Debate on illegal immigration grows larger
8/19/2008 9:50:04 AM

By Karen Colbenson

Post-Bulletin, Austin MN

A group that blames Austin's Welcome Center for much of the city's economic and crime issues is gaining attention as more people on both sides of the immigration debate begin to speak out.

More than 100 people and some local politicians on Monday attended an open forum sponsored by the Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction, led by Ron Branstner of the California Minutemen. Both the coalition and the California Minutemen oppose illegal immigration, but several in the audience questioned the group's claims. It was one of several such meetings held in Austin and led by Branstner.

Panelists included Susan Tully, Midwest field director for Federation for American Immigration Reform; Ruthie Hendrycks, founder/president of Minnesotans Seeking Immigration Reform; and Dell Erickson, author and educator.

"We need to shut down the Welcome Center," said Branstner. "It's a big magnet to the whole state."

One man who attended the meeting asked Branstner if he could prove his claims about the Welcome Center.

"Yes, I can prove it," said Branstner. "I got the facts on it."

Tully said the real issue is that "we have plenty of our own homegrown criminals, we don't need any more."

Hendrycks said she seeks a "sensible" policy on immigration, but it's up to citizens to demand it from their local and state governments.

"Everyone in the world would love to share in the American dream," said Hendrycks. "I oppose all forms of illegal immigration. There are legal immigrants who have busted their butts to come here."

Some who attended the meeting said they believe the meetings are too "one-sided."

"Everyone gets seemingly put in the same basket," said Austin resident Marv Repinksi. "We need to learn to live together because the issue won't go away. We need to find some even ground. A lot of people here seem to speak from anger and resentment."

Anna Caballero, who said she was born and raised in Austin, supports all forms of immigration because she believes everyone has right to work and support their families.

"There are people of all colors committing crimes," said Caballero. "Not everyone who comes here is bad."

Republican State Sen. Dick Day, who recently authored a plan to secure America's borders, has attended several of MCFIR's meetings in Austin because he said he supports the group's mission.

"I'm here because (illegal immigration) is a big issue in the district," said Day. "We should know who is in the U.S. and what they are doing here. I think its wonderful that a group of people is willing to talk about it."
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