Thread: Immigration advocates air worries

http://lcsun-news.com/news/ci_4119579

Immigration advocates air worries
By Diana M. Alba Sun-News reporter


Concerns about an upcoming hearing by a U.S. House committee prompted a meeting Monday in Las Cruces among a group of immigration-reform advocates.

A Thursday field hearing in Las Cruces will focus on undocumented immigrants voting illegally.

Paul Martinez, state president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said he fears that the people who will participate in the hearing won't favor immigrants.

"We want to make sure our presence is known because a lot of times, people who are invited are against immigrants," he said.

The field hearing will be held by the House of Representatives Committee on House Administration, which develops policy for federal elections. Only people on a designated witness list will be able to speak at the hearing, although officials have said anyone can submit written comments.

On Monday, Elsa Ramirez, a panelist from the People for the American Way, said some states have had difficulty implementing requirements for a photo identification when voting. People sometimes don't have an acceptable photo ID, and obtaining one can be costly, she said. The state laws disproportionately affect minority groups, she said.

"Personally I haven't seen any evidence that shows a problem with voter fraud," she said.

About 10 other panelists spoke on a range of immigration-related topics, and much of the discussion wasn't directly tied to the upcoming hearing. Most panelists spoke in English and Spanish. About 25 people, including several immigrants, attended.

Las Crucen Noemi Margarita Meza said the panelists were helpful.

"I hope they hold more meetings like this in the future," she said. "The Spanish-speaking community needs more information."

Meza, an immigrant who's a legal resident, said immigrants are often limited by their lack of knowledge about their rights and other issues that impact them, something that needs to change. Immigrants face much opposition though, she said, so it won't be easy.

"We have to learn," she said. "You have to put the information in your head."

Maria Isabel Garcia, 50, of Las Cruces, said she, too, appreciated the meeting.

"It's important because we need to stay together," she said. "Hispanics right now — we will not accept discrimination. We work. We pay taxes. We want respect."

Martinez said the Monday meeting also was meant to inform residents about issues surrounding immigration and let them know about the group's stance on immigration reform.

The Senate and House have passed very different versions of immigration reform bills. The House's measure emphasizes enforcement of existing laws. Controversial provisions include measures that would make immigrating illegally or hiring an undocumented worker felonies. The Senate bill would create a path to citizenship for existing illegal immigrants and beef up border security. Opponents argue it's an amnesty program in disguise.

Martinez said LULAC is pushing for a comprehensive immigration reform bill, like the Senate's.

"This is a very important issue," he said. "If we have the voice and the vote, we can make changes."


Diana M. Alba can be reached at dalba@lcsun-news.com


If you go

What: House committee hearing

When: 9 a.m. Thursday

Where: Memorial Medical Center, 2450 Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces


On the Net

http://cha.house.gov

People sometimes don't have an acceptable photo ID, and obtaining one can be costly,

Come on!!! 5-10 bucks and you got to have one if you are going to do any LEGAL business. It's obviously a ploy to implement voter fraud. Nothing else makes sense.