Local illegal immigration laws draw a diverse group of cities
By: DAVID FRIED - Staff Writer | ∞
ESCONDIDO ---- When a City Council majority voted last month to draft an ordinance banning illegal immigrants from renting in the city, Escondido joined a diverse bunch of 30 small towns and midsize cities around the country that have considered, and in some cases passed, similar local legislation.
There are industrial cities in the Northeast, rural towns that barely stand out on a map, and growing metropolitan suburbs in 13 states that have all looked at doing what Escondido has proposed, fining landlords for renting to undocumented immigrants.
Most of the towns and cities also want to prohibit business licenses for companies that hire undocumented workers, and make English the official language of local government.
Try to determine a common denominator among the cities, however, and there is only one: Joseph Turner, the founder of Save Our State, an anti-illegal immigration group that tried to drum up support for a similar initiative he wrote.
Turner's efforts in his hometown failed earlier this year. But the 29-year-old activist from San Bernardino said that, despite his initial setback, everything is going to plan.
"Without a doubt, I was trying to franchise an idea, a cookie-cutter," Turner said in a recent interview.
Spontaneous combustion
Turner said he was sure that his initiative would tap into what he described as a growing sense of frustration with the federal government's handling of illegal immigration. Many people on various sides of the issue share this view.
An estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States, according to a study by the Pew Hispanic Research Center in Washington, D.C. And efforts to reform the country's immigration laws have been mired in political debate for most of this year.
Many residents in cities around the country, he said, are upset about overcrowded schools, high crime rates and other ills they attribute to illegal immigration.
Passing local legislation was the logical next step, Turner said.
"I believe history will show that taking it to the local level will have a profound impact on this debate," Turner said, adding that he did not anticipate how quickly the "spontaneous combustion" of copycat ordinances would crop up.
Some critics of the ordinances ---- including civil rights groups ---- say that the rapid spread of Turner's idea is more knee-jerk reaction than thoughtful response to community problems.
Feather in the cap
So far, five cities have passed laws similar to Turner's initial proposal, including Hazleton, Pa., and two of its neighboring towns, Valley Park, Mo., and the industrial commuter town of Riverside, N.J. And nearby, Vista recently passed a law requiring individuals to register with the city before hiring day laborers.
Not every city that looks at an ordinance passes one, however. Cities such as Avon Park, Fla., and Huntsville, Ala., have swatted down proposals from some council members, or simply postponed indefinitely any discussion.
In many ways, Escondido could stand out among the crowd of local immigration legislation, if an ordinance passes when it comes before the council this fall.
Located just 45 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, Escondido would be the first California city to adopt part of Turner's initiative.
And with 133,000 residents, it would also be the largest city, and the one with the largest Latino population of any town, to follow Turner's lead.
Over the last decade, Escondido's Latino population has swelled significantly, from about 16 percent in 1990 to 44.5 percent in 2005, according a recent survey by the U.S. Census, which provides annual demographic updates for cities with populations over 100,000.
A recent city-sponsored survey of the Mission Park area in the city's core found that, of the 16,000 residents in the 1 1/2-square-mile area, the majority were born in other countries, especially Mexico. And 66 percent self-reported speaking primarily Spanish.
Such figures are not lost on Turner, who characterized Escondido as the next big step in his vision of communities around the country writing their own, stricter immigration laws, until Congress follows their lead.
"Escondido would be a huge feather in the cap," Turner said.
'Preventative maintenance'
Nevertheless, Turner's initiative has already taken root in a diverse range of places.
In many ways, Hazleton has led the charge. In June, it passed a broad ordinance aimed at squashing work and living opportunities for what some community members characterized as a growing population of illegal immigrants in the 31,000-resident town.
The Pennsylvania city's law denies business licenses to companies that hire undocumented workers, establishes English as the town's official language and ---- similar to the proposal in Escondido ---- fines landlords up to $1,000 for renting their property to illegal immigrants.
Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have already filed lawsuits trying to overturn Hazleton's law. On Friday, Hazleton agreed to delay enforcing the new law while city officials draft a replacement version they said would better withstand court challenges.
