze laws that will effect the immigration population," Valentine said. "We're also affirmed that the immigrants in this country, particularly in the State of New Jersey, have contributed a great deal to the infrastructure of the economy with their labor and contributions to the United States. We look forward to establishing more affiliations with other organizations in New Jersey to bring more education, orientation, and support to the immigration population in this city."

Valentine said his organization looked forward to working closely with Sires' office to help provide information needed.

I'm so sick of this! These are NOT immigrants deserving of respect and dignity. They did NOT enter through Ellis Island or any legal venue. They are criminal invader parasites who are destroying our country.

They still can't hear the word ILLEGAL!!

"When people come to this country, often under duress, they need a place to live and a way to provide needed healthcare for their families," Rice said. "But immigrants also need to be treated with respect and be granted the basic human rights associated with the dignity of living in America. We are still a nation of immigrants, and we can never forget that. I am hopeful that the governor's blue ribbon panel will expose the injustices imposed on many immigrants today as they struggle for survival. It's time to ensure justice for immigrants who today often find the path to citizenship marked with violent attacks, job discrimination, and inequality."

This is what this man is concerned with, the injustice toward illegals? Injustices? What about the injustice on the 3 college kids who were murdered by an illegal? This happened in your district, Mr. Rice and you still care about illegals more than the 3 AMERICANS who were murdered.

I thought Corzine was pure evil before this. Now he has the nerve to go through with this after the execution of 3 AMERICANS by an ILLEGAL.

He is the just pure evil.

They may use the word immigrant here, but we know Corzine and crew want to protect illegals. The reason he formed this innitiative is because of what the mayor fo Morristown wanted to do. Illegals are unethical lawbreakers just like Corzine.

When are the people of NJ going to wake up? I stil do not understand how this devil got elected and continues to stay in office with all the illegal and unethical things he has done.

Love your sign FedUp


Corzine needs to disappear........... maybe we could all go together and rent a freedom train for them,once they are aboard lock the doors,destination ??? Mexico City.

Originally Posted by USPatriot

Love your sign FedUp


Corzine needs to disappear........... maybe we could all go together and rent a freedom train for them,once they are aboard lock the doors,destination ??? Mexico City.

Sounds good-but we need to make sure we have a secure border or Corzine will just pay a coyote to sneak him across.