Mixed reaction on new immigration laws

by Billy Hesterman - Daily Herald Daily Herald | Posted: Thursday, March 17, 2011

A mixed reaction is coming out in response to Gov. Gary Herbert's signing of four immigration bills on Tuesday.

"I think what Utah did is taking immigration into a new direction in passing HB 116," said Tony Yapias, Director of Projecto Latino.

Yapias was happy to see Utah support a guest worker program for the undocumented workers that reside in Utah (House Bill 116) but not as pleased with the governor signing House Bill 497, the Utah Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act. HB 497 will give law enforcement officials the ability to check the immigration status of individuals charged of a crime if they meet certain criteria.

"My main concern is that we are giving police officers the authority to check people's immigration status. We have to be very careful what type of powers we give police officers. If we allow for this to happen now, what is next?" Another law "already deals with those who commit crimes," Yapias said.

Yapias said the signing of the bill has brought a sense of uncertainty to the Latino community in Utah. He explained that some Latino families now worry that an undocumented mother or father will have to leave their children and the family will be split up, because they fear being punished by a local police officer.

Yapias praised legislative leadership for passing the guest worker program saying House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, and Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, "see the big picture" in regards to immigration laws.

The Utah Minutemen project also had a mixed reaction to the governor's signing yesterday. Eli Cawley, chairman of the group, called the bill signing a "complete and utter smashing victory" for drug cartels in the Mexican mafia. Cawley also called the signing a great victory for "the cheap labor mongers at the chamber of commerce."

Cawley said that his group preferred a law enforcement-only solution to immigration and noted that the other bills signed are unconstitutional.

"I'm feeling utterly devastated," Cawley said. "I can't conceive the powers that be would let something unconstitutional go into effect."

Cawley stated he believes that the governor has no intention of enforcing the new law enforcement standards that are put into law by HB 497.

Cawley also claims that Herbert has betrayed the conservatives in the state. He said conservatives and Tea Party members may have to start looking for a new candidate to support in the 2012 election.

"Now that Herbert has come out on the side of the Mexican mafia," Cawley said, "it doesn't leave us any choice but to look elsewhere."

One group is pleased with the governor for signing the immigration bills. The Sutherland Institute, which has been an active participant in forming the immigration bills, felt Herbert put Utah on the right side of history by signing the historic pieces of legislation.

"The package of bills represents a broad spectrum of thought. HB 116 in particular is innovative and allows Utah to address issues of public safety, protecting freedom and civil rights, and promoting economic prosperity," said Paul Mero, president of the Institute.

Mero discounts the argument that Utah is opening its doors to drug cartels and criminals by signing the bills into law. "Whether you are an undocumented worker or a U.S. citizen, you can still be an awful person or a good person; your legal status has nothing to do with that."

Mero noted the comprehensive legislation needs refinement and the two-year start date for the guest worker program allows time for the state to build compacts with other states in dealing with immigration. He also points out the two years will give the federal government time to take charge of the immigration problems in the United States.

Utah is also gaining attention nationally for passage of the immigration reform bills. One group in particular is calling for a political rebellion against the lawmakers who voted in favor of HB 116. The group is also calling for a boycott on Utah businesses that have supported the passage of the bill.

"We want these politicians who have betrayed the American public on behalf of special interest groups, like the Chamber of Commerce, out of office, then HB 116 rescinded by their replacements, and finally any illegals they attempt to aid with the program deported," said William Gheen president of the Americans for Legal Immigration Political Action group in a written statement.

Gheen also criticized the LDS Church and U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, for their support of the immigration bills. Gheen claims the church violated their tax-exempt status by stating they were appreciative of what the Legislature had done. The groups says Hatch missed an opportunity to speak out against the bill and therefore supports "amnesty."

"Everyone in America is noticing that Utah just betrayed the nation by becoming the first sanctuary state for illegal aliens, moving unilaterally to try and rescind our existing federal immigration laws," Gheen said.

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/g ... a4475.html