The initial draft of Hazleton's ordinance copied Turner's own initiative nearly word-for-word, he said. The final version was later modified somewhat, but retained the basic concepts and penalties proposed in Turner's version.
The former coal-mining city's efforts paved the way for a slew of similar proposals in 10 other Pennsylvania towns, many with populations of less than 5,000, with few Latinos and even fewer residents born outside the U.S., according to 2000 U.S. Census data.
Some larger cities, such as Allentown, Pa., have also started considering their own illegal immigration laws.
But in corners around the country, small cities such as Arcadia, Wis., a rural town of 2,400 with a Latino population of 3 percent, have also followed step. Arcadia Mayor John Kimmel recently wrote a newspaper column promising stiff consequences for those who employ or rent to illegal immigrants.
"They are not welcome here," Kimmel's article stated.
And in Valley Park, which in July passed an ordinance nearly identical to Hazleton's, the mayor has described the new law to local media as "preventative maintenance" for the suburb of 6,500 residents located about a 20-mile drive from St. Louis.
Not a homegrown movement
The fact that cities have begun adopting laws, even though they may not face immigration issues firsthand, worries John Trasvina, interim president of the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
The Los Angeles-based organization has promised to take "any necessary action" to legally challenge Escondido's proposal, if it is passed.
In all, at least 30 cities and towns across the country have voted on or considered their own illegal immigration ordinances. And in nearly every case the language that is proposed mimics Hazleton's and Turner's efforts.
"The reason there's such a scattered snapshot of these communities adopting these (ordinances) is because so often they hear about them from the Internet and right-wing radio," Trasvina said. "It's not a homegrown movement."
Tim O'Hare, a councilman in Farmers Branch, Texas, a suburban town of 25,000 just outside Dallas, said he proposed an immigration ordinance for his city after hearing of similar efforts in Hazleton. But that was simply one way to address a growing problem in his city, O'Hare added.
"It's not like Hazleton brought it (illegal immigration) to our attention," said O'Hare, stressing that his measure was designed as part of an effort to help revitalize dilapidated neighborhoods.
Councilwoman Marie Waldron of Escondido ---- who has regularly stirred controversy over illegal immigration in the city ---- said she decided to float the idea to her colleagues on the council after reading about the San Bernardino ordinance in e-mail messages circulated among anti-illegal immigration forums. Waldron said she proposed the ban as a way to combat residential overcrowding.
Picking up on what other, faraway jurisdictions are doing and copying their efforts is nothing new, said Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a political analyst and professor of political science at the University of Southern California.
"It's part of a pattern we've seen with other hot-button issues," Jeffe said, citing the push for term limits in the 1990s as an example. "It's not the first time, and it won't be the last time. It's part of the political dynamic of our country, for better or for worse."
Jeffe said that often, fervor for such legislation dies down, usually after people realize that the law they wanted passed has not proven to be a panacea for the problems they wanted addressed.
Contact staff writer David Fried at (760) 740-5416 or dfried@nctimes.com.
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RWC wrote on Sep 3, 2006 6:12 AM:I am proud to be a resident of a city willing to turn the tide of insanity in this country. Our national security and way of life in USA are at stake. As American patriots we should support these politicians.
Daren wrote on Sep 3, 2006 8:39 AM:These criminal illegals have no Constitutional rights in this country. Get rid of 'em yesterday!!
Yes wrote on Sep 3, 2006 9:44 AM:I am very happy to see these cities trying to turn things around. I applaud them. If our own federal government wont do anything about the illegal invasion it's time our citizens take matters into their own hands. If we dont, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. wiil soon become one. It is already in the works, thanks to our fearless leader.
Robert24 wrote on Sep 3, 2006 9:50 AM:It is time for this to take hold. Laws have been on the books for many years, dealing with all of this, but the spineless politicians and companies that only care about profit have let it escalate to an out of control position. The May 1st "Anti America" walk by the predominantly Mexican population did more to bring this to the forefront than anything else. Thank you, all you marchers and supporters for allowing America to see first hand the problem that has been created by allowing illegal immigration to continue, and thank God for people like Marie Waldron and Joseph Turner, as well as the Mayor of Hazelton. Keep up the good work!!
