Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Sun
Gloria Hernandez dabs her eye while listening to speakers during a press conference launching the national Reform Immigration for America campaign Monday outside the Lloyd George Federal Building in Las Vegas.
Monday, June 1, 2009 | 4:10 p.m.
Sun archives
Sun Archives
- Nevadans may be key to new push on immigration (5-30-2009)
- Foreclosures, immigration linked in report (5-13-2009)
- Hundreds hit Vegas streets for immigration reform (5-1-2009)
- Nevada's percentage of illegal immigrants in workforce tops nation (4-14-2009)
- A sweep of violent criminals, or deportation scheme? (3-13-2009)
- Republicans' red herring (2-5-2009)
Pew Study (.pdf)
- Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2009
Independents take center stage in Obama era
Supporters of immigration reform gathered on the steps of the Lloyd George Federal Building on Monday for the Nevada launch of a national campaign to reform American immigration law.
The event was one of 40 being staged in 20 states across the country by Reform Immigration for America, a national umbrella organization pushing for grassroots immigration reform.
About 40 supporters cheered and waved signs and banners declaring “Si, se puede” ("Yes, it can be done") as community leaders and representatives from the labor and business communities delivered remarks.
The coalition is calling for a legislative overhaul to the current immigration system and for the creation of a new policy that provides a pathway to citizenship for some of the country’s estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants.
Peter Ashman, the Nevada chapter chairman of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which is meeting in Las Vegas this week, said the current policy of “throwing more money on Homeland Security to remove undocumented workers is too costly, not workable and un-American.”
“This broken system, which has enforcement only as its approach, cripples our government’s ability to effectively and efficiently deal with the problem of undocumented workers and families,” he said. Ashman and others said they hope the campaign will encourage leaders to seek a common-sense solution that addresses economic, national security and human rights concerns.
“What we have now is not working and what we could have is a system that makes the country more secure while providing a pathway to citizenship for people who have come to this country looking for opportunity,” said Launce Rake, spokesman for Progressive Leadership Alliance Nevada, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works for social and economic equality. “People who come here without documentation, they will pay a price for that, but what we do want to do is give them the opportunity to continue working and contributing to America.”
The launch of the campaign comes as the White House prepares to revisit immigration policy. On June 8, President Obama will meet with members of Congress to discuss immigration reform.
Participants today said they believe the political climate is ripe for at least introducing, and perhaps even passing, an immigration reform package this year. They cited the influx in Hispanic and immigrant voters in the 2008 presidential election and polls showing public support for reform as signs that a bill could be passed.
A Pew poll released in May found 63 percent of respondents supported providing undocumented immigrants living in the United States with an opportunity to gain legal citizenship.
Speakers also cited support from labor organizations, including the Culinary Union and the Service Employees International Union of America, as giving their cause a boost of political capital.
“This is a social issue, this is a workers issue, this is a human issue,” said Culinary Union Local 226 Las Vegas President Geoconda Arguello-Kline, whose organization represents 60,000 employees in Las Vegas. The international group represents workers from more than 80 countries.
“These immigrants are a big contribution to this country. They work every single day. They pay their rent, they buy food, they do jobs with people in this country, hard jobs,” Arguello-Kline said.
Several who took to the podium stressed that immigration is a bipartisan issue, and urged voters and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to come together to craft a reform package.
“What we need to do is put parties aside, put political philosophy and differences aside and really sit down and identify the issues that are out there and come up with common-sense solutions,” said Alex Garza, a businessman and member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Garza said backlash from the political right, fueled largely by conservative talk radio, effectively killed the last effort to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2007. But Garza, a registered Republican, said he believes the GOP is at a crossroads and will choose to take more inclusive stances on issues such as immigration.
“It’s a good time to bridge the gap between the old Republican leadership and the new Republicans that are coming up — people who can be compassionate socially and still maintain the values and the morals and the fiscal discipline that the Republican Party encompasses,” he said.
More that 700 advocates of immigration reform, including 12 members of the Nevada Immigration Coalition, will gather in Washington, D.C., this weekend to lobby lawmakers on the issue and participate in a summit hosted by Reform Immigration for America.
