http://www.whnt.com/Global/story.asp?S=5202435
Should Huntsville Welcome Illegal Immigrant?


July 26, 2006

Steve Johnson Reporting:

It's a fact of Huntsville life. Hispanics are part of the community. They can be legal first generation Americans, or they can be illegal workers. It's a hot button issue all over the country. "But here, we can act to be more hospitable, and open and compassionate to people, and I think that's the kind of message that we want to send for our town," says Mathew Smith of the Huntsville Human Rights Commission.

Wednesday, the Commission discussed a resolution that would officially state the city's stance on being welcoming and inclusive. Margaret Rotger of the Alabama Hispanic Association says something is needed to make immigrants a part of the community. "Whether they're illegal or not, the live here. They're human beings that are living here, they need to feel part of the community, and contribute to the community as well," says Rotger.

It's questionable if the average Huntsvillian wants a statement of welcoming. City native David Worley doesn't think so. He was asked what he thinks about it. "I think it could be useful if it's limited to legal aliens or immigrants," says Worley.

City Council member Glen Watson certainly doesn't want illegal immigrants in the city. That's why he's proposing his Illegal Immigration Relief Act Ordinance. It penalizes the employers of illegals. It fines landlords who rent to them. It makes English the official language for all city business. "We're not going to use incendiary language like trying to say we're going to declare English as the official language, which in the end will have no implications. But will say, you're not welcome," says Mathew Smith.

Another member of the commission says there's going to be more discussion to determine exactly what kind of resolution of welcome and inclusion, should be promoted. The council and mayor can sign it if they choose.
End of Story

I'm becoming worried about my hometown if they are debating this. I contacted the entire city council to let them know how I feel....trying to get a meeting with the mayor.