Thread: Immigration Laws Raise Concerns

Proposed Local Immigration Laws Raise Concerns Of Discrimination

When the United States Senate failed to enact new immigration reform, some local lawmakers said they'll do it themselves.

The Tri-state has been wrestling with immigration issues, including homebuilders accused of hiring undocumented workers and a sheriff vowing to get them out of his county.

But some say the local politicians need to back down.

The people with whom 9News spoke to Tuesday agree reform is needed, but say the plan to put enforcement in local hands is unconstitutional – and just bad politics.

At a meeting in Monroe Tuesday, community and union leaders gathered to say they'll fight a proposed bill that would put illegal immigration enforcement in the hands of local law enforcement.

"This is a federal responsibility. This is something constitutionally designed for the nation government. How can we imagine the state legislature taking responsibility of things? They don't have the resources," said Jason Riveiro, with the League of United Latin American Citizens.

But that's what State Representative Courtney Combs, accompanied by Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones, plans to propose to the Ohio legislature.

He wants felony charges brought against people who conceal or transport illegal immigrants.

Those gathered in Monroe Tuesday worry what that could mean.

"How are they implementing this? Are they racial profiling?," asked Riveiro.

"Too often we talk with workers in this area and across the state," said Bill Dudley, with UFCW Local 1099. "They've been mistreated, exploited on the job. They don't need to be mistreated and exploited on the street, in homes or going shopping.

Ana Mallen works with people who've experience discriminating and worries it will get worse if these laws are passed.

She tells a story of a young girl heckled on a bus to school in Mason.

"They chanted, 'We hate Mexicans, we hate Mexicans.' She was in tears," said Mallen.

"These are five to seven-year-old children who have learned to hate Mexicans," said Mallen.

Those gathered Tuesday agree immigration reform is needed, but say putting it in the hands of state and local law enforcement means too many people coming up with the rules.

"Who's gonna be punished are immigrant workers who come here to make a life for their family and themselves," said Don Sherman, of the Interfaith Workers' Center.

The group announced Tuesday a plan to open a "workers' center" next month to help all workers deal with unjust treatment.

As for the lawmakers, they say they plan to introduce their bills about state and local enforcement in September.

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.as ... 0d373b#top

"Who's gonna be punished are immigrant workers who come here to make a life for their family and themselves," said Don Sherman, of the Interfaith Workers' Center.

Notice how they completely gloss over them being Illegal Aliens, like it didn't exist and people were just punishing all these good "immigrant" people. They claim faith but are deceptive, lying and aiding criminals! They know nothing about these people. They have no idea how many murderers, rapists, etc. are mixed in with them and all obeying the laws does it separate the good from the bad. These idiots cannot possibily grasp the concept of law and order as opposed to anarchy. They are governed ONLY by their emotions, not logic...typical liberal socialists!