Marco Rauda, Nevada state director of Democracia Ahora, who will be in Washington this weekend to lobby lawmakers, said the Nevadans have scheduled meetings with staffers for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), and Nevada Reps. Dean Heller (R), Shelley Berkley (D) and Dina Titus (D). He said they had also requested a meeting with staffers from the office of Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.).
“Personally, I would love to see a plan from the Congress or maybe a schedule or benchmark for when we’re going to see a bill,” Rauda said.
Andrew Stoddard, a spokesman from Titus' office, said the congresswoman supports comprehensive immigration reform and is working as a member of the Homeland Security Committee to invest in border security.
He said Titus feels the U.S. immigration system is "broken."
"We need to secure our borders, enforce current laws and find a solution for immigrants already in the U.S.," Stoddard said on behalf of Titus in a statement. "... President Obama has certainly said this is an issue that he’s focusing on, so there’s a chance of getting something done, but we’re going to see what happens on some of these other issues that are on the forefront right now."
Irene Zepeda, who represented the UNLV Student Organization of Latinos, will be traveling to Washington with the group. She said she hopes the weekend summit produces a clear, unified message to help spread the energy behind the immigration reform movement.
“Our government keeps telling us, ‘Wait another year,’ and ‘Next year will be your time.’ But we want them to know that now is the time,” she said. “As immigrants, we’re all ready for this to get passed. We’re ready and this is the year we’re going to get this passed.”
I agree,
Have them go through a criminal background check.
They must learn the history of the United States.
They must learn and speak english.
They must show they can support themselves without becoming a burden on society.
They must assimilate.
excuse me while I dab my eye...
yeah, the system is broken because illegals can't get here any faster and must face challenges swimming the river to get here.
forget that. let's just aborb mexico as the 51st state of America. makes it easier for everyone.
I am the grandson of immigrants. They came into this country thru legal means by the law. They learned the language, culture, worked, kids learned the language, and didn't burden the government or society. This people from Mexico coming over ilegally and demanding rights in a country that does not belong to them is disgraceful and an insult to those that do the right thing.
To ask for equal rights, medical, education, and everything else is wrong. How about complaining about this to there own government and fixing there country. Instead they force there will upon us and our government lacks the brain power to stand up. It is not this country's fault and it is not racisim. It is called the law and procedures of this country. The reason for immigration laws is to protect this country from criminals, disease, and the flow of people into this country without over burdening it. Right now due to illegal imigration and there demands for equal rights to government aid has destroyed hospitals, school districts, and the communities. You don't like it go back. It is not our fault families are being seperated it is theres. They know the risks breaking the law. They can always go back to Mexico and be with there family, it is a simple concept. In there country it is worse for Americans.
And the ironic thing is my wifes father came from Mexico and also followed the right steps, learned the language, served this country in the military. The family and friends are against what these new wave of Mexicans stand for and are during to this country. They find it insulting!!!!!!!! America stand up and fight for your country.
Yes, we need to have more people from:
Mexico
Guatemala
Nicaragua
San Salvador
Panama
Columbia
Venezuela
Peru
Chile
Bolivia
Argentina
Brazil
Ecuador
Paraguay
Uruguay
Hey, they can't run their own country, so let's let them in to screw up our country. They're doing a helluva' job to date. Go to LA, and see the Breeders Cup in action.
The system is NOT broke. The enforcement is broken. That's easy to fix.
Common sense to immigration form ---- get the illegals out of the country!! It is a crime to be here illegally. The U.S. shouldn't negotiate with criminals!
On top of that, the unemployment is so high that our own citizens can't find jobs.
Re: Article
"About 40 supporters cheered and waved signs and banners declaring "Si, se puede" ("Yes, it can be done") as community leaders and representatives from the labor and business communities delivered remarks."
And I'm going to deliver mine... Your cheers and waved signs might have been more effective had it been done in ENGLISH... That is what we speak here in America! Also, this "coming out of the shadows" is just plain CRAP! You ILLEGALS are standing on the corners of Star Nursery, Home Depot and many more businesses, using these corners as Employment Agencies. In the shadows, I think not! You're out in broad daylight for everyone to see.. believe me, we can't miss you... Is it legal to congregate and solicit in a public place without a permit? The law might as well allow the hookers back on the corners, at least they're U.S. citizens..
How many of you illegals have registered with the Selective Services??? Is that another law you have broken?
