Thread: Okla, New Immigration Law blame for death of Anchor baby

Okla. Immigration Law Blamed for Death
By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS Associated Press Writer

TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Edgar Castorena had diarrhea for 10 days and counting, and the illegal immigrant parents of the 2-month-old didn't know what to do about it.

They were afraid they would be deported under a new Oklahoma law if they took him to a major hospital. By the time they took him to a clinic, it was too late.



A ruptured intestine that might have been treatable instead killed the U.S.-born infant, making him a poster child for opponents of House Bill 1804 months before it was enacted as the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007.

"The sad part of it was the child didn't have to die if House Bill 1804 didn't ever come around," said Laurie Paul, who runs the clinic where Edgar was finally taken. "It was a total tragedy because the bill was there to create the myths and untruths and the fear."

The law, billed by its backers as the nation's toughest legislation against illegal immigration, took effect Nov. 1. It bars illegal immigrants from obtaining jobs or state assistance and makes it a felony to harbor or transport illegal immigrants.

A final portion of the law goes into effect July 1, requiring private companies to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires.

While it's difficult to characterize which state has the toughest immigration-related law, Oklahoma's goes beyond most because it includes the clause about harboring and transporting illegal immigrants, said Ann Morse, program director for the National Conference of State Legislatures' Immigrant Policy Project.

"What I think these laws may have are unintended consequences on the general public," Morse said recently. "How does the law get implemented? Who is the target?"

The crackdown has caused thousands of Hispanics to flee for neighboring states, with as many as 25,000 leaving northeastern Oklahoma alone, according to the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The law's fallout also can be seen in the struggling businesses, worker shortages and widespread fear among immigrants who say they are afraid to drive to church or the market because police might pick them up.

"I feel like I'm in some kind of Nazi country where if they see your color, you'll be stopped," said Maria Sanchez, a 22-year-old student who is looking to leave Oklahoma rather than risk waiting the seven years it will take to get her papers. "I can't work, I can't study, I can't go out, there's no point of me staying here."

Civil rights leaders call the law xenophobic and redundant, and say other states will wrongly look to Oklahoma to push their own anti-illegal immigrant legislation. Business and church leaders also have been vocal opponents.

"Oklahoma was settled by immigrants ... which means that diverse is normal in Oklahoma," said the Rev. Miguel Rivera, president of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders. "It's difficult for us to understand a state which is so Christian, that to have all this animosity toward immigrants is completely outrageous."

Supporters - described by Dan Howard, the founder of an anti-illegal immigration Web site, as "good, American, God-fearing people of the heartland that bleed red, white and blue" - say the law is necessary because of Washington's bungled immigration policy. They also believe the law has helped deter crime and punishes the companies that make money on the backs of illegal labor.

The bill's Republican author, state Rep. Randy Terrill, said similar versions have been introduced or are under consideration in more than a dozen states. Last year, more than 1,500 pieces of immigration-related legislation were introduced across the country, with 244 becoming law in 46 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

"More than half the nation will soon be modeling Oklahoma's bill," said Terrill, who plans to introduce a companion piece this year that would make English the state's official language, order schools to report how many illegal children are enrolled and require people or businesses who transport, hire or rent to illegal immigrants to forfeit property.

Read more........
http://news.findlaw.com/ap/other/1110// ... 36_53.html

lets look at mexico's policy on illegal immigration and most other countries. The US has one of the most illegal immigration welcoming policies.

This is a week old now

What does it say for the parents that fear deportation
more than the health of their child ?

Originally Posted by usanevada

This is a week old now

What does it say for the parents that fear deportation
more than the health of their child ?

date aired: Friday, Jan. 25, 2008

If my childs life was at stake I would not be selfish enough risk it by not taking him to the doctor.Most illegals return after deportation and have said they see deportation as minor setback.. About three years ago in rural NC, a korean war vet died because the only EMS was busing trying to revive a drunk illegal alien at a party.I was told this by an EMS worker who was pissed they were at that party and because of drunk illegal alien that man died.If they could have been there sooner ,he would have lived.Also,if he believed that he would be deported for taking anyone to the hospital,it was because pro-amnesty groups lie on radio spots and exaggerate things they know are not true .The law was not even in effect yet,so even now pro-amnesty are using this death is sicking and they should be ashamed.

If these people knew that America was no longer a free ride and if they were responsible enough to know they shouldn't start having a family at a young age perhaps this would have been avoided. Most people try to have children when they know they can afford them and care for them. These people don't. Tragic and sad but to blame it on America, which is the path the bleeding hearts will go, is preposterous. What happened to personal responsibility?

Another thing. We have spilled blood for our freedoms. Our vets get horrible care, while illegals work the system. Why do we continue to shed blood so Mexico can avoid their own problems. Mexico IS the problem. FIX MEXICO!!!

By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS

OMG, can someone pronounce that name for me?? Sorry, just feeling silly...

and replied in a letter to the editor. I told them the header of the hack piece should have read Oklahoma Illegal Immigrant Law Lauded for Driving Illegals Home. I told them the whole article read as if it had been written by La Raza. Their point in blaming the child's death on an immigration law is ludicrous. For one, the law was not yet on the books when the child died, two, the child's parents should not have been here illegally, hence they are the ones who are criminal and negligent, not the state law. Per haps this editorial hack piece was written in advance of President Calderon's visit to the US to bolster that supporters of illegal immigration. Why are we even allowing that man to speak here. I think his speeches should be overwhelmingly attended by us to boo him and ask him pointed questions concerning what he is doing to stop the illegal immigrants entering Mexico from the south and why is the Mexican army protecting drug runners at our borders?

Welcome KWightman!

You summed it up pretty well. It just goes to show this is another prime example of how illegals don't seem to think they need to hold themselves accountable for their actions.