SadCity wrote on Sep 3, 2006 10:12 AM:Knee-jerk reaction? Mexicondido is merely a an example of what havoc unchecked illegal immigration can have over time on a city's education, health, residential, and social services. This did not happen overnight! The overwhelming number of illegals who call Mexcondido their home happened from 1990-2006, a sixteen year period of time. Other cities are looking at the problems that illegal immigration has caused in Mexcondido and saying, "We don't want to be like that" and taking the preventive measures that Escondido should have taken before it turned into a third world country! Property owners don't want to pay on bonds for the next 30 years to increase capacity at hospitals and schools for non-citizens while our own are cheated out of a decent education or health care. Other cities don't want to deplete their budgets of the millions of dollars that Mexcondido pours into the Mission Park area for social services. They see our graffitti, our gangs, our poverty stricken neighborhoods and pathetic shopping centers. They don't want to have another failing Center for the Arts that cannot attract patrons because people feel unsafe walking the streets. Other cities are aware that the failure of the federal government to enforce existing immigration law could have the ramifications that Escondido must today resolve at great expense to tax paying American citizens. They are merely protecting their constituents interests, their budgets and their own political necks. Mexcondido is the poster child for the nation on what happens to a city when illegal immigration is welcomed with open arms and other cities don't like the example!
Dan (Temecula) wrote on Sep 3, 2006 10:25 AM: If these badly needed ordinances pass I would consider moving to Escondido if enforced. The thought of a city with few illegal immigration problems in north San Diego gets my attention as I miss living there. I would bet life styles, crime rates, and a proud comunity would stand if illegals were to leave. The fact that illegals bring cheap labor cost, and the cheaper price of vegetables is true, but at what cost is it worth it to bring the gang violence, the poverty, and most of all the loss of love for this country, should we say enough is enough? The truth is comunities are divided by this issue, simply because citizen's of America are mostly proud of America, where other's are proud of there countries, yet they depend on are's to help them in so many ways. Now I know alot of people will say that there is nothing wrong with being proud of there country, which I agree, but believe you must love this country first, and foremost over any other. I hope that the federal government is paying attention, and that more city's (pass, or not) draw up similar ordinances to draw attention to the mass majority of citizens that want this illegal invasion cleaned up. Great job to Joseph Turner for fighting the fight that the government won't, and to all of the cities who are trying to keep are country clean of people we do not know. God Bless America!!!!
dad wrote on Sep 3, 2006 11:08 AM:Stop calling them "undocumented" they are "ILLEGAL" !!! PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
Julio wrote on Sep 3, 2006 12:45 PM:Marie Waldron for Governor! This woman is beyond brave for here tough stance against the tens of thousands of illegals that are destroying Escondido. Me and all my friends stand behind her 100%. I heard the pro-illegal opposition has been attacking her business. As usual these criminals resort to violence and attacks to fight their battles. Just makes us want to deport all the illegals more! Enough is enough. Wake up America!
Model Ordinance wrote on Sep 3, 2006 12:52 PM:The proposed Escondido ordinance may be the first professionally prepared ordinance. The City Attorney was given all needed resources to draft a legally valid ordinance. Turner did not have the legal training and resources neede to battle the ACLU and open borders crowd, and Hazelton is running into problems because of that.
kc wrote on Sep 3, 2006 1:44 PM:Its time to get legal, follow the rules, speak English, and share some pride in the city in which you live, legally or illegally. Act like you want to be here. Act like you won't bite the hand that feeds you. Show some appreciation. This is the USA.
Sandy wrote on Sep 3, 2006 2:36 PM:It is about time for the American citizens to take over the illegal immigration problems as our governemt has no intention of dealing with enforcing the laws that are on the books already and supporting the House Bill. We have a Global President that wants the United State of America, Mexico and Canada to beome one,the same as the European countries are. WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ron wrote on Sep 3, 2006 3:13 PM:We need the entire country to jump on this"bandwagon".
