http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=11507450

Tea Parties Protest Against Upcoming Legislation

Posted: Nov 14, 2009 10:11 PM CST

Updated: Nov 14, 2009 10:11 PM CST


More than 50 cities across America, including Grand Island, stood up in protest Saturday. They're arguing against new legislation favoring illegal immigrants.

"Honk if you love America!"

The American stripes in hand, local Tea Party members protest in a scene playing out coast to coast Saturday.

"All over the country, every sanctuary city, which Grand Island is one," said James Mcauley of Broken Bow.

Citizens like Mcauley are outraged at new legislation being presented on Wednesday by an Illinois representative.


G.I. Minutemen Leader Mark McCaffery said, "It boils down to the same thing of granting legal status to foreign nationals that are here in violation of our laws."

Representative Luis Gutierrez's proposal calls for legalizing 12 million illegal's, but he writes, only workers. "If you come here to hurt our communities, we will not support you."

The possibility of more crime is exactly what concerns Mcauley.

"People from 26 countries across from our southern borders, we don't know who these people
are or what they're bringing, that's why there's crime here."

Other parts of the proposal would grant amnesty to illegal agricultural workers
and illegal who came to America as children, if they meet certain education requirements.

But these folks say no. And though this tea party may be smaller than others across the country, organizers hope it spurs discussion inside vehicles driving by.

"You may have a brother or a cousin in another state, you talk about it. Thanksgiving is
coming up, the word gets out," said Mike Van Winkle.

They hope the word spreads far enough by Wednesday, to make a difference.

Reporter's Notes: Stacia Kalinoski:

Another aspect of the amnesty proposal would reverse current law to let states provide taxpayer funded in-state tuition to illegal aliens.