Registration for Selective Services is the process by which the U.S. Government collects names and addresses of men ages 18 through 25 to use in case a national emergency.
What happens If you don't register? Men convicted of failure to register may be fined up to $250,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. In addition to being subject to prosecution, failure to register may cause you to permanently forfeit eligibility for certain benefits. Selective Service registration is required for eligibility for U.S. CITIZENSHIP! Not registering is a FELONY.
How many illegals have a valid (not the fake ones or the one's you buy at the DMV) drivers license? How many have auto insurance? How many of you are using stolen social security numbers? The list could go on and on...
Corporate America, STOP hiring these lawbreakers! You're breaking the law as well and should be fined accordingly!!!
Illegal immigration into the U.S. is a highly profitable proposition for both employers and the U.S. government, it also benefits Mexico, which is the largest source country of illegal immigrants into America.
GREEDY Corporate America and OUR U.S.Government! Stop the insanity, send them back, and insist they take the LEGAL channels from their motherland... then, and not until, any immigrant will be welcomed with open arms..
When you hear politician talking about immigration reform (Reid, Pelosi, etc) you know what they mean.
Write to them and demand that they see to it that the current immigration laws are enforced. Once they've done that we can see if the laws need reforming.
I really would like to see comprehensive immigration reform. I hate the way in our country we treat so many poeple so badly. Comprehensive Immigration reform will probably also heal our reputation with the rest of the world. We need to stop being a bunch of selfish meanie weenies in our country. It hasn't helped us financially to be all selfish and try to keep people out. And now with the difficulty to get across the border, as it turns out it's too hard for people without passports to go back home so millions more poeple that would not be here now are here than would be. I'm sad for their families back home that miss them. But we don't let them go back and forth across, so they buckle down and stay here.
It costs California 1 billion dollars a year to house illegal immigrant criminals that make up 15% of their prison population. I can only immagine what it costs Nevada.
Deport illegal immigrant crimnals, end sactuary cities, stricter border enforcement, then we'll talk reform.
Re: Candice
"We" treat people badly? Yes, we do... we treat our citizens very poorly.. Corporate America has taken away the citizen's jobs, and given them to lawbreakers. They do this so they can pay lower wages and NOT pay insurance and other benefits. This puts more money into the pocket's of the business owners. Don't you get these people are being exploited? In turn the illegals use UMC as they're primary caregiver, which has all but bankrupted this county hospital.
Comprehensive Immigration reform will heal nothing... However it will pave the way to have yet more illegals enter the U.S., just as it did in 1986. This is NOT the answer.
As for the families of these illegals, if the illegals hadn't abandoned their families in the first place, this wouldn't be a problem for them, now would it?
You can't just leave the borders open.. you would have a stampede of rapests, murders and all around criminals of many natures walking freely across, not to mention terrorists.
Why not focus on all the homeless citizens living on Foremaster Lane and elsewhere, before worrying about the lawbreakers (illegal aliens)? Let's fix what's broken HERE with our citizens.. Put shoes on your own children's feet, before you buy shoes for your neighbor's child...
You have these activist groups, the Catholic Church and the ACLU that want AMNESTY for these ILLEGAL ALIENS. It would be absolute suicide for this Country if AMNESTY were granted to the 12-20 million or so ILLEGAL ALIENS. We have more and more people out of work everyday and they want to add another 20 million to this Country? I say, "NO"!
If AMNESTY were ever granted to these 12-20 million ILLEGAL ALIENS, you can bet big money that 3 years from now, there would be ANOTHER 3-5 million ILLEGAL ALIENS demonstrating on our soil for AMNESTY.
An end MUST come to this illegal immigration. The perfect tool we have so far is E-Verify. It MUST be used by ALL businesses and Government Social Services. EVERY employee must be checked! If they are illegal, they are to be dismissed!
I believe it is time for all 50 States to pass a State law, like Arizona, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina and a few others. It is time for these ILLEGAL ALIENS to go back to their home Country and get out of this Country. The problems they are causing will not go away until the ILLEGAL ALIENS are out of this Country.
Isn't it time the taxpayers get a break from the suckling of these ILLEGAL ALIENS on the nipple of the American taxpayer? When is this going to end? AMNESTY? AMNESTY will change NOTHING...except we wouldn't be able to call them ILLEGAL ALIENS any more. Other than that, NOTHING WILL CHANGE!