Thinking out loud wrote on Sep 3, 2006 8:03 PM:So Escondido wants to be the next city to profile people who look Mexican--including legal residents and citizens--whatever that look is. And somehow it's OK if the entire Arab, Latino, and Asian people of the city are challenged everytime they want a job or an apartment. As long as the white people aren't bothered.
Vera wrote on Sep 3, 2006 11:39 PM:Great Idea. Our so called Representatitives and Senators as well as other topdogs that cannot uphold the laws of this country they swore to uphold need to be deported along with all illegals.
Had way more than enough wrote on Sep 4, 2006 3:10 AM:Escondido has been more than tolerant. Viva la backlash!
Mark wrote on Sep 4, 2006 7:32 AM:GREAT ARTICLE. THESE ORDINANCES ARE PERFECTLY LEGAL. I think cities have a legal right and a duty to ensure that landlords and businessmen are following laws--federal, state and local. Immigration is one of the most destructive things that is happening to our nation causing fallling wages and deterioration in the quality of life. Illegal aliens (and the large number of legal ones) cause crime, bankrupt hospitals and are destroying America as we know it. So I am glad states and cities are responding to this devastation that has been heaped on our nation. It is illegal to rent to a person who plans to illegally manufacture drugs, a violation of federal laws. So it is illegal to rent to an illegal alien, whose presence in the apartment would be an illegal presence, in violation of federal law. These statutes and ordinances are perfectly legal, since most state and local ordinances regulate activites (such as water, employment, labor, consumer protection, transportation, banks, etc.) that are already regulated at the federal level, and they have all withstood legal challenges.
Larry wrote on Sep 4, 2006 9:11 AM:What is the problem of call an illegal act illegal and prosecute and or deport. Illegal for the rest of us means illegal and we suffer the consequences
Natalie wrote on Sep 4, 2006 10:07 AM:It's a sad situation when local governments must do what the clowns in D.C. won't. But more and more we see Americans taking a stand against the illegal invasion of our country.
Richard wrote on Sep 4, 2006 10:34 AM:They had better leave while they still can. Is jail in the U.S. better than living life in Mexico?
To Julio wrote on Sep 4, 2006 10:48 AM:Of course Marie Waldron has her eye the governership although she couldn't elected as assemblywoman that position in government may never be her's. She is a self-serving and self seeking. Funny how she proposed this ban right before her election to office as a coucilwoman. The future of this ban will be decided in the fall long after the election, but foolish people such as yourself will vote for her and that is exactly what she needs you all to do. I just wonder who was running Escondido when she was campaigning for Assemblywoman. We must be careful of a person who admitedly makes these very important decisions from E-mails she receives for anti-illegal immigration forums. The other problem I see with this is Escondido will have less overcrowding (which by the way this issue was not mentioned once at the City councilmeeting that night)anyway what Escondido will then have is a out of control homeless problem. Then what? So go ahead and applaud her all of you who are uniformed and ignorant to the real issues, but when Escondido is sued by those who are being discrimated against and breaking fair housing laws their will be those who will not be applauding her great stand as a heroe. God Bless will bless America when America begins to bless God.
To dan in Temecula wrote on Sep 4, 2006 10:52 AM:"and to all of the cities who are trying to keep are country clean of people we do not know." Dan I don't know you right, so is it fair to say under your reasoning that I can have you removed from the country I love, in order to keep it clean?
anotherview wrote on Sep 4, 2006 10:59 AM:America can get along just fine without illegal aliens. America has no obligation to provide work or housing for illegal aliens. Passing effective laws to stop the hiring and the housing of illegal aliens will surely tend to cause the illegal aliens to self-deport. Without a job prospect, the foreign nationals will tend not to come here in the first place. By virtue of the axiomatic economic law of supply and demand, employers then will have to offer higher wages, improved benefits, and better working conditions to attract Americans to do the jobs that illegal aliens now do. Jobs will open for Americans. The host of negative social, economic, and political impacts fostered by the presence of illegal aliens will moderate. For example, the criminal illegal alien element will diminish. As another example, the burden on local, state, and federal budgets will ease. America can get along just fine without illegal aliens.
