Thread: PA - Allentown City Council rejects immigration bill

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1- ... 7837.story

January 18, 2007

Allentown City Council rejects immigration bill

Hershman wanted police to crack down on illegals, but bill is defeated 5-2. Supporters may try to put measure on ballot.

By Scott Kraus Of the Morning Call After two agonizing hours of public comment Wednesday, Allentown City Council shot down Councilman Lou Hershman's proposal to fight illegal immigration, forcing supporters to try collecting the signatures of 2,000 city voters to put it on the ballot.

Hershman wanted to order the city Police Department to train officers in immigration law and to sign an agreement with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ramp up its local enforcement activities.


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Mobile News | Subscribe Online | Order Reprints But a majority of council felt the city already was cooperating adequately with federal immigration agents and that the city police force had plenty else to do.

''When there are [immigration] issues, they are dealt with,'' said Councilman Tony Phillips. ''Why make laws that you can't enforce and can't afford?''

Council voted 5-2 against enacting the proposal, and 4-3 against putting it on the May primary ballot.

Councilman David Bausch joined Hershman on the losing side of both votes.

Council President David M. Howells III split his votes, providing the third vote in favor of placing the proposal before the voters.

At the start of the meeting, Hershman told his colleagues he would not be silenced by a defeat.

''If you don't think I can get 2,000 signatures, I will,'' Hershman said.

Police Chief Roger MacLean told council Hershman's proposal would burden his depleted department by creating additional obligations, and provide little benefit. He said the city already notifies federal authorities when it comes across illegal immigrants.

With or without the proposed agreement, MacLean said, immigration law violators would be turned over the federal authorities.

''We can't just go into a work site and say, 'Show us your papers,''' MacLean said.

Leaders of the city's Human Relations Commission also came out against Hershman's proposal, saying it would create racial and ethnic divisions.

Commission Chairwoman Lisette diPaula said the Police Department should be focusing all its resources on fighting other crimes.

''This city needs vigilance,'' diPaula said. ''There are a lot of things going on and they are not about illegal immigration. That's fear.''

And Luis Goyzueta, president of the Hispanic Political Caucus, said he would seek to penalize Hershman ''at the ballot box'' in his run for city controller in this year's election.

Supporters of Hershman's proposal said it was simply about enforcing the law.

''Maybe the federal government needs some help trying to catch all of them,'' said Sandy Miller of S. Fifth Street, who pointed out that some estimates place the number of illegal immigrants in the United States as high as 12 million.

But opponents said the measure had inescapable undertones of prejudice.

''It's nothing but a mean-spirited attack on Latinos and Latina members of the community,'' said Adrian Shanker, a Muhlenberg College student.

Allen Ritter, of S. Third Street, said illegal immigration opponents are not racists, but are trying to make sure the country's laws are enforced and its borders protected.

''Mr. Hershman has the guts to do what is needed to be done in this city,'' Ritter said.

In other business, council President Howells retained his leadership post without a challenge.

Councilman Julio Guridy, who was elected vice president, said he wanted to nominate an alternative candidate, but didn't have the votes to unseat Howells.

http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=F ... ic&t=51874

UPDATE

''It's nothing but a mean-spirited attack on Latinos and Latina members of the community,'' said Adrian Shanker, a Muhlenberg College student.

No Mr. Shanker, it's a well intentioned plan designed to aid in the enforcement of our immigration laws.