A problem in Utah

Monday, July 19, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Elected leaders, law enforcement officials and media outlets in Utah received an extensive list compiled by an anonymous group naming 1,300 purported illegal immigrants living in the state. The list had surprising details, including addresses, telephone numbers, birth dates and even some Social Security numbers. It also identified pregnant women, adding their due dates.

The list was accompanied by an unsigned memo that said federal immigration officials had been sent the list in April but had failed to take action, thus the larger distribution. It was sent by a group that calls itself “Concerned Citizens of the United States,” which identifies itself as a “task force of tax-paying citizens” in Utah. The group uses some of the extreme rhetoric that has been used by some people who advocate massive deportations. It claims that illegal immigrants are receiving benefits like food, jobs and government services that are intended for citizens.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican, called the list “deplorable.” State officials said the information came from a state agency that deals with social services. Two employees have been suspended for allegedly accessing and using state data. Two other employees are suspected of helping and are under investigation. The state attorney general’s office said it will investigate because it’s illegal to release that information.

That angered some anti-illegal immigration advocates, who argued that the workers were “whistleblowers.” But that’s outrageous. There was no apparent effort to go through proper channels and the group is not even sure the people on the list are in the country illegally. The group’s members said they “strongly believe” the people on the list “are in this country illegally and should be immediately deported.”

Yes, immediate deportation for people who might be illegally in the country. So much for due process, and that’s coming from a group that pledges its “love” for the Constitution.

This group’s actions are a result of the over-heated language that has become all too common among the anti-illegal immigration movement. Unfortunately, many of the arguments are based on assumptions, exaggerations and falsehoods that often include how illegal immigration has taken a huge — and negative — toll on the economy, drained resources and driven up crime. However, many studies and investigations have debunked these types of statements, but few people who hold rabid anti-illegal immigration views want to listen. They’d rather see a mass — and incredibly costly — deportation.

The result is a situation like this in Utah, where people have essentially become vigilantes to fight a problem that has largely been exacerbated because of the rhetoric.

Congress needs to take up immigration reform and stop this foolishness, but Republican leaders have continually derailed the issue by insisting on full border security before taking up reform. Border security is essential, but this is not an either-or proposition. Consider that 40 percent of the people in the country illegally came here legally but have since overstayed their visas. More fences won’t stop that. That’s why immigration officials describe fences as one tool to stem illegal immigration.

Republicans should drop their stubborn stance. The nation needs comprehensive immigration reform, otherwise the nation will see more misguided groups like the one in Utah.