Pancho wrote on Sep 4, 2006 11:37 AM:All of the laws should be enforced equally, regardless of race, religion, and/or national origin. That is with the exception of mexicans, and they should be above the law and exempt from the law. And the only purpose that a tonto gringo serves is to pay taxes to support the superior and noble mexican. Anyone who disagrees with this philosophy is a Xenophobic Racist. Pancho
David wrote on Sep 4, 2006 12:24 PM:you folks haven't seen ANYTING yet. Wait til the June 2005, meeting between Canuckistan, messico and jorge BOOSH reaches fruition and the borders come down in 2010. Then there's the NAFTA suerhighway that is going to fill our highways with messican truckers in 2007. el president jorge boosh is a treasonous dog and is selling out our national soverignty so fast i can't even track all the stuff he's doing. THAT is why border enforcement isn't important to el jefe'.
Bob wrote on Sep 4, 2006 12:42 PM:It's a shame every city in the country doesn't adopt an ordinance like Vista, Escondido,and Hazelton. It's got nothing to do with Mexicans per say,illegal is illegal. It's been proven our Federal Government isn't going to do anything about the problem, it's up to us Americans to take the initiative and do whatever is necessary to correct the problem. How about getting Lake Elsinore on the list of cities doing something about the illegals. There are at least a dozen illegals living in my neighborhood.
Tom wrote on Sep 4, 2006 1:18 PM:"The reason there's such a scattered snapshot of these communities adopting these (ordinances) is because so often they hear about them from the Internet and right-wing radio," And towns declaring themselves "sanctuary cities" aren't hearing about that from left wing radio? So what? Our national security is at stake, as well as out tax base and our economy.
scott cordier wrote on Sep 4, 2006 1:21 PM:where the hell is law enforcement, these people are illegal, there are laws for arresting illegal aliens, the local police needs to get off its BUTT and do there job. We all no that the federal government has no concern for this topic, so the local governments need to grow some balls and take care of problems like this all over the US.
Proud to be an American wrote on Sep 4, 2006 2:07 PM:What I see as a "grass-roots" effort to retake our country is a GOOD THING! The fact that we are joining together at this level, INSTEAD OF JUST RELYING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS GOOD! This is how our country was built - by people like you and me joining for and working towards a common cause. It is only when the government realizes our commitment to this cause that they WILL take action. By doing this on the LOCAL level, we are becoming stronger - we have more ownership in the outcome! WE WILL BE HEARD! And WE WILL SUCCEED! WE ARE AMERICA!
Jay wrote on Sep 4, 2006 2:18 PM:All legal residents of this country need to band together to preserve our way of life. Blog, write your local government, sign petitions, post videos on YouTube... We need to take our country back from the forces that are trying to give it away. Our very culture is at risk and already a vast majority of our youth has forgotten the concept of patriotism because of what they're being taught in public schools. If our kids have no pride in their heritage it will destroy our future.
TO THINKING OUT LOUD wrote on Sep 4, 2006 2:19 PM:You have it all wrong! This is NOT profiling. EVERYBODY will be required to show proof of legal status. Not just "hispanic-looking" (or whatever) people. Caucasians, asians, blacks - EVERYBODY will be required to show proof of legal status. Your whining is absurd to the point of being repulsive. Who in the world ever taught you to be so self-pitying (which is exactly how you come across)?
Carol wrote on Sep 4, 2006 2:32 PM:Maybe if enough cities and counties across the nation enact these laws, Congress will begin to understand that most Americans don't want the illegals here and don't want a "path to citizenship" (read "amnesty") for them, either. Proponents of illegal immigration say, "We can't deport them all." I say, "Why not? They all got here, somehow." Don't we have planes and buses? It would cost less in the long run to deport them than to support them here.
Greg wrote on Sep 4, 2006 3:38 PM:Why isn't there a European-American Legal Defence and Education Fund?
