Seattle accused of helping illegal immigrants

The Associated Press

SEATTLE — Washington, D-C, based "Judicial Watch" says a Seattle day labor center supported by taxpayer money encourages illegal immigration.

Judicial Watch says the city of Seattle has given nearly $400,000 to Casa Latina and that amounts to abetting illegal immigration in violation of federal law.

A spokesman for the mayor says the city is a strong supporter of Casa Latina's effort to help people find work.

Similar pressure from Judicial Watch forced an immigrant day labor center to close in the Virginia town of Herndon.

Casa Latina also has received $1 million in state money. It's in the process of moving to a new $3.5 million location (at 17th Avenue South and South Jackson Street) that will consolidate the day labor center with English language training and other immigrant services.

The director of Casa Latina, Hilary Stern, says it encourages compliance with the law. She says Judicial Watch has a racist agenda that won't fly in Seattle.

A spokeswoman for Judicial Watch, Jill Farrell, says it is in no way racist; it's in favor of legal immigration.

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