http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 80304/1002

Article published Nov 28, 2005
Washington City takes stand against illegal immigration

Councilwoman: City won't foster illegal immigration by turning blind eye
By JILL PRICHARD HUNT
jill@thespectrum.com

WASHINGTON CITY - The debate over illegal immigration is largely becoming a local government issue and was the main conversation during the discussion segment of the Washington City Council meeting on Nov. 22.

During the council meeting, Councilwoman Jean Arbuckle opened up discussion on the position the city needs to take against the growing problems that are caused by extensive illegal immigration.

"I don't think for one moment we can cure the ills of this nation, but we can take a stand," Arbuckle said. "We've all taken an oath to protect our city and as an elected official I take that oath seriously."

According to a U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service summary release dated Jan. 31, 2003, the U.S. Census data said there were 7 million undocumented people residing in the United States. In the Executive Summary, Mexico was listed as the "largest source of unauthorized immigration to the U.S."

The council discussed the city's policy on the hiring of companies who condone the employment of illegal aliens. With the city's rapid growth rate, construction activity will multiply, and some construction companies are reportedly more prone to hire illegals for cheaper wages.

According to the 2004 Homeland Security Office of Immigration Statistics, Characteristics of Employment-based Legal Permanent residents, there were a total of 946,142 recipients. The LPRs are the "green card" holders who are given authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.

However, only 16 percent of the LPRs were "employment-based immigrants" meaning they specifically came to the United States for work, sponsored by employees and have gained legal citizenship.

Jeff Starkey, Washington City attorney, said if the contractor fails to comply with the city's policy, the company will be listed as a non-responsible contractor. They are then no longer allowed to make bids for projects in Washington City.

"I'm offended that people come in and take advantage of us," Starkey said. "I am offended the federal government let's them continue to do so."

Council members agreed.

"My goal is not to have the city do the state's and federal government's jobs," Arbuckle said. "But the city will take a stand and not protect or foster illegal immigration by turning a blind eye."

"If every city in the U.S. put some pressure on their local government leaders - change would happen," Councilman Micheal Heaton said. "Their decision to ignore the problem is at our expense."

"We cannot profile - It's not people of different ethnic groups that is the problem," Arbuckle said. "People of different cultures are great, but if they're here illegally then there's reasons they can't get in legally. The border states - California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas - are going bankrupt. They're having a terrible time because of illegal immigration."

The Center for Immigration Studies, an independent, non-partisan, non-profit research organization, states that the costs of illegal immigrants stretches into emergency medical care, education and crime prevention. According to the Web site, costs of immigration are up to approximately $22 billion per year in government services to illegal immigrants - services that are funded on the state and local levels.

"Some of us have lived through this problem in other areas and don't want to go through it again," Arbuckle said. "It's (the illegal immigration financial strain) moved to Las Vegas. The next step is to move north - to Washington County. Illegal immigration is not unique to Washington City or Utah, it's nation-wide. The problem is we all pay for it. That's the sad part about it. The federal and state governments don't seem to be working on the problem or giving it much consideration. We need to protect our little corner of the world."