Steve wrote on Sep 4, 2006 5:18 PM: Since the Federal Govt. has failed tremendously since the end of the Eisenhower administration to stop the flow of illeagal immigrants into our country, it has fallen on local govt. unfortunately to address the problem. Why has there not been a more humane alternative to allowing people to sneak across the border, live in poverty and deplete our schools and hospitals as well as other social services so large corporations can enjoy cheap labor? This is an issue that isn't going away and it's time to put up a wall that no-one can crawl under or climb over along the length of our border. If we can spend billions in Afghanistan and Iraq to secure America's freedom we certainly can do the same here at home to secure our way of life. It's time for Washington to stop pandering to special interests and do what's neccessary to ensure America's security and economic well being for it's posterity.
Re: Reply To Dan (Temecula) From Dan: wrote on Sep 4, 2006 8:16 PM: Great point but lacks substance. I am a tax paying family man, who comits no crime, and wishes for the safest America for your children too. As long as your a LEGAL CITIZEN I accept you as you are. Tax paying or not, I accept you as an American citizen, one who will not blantenly brake are laws, and suck my kids future dry. For the common hard hittin illegal I feel for you man, but the rest of the bad seeds ruin it for you. So why not join are side, and embrace the miracles that this country produces. Help bring the low life illegals to America's law enforcement, so you have a place you call your own. I'm not against every illegal, I understand why some are here, but the fact remains there are too many bad ones mixed with the good ones. It is a bad thing that you confuse the good illegals with the bad ones. For the good ones I wish you luck, but you must stand in line like the rest. Then in due time you can tell your family how you fought to be AMERICAN, and did it the right way with pride!! GODBLESS AMERICA, AND GODBLESS YOU, REGARDLESS!!!
CC wrote on Sep 4, 2006 10:16 PM:The US was 7 million jobs short of keeping up with population growth over the past five years. Immigrants will suffer more than anyone else if the Senate immigration bill becomes law. A huge increase in unskilled workers means that they will be competing for the same jobs. That drives wages down. Americans don't want to be flooded with legal immigrants and H1B (high-tech) workers because that drives down wages.
To Dan in Hatemecula wrote on Sep 5, 2006 9:06 AM:It was not a point it was an opinion. It is unfortunate that "your side" is not differentiating between the "good and the bad" illegals. Unfortunately that most people on your side believe all Mexicans are illegals and treat them terribly. So what you are saying is that as long a a person is an American citizen it is okay with you that they murder, rape, steal, just break our laws in general and it will be okay since they are American citizens? I think all law breakers should be given due process and treated fairly and not given cruel and unusual punishment. I think depriving any human being from the ability to work, eat and have roof over their head is cruel and unusual. Wake up people we will look back at this and our grandchildren will be ashamed, well unless they are members of the KKK (aka minutemen). God Bless America and God Bless you, inspite of yourself.
Dan (Temecula) wrote on Sep 5, 2006 2:55 PM: I wish for a 100% crime free America. My point is that I feel its unfair that so much of are tax money is spent on housing some of the most violent criminals from another country. Meaning illegals, not legal citizens. I do not think every Latino person is illegal, but I don't think every Latino is legal either. That being said I just want what is right for me, my country, and most of all my family. There are plenty of resources to make a descent living in Mexico. The problem is that we produce a possible better life, easier than Mexico itself. Its not hate, or any racist movement like the kkk (and come on that is old, there are fewer kkk members in all of the United States than Latino gang members in Los Angelos alone). The kkk have no say on this issue, and the minute men are only trying to enforce are laws, and are way of life. Now I know they have harrassed some illegals trying to find work, but illegals have harrassed America's loop holes, and laws by being here in the 1st place. If you want to give this country away do me a favor do it on your dollar, not mine. One more thing my son is half mexican, and 2 childhood friends that are full blooded mexican I consider as my cousin's. I am a hard working tax payer that looks at the facts at hand, and nothing you can say will change my mind otherwise. The fact is that illegals of all orgin have taken advantage of are kindness, and now want more for free. It is not fair for say the military service people who have yet to become citizens, but yet deserve too because they obviously want to be a better part of this country. Not just want to become available to more of are social services, that these illegals are asking for. Now if you can't see those facts that America will shell out billions in social service funds if given amnesty, then you are blind, and obviously wish the worst for America, and its people!!