It's time for ZERO TOLERENCE with these ILLEGAL AIENS. When we get rid of the ILLEGAL ALIENS, we get rid of all the problems that go with them. THAT IS A FACT!
Deleware Bob and other Nativists:
Take a paper bag, breathe into it, and stop HYPER VENTILATING.
They are not out to get you; your fear is misguided.
Our big, beautiful country offers opportunity and hope, and in turn is strengthened by those who come here seeking a better way of life for themselves and their families.
If the immigration system worked as the law was written by Congress, these illegal immigrants would never be in our country and participating in protests against our immigration laws. It's horrid to see them out on the street, in the open, mocking our immigration laws.
We all know that Americas success is deeply rooted in immigration from all countries. And that should never change. But this un-checked flood of immigrents needs to be stemmed. What people dont understand is that people from mexico believe that the US wants them to come here. They (especially the uneducated poor) see America as an all powerfull country that could stop them if they wanted to. So when we dont enforce our laws its because we want them to come.
Re: Galfromvegas
"Our big, beautiful country offers opportunity and hope, and in turn is strengthened by those who come here seeking a better way of life for themselves and their families."
And how might those who come here illegally strengthen our country? You make a statement, but you don't back it up with anything substantial..
Just the fact that they hold these 'rallys' without fear of recrimination shows what a bunch of chumps they think Americans are - in what other country could a bunch of people who snuck across the border illegally gather and expect to be able to 'protest' without fear of being rounded up by the federales or whatever the law is called in a particular country - only in America can illegals do this and get away with it - and that is just one more reason why this country is becoming the laughing stock and we are losing more and more respect from other countries on a daily basis - I truly believe that people of other countries see us as being too weak-willed to enforce our own immigration laws and we SIT BACK and LET our country be over-run and then continue to SIT BACK and LET illegals try to tell US how to run OUR country to THEIR standards and approval - this is getting more pathetic by the day.
Most hispanics I come across are filthy, low class pigs. Like we need more of them coming here legally, let alone illegally.
they should encourage more of these events and then round this scum up...send em back accross the border with orders not to return or be shot.....just another anchor on society
MILLIONS OF PUBLIC IRATE VOICES, CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE?
The morons who are promised to protect all Americans, are really pandering to minorities and the business executives, who want the cheapest workers they can find--without any extras including health care. A very upgraded E-verify application that any literate computer person can use, can begin the attrition of clearing our nation of illegal foreigners. Since the 1960's they have brought unrestrained criminals, subversives, who have no motive drive-by shooting to prove a point. From wherever they have come, they have tried to force on the American people a nasty form of multiculturalism and fundamentalist religions which attributes to increasing violence. A few officers of the law such as Sheriff Ariapo, have enforced immigration laws on a county level, to be purposely restrained by corrupt politicians such as the new Homeland security chief Napolitano. She is like so many elected officials who make grand entrances, promising to enforce the laws and while admonishing anybody who does. She and her thrall have incapacitated Sheriff Joe in the past, to do his job along with Arizona's governor. All these spineless characters need to be shown the exit, when they appear for re-election?
We have been forced by federal law to accommodate them with translators in the court system, voting and other measures, when those who came here legally would have been versed in the English language. Americans citizens have been subjected to growing overpopulation, which our politicians seemingly remain quiet about? The pollution in the cities, traffic blockages is an ever growing chaos. We must understand that illegal immigration is causing massive economic setbacks fo our nations own homeless and impoverished. California being the perfect pawn by their governor and Sacramento officials who must cut services, because of the $47 billion budget shortfall. The worst offenders are the liberal press who do not denounce the causes that can be attributed to illegal immigration. There non-democratic principles have allowed the proliferation of Sanctuary States and cities.
The only way for AMERICANS to get any action is to verbally explode on the Senate and Congressional lawmakers is by phoning their aides direct. A million voices or more will make both the states and Washington politicians to realize, their career jobs are on the line. Their greatest ability is to distract American taxpayers with meaningless issues, that only effects minority groups. Illegal Immigration effects everybody, your taxes, your jobs, your language, your culture, your moral integrity, your religion. YOU CAN MAKE AN IMMENSE DIFFERENCE? Senate & Representative for your contact at: (202) 224-3121: THESE PEOPLE ARE YOUR PUBLIC SERVANTS AND SWORE AN OATH TO YOU?. Demand E-Verify today. SAY NO TO AMNESTY!
