Thread: South Carolina Reform Passes Legislature, Governor Will Sign

Feb. 3, 2008, 12:16AM
Laws aimed at hiring illegal workers drive many to Texas
Crackdown in nearby states brings influx

By JAMES PINKERTON
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Illegal immigrants are flowing into Texas across its long borders. But they aren't just swimming across the Rio Grande from Mexico or making dangerous treks through the rugged desert.

Instead, a new rush of illegal immigrants are driving down Interstate 35 from Oklahoma or heading east to Texas from Arizona to flee tough new anti-illegal immigrant laws in those and other states.

Though few numbers are available because illegal residents are difficult to track, community activists say immigrants have arrived in Houston and Dallas in recent months, and they expect hundreds more families to relocate to the Bayou City soon.

''They're really tightening the screws," said Mario Ortiz, an undocumented Mexican worker who came to Houston after leaving Phoenix last year. ''There have been a lot coming — it could be 100 a day."

The growing exodus is the result of dozens of new state and local laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration. The two toughest measures are in Oklahoma and Arizona.

The Oklahoma statute, which took effect in November, makes it a crime to transport, harbor or hire illegal immigrants. Effective Jan. 1, the Arizona law suspends the business license of employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. On a second offense, the license is revoked.

''It's a wave that's happening across the United States," said Nelson Reyes, executive director of the Central American Resource Center in Houston, which has helped immigrants who recently relocated in Houston from Virginia and South Carolina. ''There is a migration, within the United States, to the states and cities more receptive to the reality of the undocumented immigrant."

Opponants told us that our economy would be ruined without these people...we haven't been ruined. if there were any impact, it would be on those who use illegals for more profit rather than pay amreicans fair wages, and those businessess who catered to illegals. IMO. we were losing so much money for illegals to benefit from out services meant for our citizens. the growing crime rate in OK was one of the catalyst for these tougher laws. that has been a postive impact on that issue too.

''It's a wave that's happening across the United States," said Nelson Reyes, executive director of the Central American Resource Center in Houston, which has helped immigrants who recently relocated in Houston from Virginia and South Carolina. ''There is a migration, within the United States, to the states and cities more receptive to the reality of the undocumented immigrant."

And why is it BECAUSE ENFORCEMENT WORKS. DO YOU HEAR ME NOW D.C.

Originally Posted by ladyshondra

Feb. 3, 2008, 12:16AM
Laws aimed at hiring illegal workers drive many to Texas
Crackdown in nearby states brings influx

By JAMES PINKERTON
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Illegal immigrants are flowing into Texas across its long borders. But they aren't just swimming across the Rio Grande from Mexico or making dangerous treks through the rugged desert.

Instead, a new rush of illegal immigrants are driving down Interstate 35 from Oklahoma or heading east to Texas from Arizona to flee tough new anti-illegal immigrant laws in those and other states.

Though few numbers are available because illegal residents are difficult to track, community activists say immigrants have arrived in Houston and Dallas in recent months, and they expect hundreds more families to relocate to the Bayou City soon.

''They're really tightening the screws," said Mario Ortiz, an undocumented Mexican worker who came to Houston after leaving Phoenix last year. ''There have been a lot coming — it could be 100 a day."

The growing exodus is the result of dozens of new state and local laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration. The two toughest measures are in Oklahoma and Arizona.

The Oklahoma statute, which took effect in November, makes it a crime to transport, harbor or hire illegal immigrants. Effective Jan. 1, the Arizona law suspends the business license of employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. On a second offense, the license is revoked.

''It's a wave that's happening across the United States," said Nelson Reyes, executive director of the Central American Resource Center in Houston, which has helped immigrants who recently relocated in Houston from Virginia and South Carolina. ''There is a migration, within the United States, to the states and cities more receptive to the reality of the undocumented immigrant."

Opponants told us that our economy would be ruined without these people...we haven't been ruined. if there were any impact, it would be on those who use illegals for more profit rather than pay amreicans fair wages, and those businessess who catered to illegals. IMO. we were losing so much money for illegals to benefit from out services meant for our citizens. the growing crime rate in OK was one of the catalyst for these tougher laws. that has been a postive impact on that issue too.

Here is the original posting of this article:

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-102434-mario.html+ortiz

IF our existing immigrations laws were only actually enforced, that would solve so many problems with illegals. then states would not be forced to deal with them themselves. why don't we just enforce federal laws?

thanks for posting the link to the article. i didn't realize that it had already been posted..guess it doesn't hurt to remind people of it lol...

Originally Posted by zeezil

She said the Hispanic community is worried, and businesses such as hers are already feeling the effects of fewer customers

There are two points to be derived from this statement:
1. If you are here illegally, of any race-creed-or nationality, you should be worried.
2. Businesses that depend on illegal aliens will inevitably have their economics disrupted when immigration enforcement occurs. If your business model is based on illegal aliens...to damn bad..! :P

Exactly Zeezil..!

..and your signature:

"If you can't do business legally, then you have NO business being in business."

..is soo TRUE..!


PS:
Welcome to ALL the 'New Recruits'..!

Governor Sanford Expected to Sign Tough Immigration Bill posted 5:48 pm Sun June 01, 2008 - Mount Pleasant, SC reporter: Renee Williams posted by: Shantel Middleton from ABC News 4 -

The much debated immigration reform bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for approval and supporters say illegal immigrants will start fleeing the state. Immigrants disagree and say the state’s economy will suffer.


Months of fiery debate between legislators is finally coming to an end. As that battle winds down, another one is brewing.


“Have you considered the American children that these undocumented have in the state of South Carolina,â€

This is my response to Ms. Salazar abour her comments in the article----
Ms. Salazar,

There are a few things that need to be brought up about your statements in this article. Their kids may be American citizens according to an outdated interpretation of the 14th Amendment ,but the primary responsibility for them falls to their parents because they elected to put them in the position they currently find themselves in. Just like every other parent in this state and country. This bill was passed because the people of this great state are fed up with our laws not being enforced. We have been invaded by a half million illegal aliens from other countries and all you want to do is be a mouthpiece for them.
The Statue of Liberty might hold a torch in her right hand, but in her left is a book, called the Book of Laws. That is what this country is based on, LAWS, and not a belief that there are certain groups of people that should not be held responsible for their actions. What you advocate is anarchy, pure and simple and the people are getting mad and responding in great numbers. You have lost the argument and you can present no logical answer other that to give them amnesty because some of their kids are American. Therefore, I have the answer for you. They take their kids with them and go back to their countries and when that child reaches the age of 18, he will be welcomed back into American society with open arms. Or they can leave them here, under the care of the American taxpayer. The choice is theirs.
This country belongs to the American people and not special interest groups trying to cram their agenda down our throats. On this bill the people of South Carolina spoke loud and clear.

Hats off to South Carolina. Nothing like a little common sense and respect for the law.