Thread: WIS-Latino leaders protest Senate's removal of immigrant pro

Latino leaders protest Senate's removal of immigrant provisions
By Georgia Pabst

Updated: Jun. 17, 2009 12:25 p.m.

Christne Neumann-Ortiz (center), director of Voces de la Frontera, Tony Baez (right), executive director of the Council for the Spanish Speaking, and other Latino leaders expressed outrage Wednesday over a vote by state Senate Democrats to remove provisions for in-state tuition and driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Students, along with business and religious leaders, also voiced anger over the vote of state Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee), who represents a district with a large Latino population.

Close Leaders in Milwaukee's Latino community expressed outrage Wednesday that state Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) and other Democrats removed provisions in the state budget that would allow some undocumented students to pay in-state college tuition and let illegal immigrants receive certificates that would allow them to legally drive.

Both measures had passed the Assembly and are included in the governor's budget. Voces de la Frontera and supporters have written hundreds of post cards and lobbied hard for both measures that were spearheaded in Madison by Rep. Pedro Colón (D-Milwaukee), the lone Latino in the Legislature.

But late Tuesday the Senate Democratic caucus removed both. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the director of Voces, an immigrants rights group, said she was told that Carpenter told legislators that Latinos in his district were opposed to both measures.

"It's an absolute disgrace and unbelievable that he would make such a statement," she said during a hastily called news conference Wednesday morning.

Carpenter, who represents a district with a large Latino population, could not be reached for comment.

"Education is the bridge to the 21st century, and never did I think Sen. Carpenter would stand in the way of education . . . ," said Ricardo Diaz, the director the United Community Center, which houses the Bruce Guadalupe School. His voice rising in anger, he added: "Senator, you need to move away from the front door and allow these children to get in."

Ald. James Witkowiak, who represents the largely Latino south side district, said: "These people are my neighbors and my friends and they are here to stay. They should be allowed to drive and get educational opportunities the same as anyone else."

Milwaukee School Board member Larry Miller added: "Shame on you, Senator Carpenter. This is an outrage. Our job is to support our students, and in-state tuition and driver's licenses are fundamental rights."

The driving certificate could not be used as federal identification at airports, but would allow those who can't prove citizenship to drive. It's been backed by a number of laws enforcement officials, including Milwaukee's Police Chief Ed Flynn.



http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/48253547.html

Milwaukee School Board member Larry Miller added: "Shame on you, Senator Carpenter. This is an outrage. Our job is to support our students, and in-state tuition and driver's licenses are fundamental rights."

Um no, Larry Miller, going to college and driver's licenses are a U.S. PRIVILEDGE, NOT A RIGHT!!!

Originally Posted by American-ized

Milwaukee School Board member Larry Miller added: "Shame on you, Senator Carpenter. This is an outrage. Our job is to support our students, and in-state tuition and driver's licenses are fundamental rights."

Um no, Larry Miller, going to college and driver's licenses are a U.S. PRIVILEDGE, NOT A RIGHT!!!

Couldn't have said it better myself, American-ized. Nice wake up call Wisconsin! This is a MAJOR victory in my eyes, especially since it looked to be a done deal

This is very encouraging news!

W

Ald. James Witkowiak, who represents the largely Latino south side district, said: "These people are my neighbors and my friends and they are here to stay.

Well Jimmy you might just be WRONG!

Ald. James Witkowiak, who represents the largely Latino south side district, said: "These people are my neighbors and my friends and they are here to stay."

Well James they are welcome to stay at your house and you can pay for their education. Almost everyone else wants them gone!

I sent an email to some of the Wisconsin legislators expressing my interest in retiring to Wisconsin, but let them know I would have to reconsider that decision if Wisconsin were to become a santuary state. Glad they listened.

Great Jobs Alipacers!!

Close Leaders in Milwaukee's Latino community expressed outrage Wednesday that state Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) and other Democrats removed provisions in the state budget that would allow some undocumented students to pay in-state college tuition and let illegal immigrants receive certificates that would allow them to legally drive.

ARE THEY FREAKIN CRAZY! Why do these people think illegal immigrants should receive special privledges?

But late Tuesday the Senate Democratic caucus removed both. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, the director of Voces, an immigrants rights group, said she was told that Carpenter told legislators that Latinos in his district were opposed to both measures.

"It's an absolute disgrace and unbelievable that he would make such a statement," she said during a hastily called news conference Wednesday morning.

Ortiz is desperately grabbing at straws and freaking out. LEGAL latinos are against rewarding illegal aliens and we do let our reps know. Illegal aliens and those who profit from them (ahem, Christine) are the ones who want these provisions, the rest of the country does not.

Good for Carpenter, for standing against these hate-filled, race-baiting specials interest groups!