Thread: Latinos criticize immigration bill

http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/monte ... 690892.htm

Posted on Mon, Jan. 23, 2006

Latinos criticize immigration bill

By DENNY BOYLES
The Fresno Bee

FRESNO - Latinos from across California's Central Valley gathered Saturday afternoon in Fresno to raise awareness of proposed changes to immigration laws and the effect those changes would have on illegal immigrants.

House Resolution 4437, known as the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, would direct the secretary of homeland security to make numerous changes related to border security, including increased surveillance and harsher penalties for illegal immigrants who commit felonies.

The bill has been approved by the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate.

If passed into law, it would also mandate construction of security fences along the border with Mexico.

That measure, in particular, drew a strong response from those who attended the first meeting of what organizers call Æ’l Comiti or the ''We Won't Go'' Committee.

Organizers told those in attendance that building fences at the border and tightening immigration laws would also create barriers in homes where some family members have legal residency and others don't.

''This would make it a crime to help an illegal immigrant. If you harbored a relative who is here illegally, you could face charges,'' said Delfino Dominguez, through a translator.

''If this becomes law, the walls won't start at the border; they will start in your homes, between family members,'' Dominguez said.

Blanca Morelos, 35, who became a naturalized citizen five years ago, said those who lack citizenship shouldn't have to live in fear.

''I know a lot of people who have no legal residency that are never doing the wrong things. I see them getting up early and going to work to support their families. If there was a way to do that legally, they would,'' Morelos said.

Dr. Salvador Sandoval of Merced was born to illegal immigrant parents.

He said he is proof that no matter how people come to this country, they can be valuable members of society.

Committee organizer Polo Chavez said the next step for his group is to reach out to more members of their community, particularly those who are here legally. ''We need to educate those who can vote about this bill and what it would mean,'' he said. ''It wouldn't raise security. It would only hurt people trying to support their families.''

Organizers told those in attendance that building fences at the border and tightening immigration laws would also create barriers in homes where some family members have legal residency and others don't.

''This would make it a crime to help an illegal immigrant. If you harbored a relative who is here illegally, you could face charges,'' said Delfino Dominguez, through a translator.

''If this becomes law, the walls won't start at the border; they will start in your homes, between family members,'' Dominguez said.

I hate if for the families but, they did this to themselves.

Organizers told those in attendance that building fences at the border and tightening immigration laws would also create barriers in homes where some family members have legal residency and others don't.

''This would make it a crime to help an illegal immigrant. If you harbored a relative who is here illegally, you could face charges,'' said Delfino Dominguez, through a translator.

''If this becomes law, the walls won't start at the border; they will start in your homes, between family members,'' Dominguez said.

Tell your illegal family member to go back home, and you will send them $100 a month. That is what my wife did for 25 years with her mother in Vietnam, sent her $100 a month. It's plenty to live on in cheap countries like Vietnam.

Organizers told those in attendance that building fences at the border and tightening immigration laws would also create barriers in homes where some family members have legal residency and others don't.

''This would make it a crime to help an illegal immigrant. If you harbored a relative who is here illegally, you could face charges,'' said Delfino Dominguez, through a translator.

These people seem to know nothing of US laws. It's already a crime to harbor, aid and abet illegal immigrants. The fact that the administration turns a blind eye to this crime does not mean it isn't a crime.

Dr. Salvador Sandoval of Merced was born to illegal immigrant parents.

He said he is proof that no matter how people come to this country, they can be valuable members of society.

Dr. Salvador Sandoval a true anchor baby success story!