Same Problem in Penasquitos wrote on Sep 5, 2006 6:34 PM:Now all Escondido and the other cities need to to is pass a law to strip businesse's and contractors licenses if they are caught hiring them. make this a zero tolerance policy. Im glad that The migrant camps in Penasquitos are getting removed and the migrants evicted
Rafael wrote on Sep 5, 2006 11:29 PM:What a bunch of racist, ethnocentric hipocrites we have all become. Steal, steal, steal, were the last two hundred years, for our righteous countries whitewashed history. Land, land, land, from the only TRUE AMERICANS, not these white boys who have come to denigrate the land and bring all the hatred with them. Yes, these illegals will do the jobs our little anglo buddies cannot and wont do, and you know darn well it is GODS TRUTH, cause we are now a bunch of hedonistic comfort seekers and want top dollar for low performance. Our fathers and grandfathers had guts, but this generation, give me a break !!!! Look at all the strawberries, oranges, lettuce and chile rot. You don't see those lily white patriots working the fields, do you? Well maybe for 16 dollars an hour, hahaha, sure, sure, sure, you wouldn't want to pay 10 dollars for a pint of strawberries. Let Chile and Peru bring the fruit here, since we are such a country of retarded hipocrites, which don't want to pay a dime more for anything, but want to get paid a gillion dollars for a half assed job we now perfom. Let the Pakistanis and Hindus come in and take our high paying jobs, while they last, our kids don't do jack anyway, except do meth and dope and tattoo their little butts and fornicate.
Bob wrote on Sep 6, 2006 10:13 PM:Easy Rachael!! The only thing we want is for them to wait their turn in line like the honest immigrants do. Is that asking too much????????
To Rafael: wrote on Sep 7, 2006 7:56 AM:Are you including the spanish conquistadors and the horrific damage they did to the aztecs or is that ok? You need to get you racist facts straight hombre! You seem to have alot of anger towards white folks. If it wasn't for whites, you would not have the standard of living you're used to, inlcuding the comuter you use to rant your racist views.
Frances wrote on Sep 8, 2006 8:41 AM:ILLEGAL means you broke into our Country by stepping on the backs of the good people who are respecting our laws by waiting in line. That is wrong. These ILLEGALS should not ever receive Citizenship. The farm workers we need can get green cards. Our local government must step up and enforce the law - Bush sure is not doing his job - He is probably to busy bringing "Democracy" to Iraq.
SJD wrote on Sep 8, 2006 12:14 PM:You tell 'em Frances; you said it in a nutshell!
L wrote on Sep 10, 2006 10:01 AM:Why isn't this newspaper reporting the murders and assaults against Americans in Baja. Check out the union tribune.
DS wrote on Sep 11, 2006 10:08 AM:Really, should it matter why Waldron pushed this issue? She wanted the votes. It is how it should be. Officials actions should be representative of their voters or risk losing their office. No complaints here.
Betty wrote on Sep 13, 2006 10:46 AM:Everyone in this country is an immigrant, unless of course the indians. The spanairds and the europeans violently forced themselves into this land. But some selfish americans today refuse to let mexican immigrants live and work (which this economy needs) in the land they were forced out of.
EscoWatchDog wrote on Sep 13, 2006 2:01 PM:Agree with ya Betty. Mexicans are natives of this land - sure many of them have Spanish and other mixed in but its' the same thing. Natives were raped, murdered and had their land stolen by the Europeans. Check your history book -it's fact and not racist. To acknowledge the group who did this is okay, more people need to hear this stuff. Of coruse they will never admit it because now they are scared of the brown folks living here. Even Sam Abed is capatilizing off this anti-immigrant fervor by saying that "illegals" are flooding our city and we have too many "Hispanics" in Escondido. So, which is it? Does he hate "illegals" or "hispanics"? How did he bring race into this? It's obvious racism here folks. How woudl Abed feel if we had a "flood" of Lebanese immigrants? Would he still support these ridiculous proposals?
