Thread: Renewed immigration debate stirs mixed feelings

Renewed immigration debate stirs mixed feelings

By Steve Ramirez
sramirez@lcsun-news.com
Posted: 05/25/2010 11:07:58 PM MDT

LAS CRUCES - Petra Mendoza is concerned about the potential impacts of an Arizona law aimed at curbing illegal immigration into the U.S.

But Mendoza, a Las Cruces cashier, doesn't feel any less safe or secure as long as she stays close to home. She doesn't plan on taking any extensive trips to Arizona any time soon, and believes the impact from an increase in National Guard troops patrolling the U.S. border with Mexico will be minimal, at the most.

"I don't like the Arizona law just because of the what-might-be, what-could-be part of it," Mendoza said. "Just because my last name is Mendoza I could end up going to jail in Arizona because somebody there thinks I'm an illegal? Who needs the hassles and headaches that could come from something that stupid. I'm staying here where just being me is good enough."

State and congressional leaders were pleased Tuesday to learn of President Obama's plans to increase National Guard troops along the border and to seek more federal money to improve security. But that was tempered with feelings that a more lasting solution to border security needs to be implemented.

"The rising violence along the U.S.-Mexico border represents a serious threat to our national security and a danger to the many U.S. citizens that live along the border," said Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M. "I've been fighting to get our National Guard to the border and to give the Border Patrol the tools they need to protect us."

Teague has also asked Obama to convene

a White House summit to build a policy that will address the border violence crisis, ensures that the violence won't spill into the U.S., and helps America get back to work on building border economies.
Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., also advocates for a long-lasting solution.

"While these new resources are a welcome step to alleviate this dire situation, they in no way replace the need for a comprehensive solution to secure our borders while respecting America's legacy as a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws," Udall said.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said the additional safeguards are needed, welcomed, and will be used.

"There are some important steps that we can take to continue to strengthen border security, such as ensuring that Border Patrol agents can patrol closer to the actual border, particularly in our state's Bootheel," Bingaman said.

Gov. Bill Richardson also applauded Obama's decision to send as many as 1,200 additional National Guard troops to the border.

"I am pleased that the Obama Administration has responded to New Mexico's and the other border states' requests for additional security along the border," Richardson said. "Increased personnel will support our ongoing efforts to secure the border and maintain safety for all New Mexicans."

Since April 1, as many as 130 soldiers from the New Mexico National Guard Counter Drug Program have provided aerial reconnaissance, employed forward looking infra-red systems, mobile surveillance systems, and manned Customs and Border Protection skyboxes and listening or observation posts. State Guardsmen have also provided military police platoons to augment State Police efforts in all sectors on the border.

Richardson said an additional $500 million in federal funds is needed to pay for more federal agents, prosecutors, investigators and technology at the border.

"I urge Congress to approve this additional money for personnel and other security measures along the border," Richardson said. "It is a good first step. However, I am also calling on Congress to act quickly on a comprehensive immigration reform package that enforces U.S. hiring laws and includes a tough, but fair, path towards legalization for the estimated 12 million undocumented workers who currently live in this country."

But Ralph Arellanes, state director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), said he's got mixed emotions about Obama's plan.

"Things are getting pretty out of hand along the border," said Arellanes, referring to the increase in border violence and the public debate Arizona's new law has created. "LULAC has deep concerns about what's going on at the border, and is never in favor of militarization of the border. Trouble can just as easily enter the United States from the Canadian border as it can from the Mexican border."

Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452

http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_15162619

LULAC has deep concerns about what's going on at the border, and is never in favor of militarization of the border. Trouble can just as easily enter the United States from the Canadian border as it can from the Mexican border."

Riiight. LULAC doesn't want militarization of the border because it would keep their countrymen out. They'll need those folks if they want to complete a reconquista.

I dare LULAC to find 20 million illegal Canadians in the U.S. soaking up every social welfare benefit they can, popping out babies on a record pace.