Immigrants discuss reform bill next step
By Jennifer W. Sanchez
The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:07/11/2007 01:10:08 AM MDT

Immigrants and their advocates along the Wasatch Front say they're not sure if Democrats or Republicans are on their side, but, regardless, they don't want the immigration reform bill to die.
Some 30 people, mostly Latinos, met Tuesday at the Horizonte Training Center in Salt Lake City to discuss what the immigrant community in Utah should be doing while the immigration reform bill is stalled in Congress.
Many agreed that massive marches might not be suitable for now, especially since many of them don't have voting rights.
But, they said it's important for the community to be organized and prepared.
The group decided to plan another community meeting in the next few weeks and invite congressional representatives. The meeting, which was held in Spanish and some English, was organized by pro-immigration activist Tony Yapias.
Mateo Gonzalez, an undocumented worker who moved from Mexico to Utah nine years ago, said it seems as if lawmakers and government officials don't want to compromise on immigration reform because undocumented workers and their families are the only ones losing in the debate.
The workers, he said, are the ones who perform low-wage jobs without health-care and retirement benefits. Even if they are educated or want to advance, they are not in the United States legally,
Gonzalez said.
Still, he hopes Congress votes on a bill this year.
"This is very necessary for us."
Luis Cortez, a father of four U.S.-born kids, has been legally visiting Utah for 14 years on a tourist visa, but he calls Salt Lake City home. He said he doesn't know how citizens can question immigrants' loyalty to the United States, especially with so many Latinos serving in the U.S. military.
"I think I'm more American than a lot of Americans," he said.
jsanchez@sltrib.com

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_6346040