WE DON"T NEED NEW IMMIGRATION REFORM--WE JUST NEED THE 1986 SIMPSON/MAZZOLI BILL ENFORCED!
Casca:
Very good post on this spinney issue, there are a few barbs that are out of place though.
If only you wouldn't have said "Illegal Immigration affects everybody, your taxes, your jobs, *your language, *your culture, *your moral integrity, *your religion". Not everybody is impacted as you say. The diversity of our country will not allow you to paint it with such a broad brush.
My religion, language, or culture is not threatened, lest we have a complete over-throw of our constitution.
Please realize America is not as narrow as you think it should be, it is diverse.
Our legislative branch makes the laws on immigration, and while I as do others don't agree with the government quotas, they are the laws of the land we call America, home of the free, land of the brave, from sea to shinning sea. Every two years we have an opportunity to redirect the sediment in Washington visa-vi through the ballot box. We can learn to live with the laws and the direction of our country or change it, ultimately we have the freedom to return whence are ancestors came from- although I never want anybody to stop voicing their concerns, our country needs the dialog to stir the pot which in turn, by every turn, brings new ideas to the surface. Unfortunately, the people who built the American dream are long gone, only their ideals remain, which of course is why we have the power to amend the constitution, as our fore-Fathers hoped and intended us to.
Europe and other first-world economic Nations have immigration problems too. There are very few countries where Americans can enjoy the same rate of return for employment as those who flock from third-world economies to America do. Their only hope is to improve their fait in life and earn a livelihood. It is at our expense that these third-world country nationals (TCN's) prosper in America; there is no panacea for you or me to keep from feeling those economic pangs, but rest assured TCN's exchange their services for value. Look into the main focus of the last G-20 meeting and the driving force behind its purpose, the IMF was granted two billion for the lesser Nations in an attempt to nip the over whelming effect of this world economic tragedy, there by reducing an on slot of migration around the world as a result. E-Verify, this is a means of immunizing immigration into America as well as for the corrupt business practices that are harming her. To make employment available for the American workforce America needs tougher laws and penalties, with sharper teeth, leaved on all parties as the 1986 SIMPSON/MAZZOLI BILL is being usurped today. Contractors and employers alike involved in the exploitation of illegal/forged or un/documented employment is what we all despise and those unscrupulous (Mcabelian) opportunist must be held accountable by all levels of government, and valiant employees should have channels for identifying wayward employers, until then, we can do no more than what the pro immigration protesters do, fulfill are constitutional right to peacefully protest our government.
Not all Nations have the same principles as America, I cringe when I hear comparisons or rationalizations, such as- why does America only have to comport itself to such a high standard, other counties don't, or why don't we as Americans impose upon other countries to act like US. There are many countries that hate what we stand for because of vile comments ("Most hispanics I come across are filthy, low class pigs. Like we need more of them coming here legally, let alone illegally"- taken from an earlier post) and subjugating views by heartless Americans of the human plight, views which are not anywhere close to the principles of which form the bedrock of our country. America is without comparison, although when large numbers of citizen's protest for reform, government will change, not necessarily for the best, it can be said, depending on which side of the aisle you stand. I have faith in mankind to do what is the right thing and support the truly destitute in this life as was noted several days ago when a fire broke-out in an apartment, right here in Las Vegas, and the apartment community revealed its caring support and charity to assist their neighbors. What an epiphany that would be to see the same with our neighbors to the south.
Some of you people really need to look up the facts.
WRONG:
"It is a crime to be here illegally." It is NOT A CRIME. As a matter of fact, H.R. 4437 tried making it illegal but it failed (thank God).
"They came into this country thru [sic] legal means by the law"
We make things illegal. Just because they came in "legally" doesn't mean there were any laws back then restricting their migration.
"Go back and change your own country."
You can say this to every single immigrant that has come to this country. Stop being so ignorant and intolerant.
If a group of people is criminalized of course they're going to be filling our jails. That was Nixon's plan with African Americans.