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Immigration control can start here, residents say
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
By WENDY REEVES
Times Staff Writer wendy.reeves@htimes.com
MADISON - Madison resident and Vietnam veteran Ken Casey questions why immigration reform can't start right here in Madison County.

"I can't impact on a great scale what happens in Washington, but why can't we start right here in Madison, Huntsville or Madison County?" Casey asked during a Monday night forum about illegal immigration. "Our country was built on ideas that came from states acting as incubators."

Casey was one of about 35 residents who applauded putting a stop to jobs and free benefits that lure illegal immigrants to the U.S., Alabama and Madison County.

"We've realized the federal government is not interested and we can't get a legislative majority to back legislation on a state level, so we'll keep lobbying," said Elois Zeanah, chair of illegal immigration issues for the Alabama Federation of Republican Women. "But we can start in our neighborhoods."

Zeanah was one of three panelists at the forum sponsored by the Republican Women of Madison at City Hall. Other panelists included State Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, and Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks.

All three panelists said starting at a local level to become an example of how effective changes can be made is a good idea.

Zeanah said illegal immigration is a factor in how much residents pay in taxes, for health insurance and to educate their children. It impacts the crime rate, the federal deficit "and, if left unchecked, it will have devastating and irreversible impacts."

Residents had other concerns.

Hugh McInnish of Huntsville said when German natives moved to Huntsville to work with the space program, their children learned to speak English.

"The Mexicans that are coming here have no intention of learning our language or our culture ... and, if we have two cultures, it will kill our country," he said.

Phillip Thrasher, a hardwood floor installer who just moved back to Madison County from Tennessee, said he's worried about what he's seeing in the construction industry with the increasing presence of illegal workers.

Kenneth Stallings of Madison wonders why illegal immigrants can't be identified and tracked when a hotel can track his identity in Sweden.

Brooks said it can be done "if the state or federal government was interested but they don't see it as a major problem."

Illegal immigration is a nonpartisan issue, Zeanah said.

"It affects one and all," she said. "And we the people have to rise up and make sure things get changed."