Calif DAD wrote on Sep 22, 2006 11:05 PM:I don't agree with Esco "watchdog". I'm of European and Native American decent. My family has been compensated for the past "land stolen, etc..". My family has bled for this country WWII and Nam and legal Americans continue to die and bleed for U.S.A. I wonder how many illeagal immigrants have died lately in Iraq or afganistan for the U.S.A?? I think it should be manditory for any immigrant applying for Citizenship should serve 4 yrs in our U.S.A military fighting terrorist in a foriegn country. Then maybe then they would appreciate this fine country of our's. U.S.A... Tired of supporting the ILLEGALS!!!!!
Juris Naturalist wrote on Sep 26, 2006 2:11 PM:Look, a long, long time ago, some spaniards and frenchmen and brits and all sorts of other europeans did some pretty awful stuff to the people who already lived in the americas. I'm not going to say they didn't. However, that has no bearing on the issue at hand. What is important today is that many people, whether mexican, canadian, chinese, or swedish, have entered this country in direct violation of our laws. I'm not trying to say that we should never let anyone in, or that we should stop any particular enthicity. What I am saying is that we should deport those who have illegally entered this country. They have no rights as citizens here, they are stealing the money the government has allotted to pay for our children's education, and they are abusing our system of government. Those who have not paid the price to be here should be sent back home.
escondidoguy wrote on Oct 5, 2006 5:33 PM:I think Mexico should pay for 1/2 the cost of the border fence. After all it's being built to keep Americans from crossing into Mexico illegally, right? We need to stop Americans from illegally crossing into Mexico and taking jobs away from Mexicans. Those damn Americans are sneaking into Mexico, building houses over there, starting businesses over there and putting Mexicans to work in their own country - shameless. Worst of all those sneaky Americans are doing all that by abiding by all the laws of Mexico! How dare they do that. In a few short years there won't be anyone left here in the US except Mexicans. Then what will all those poor Mexicans that are here do?
George wrote on Oct 12, 2006 5:39 PM:Something like 20,000 years ago man crossed the land bridge at the Bering Straits as an immigrant. Whether one's ancesters were American Indians or not is irrelevent to the issue of illegal immigration. This nation's sovereignty isn't in question. As a nation of laws, and a recognized member of the international community, it is entitled to govern who may cross it's borders. No national of any other country is entitled to question that, whether he be Mexican or not, period. We, the people, are entitled to evict anyone who violates our laws. This is not in dispute, except by those who would subvert our way of life.
Don't-be-Paranoid wrote on Oct 19, 2006 4:27 AM:Why are many parading in victory content in seeing the council enact such pathetic ordinance? Is it because you fear the tide of the nation is shifting? No longer a conglomeration of European ethnicities making up an identity of what American ought to be. Afraid of the explosion of non-Europeans into your communities, comprised mostly of Mexicans and other non-Europeans who are gaining clout and challenging the notion of an "American" identity. The fact is that we are going no--where. We're retaining our Mexicano identities, our bi-cultural, bi-lingual, and ethnic-cultural particularities. No matter how many ways the legislative process is manipulated, we're staying put. We have done so for centuries, even before the white, Euro-Americans came-and nothing will change. Please STOP BEING PARANOID!
Joed wrote on Nov 15, 2006 3:09 AM:Get this Illegal out of the US Why havent they gone into that church and arrested that female immediately and sent it back. Save this country
JONNNY wrote on Nov 30, 2006 8:15 PM:USA is MADE BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!!!! only natives where here 1st.
Ed wrote on Feb 20, 2007 10:38 AM: I live in Chicago and am required to pay Real Estate taxes of which the majority is used by the Board of Education. Since the schools are overcrowded with illegal alien children that must be taught English. I must pay a private school to teach my sons Math, History,and Science. There are people who argue this nation was founded on immigration and they are right. But it was LEGAL immigration. These illegal aliens are turning this city into an overcrowded slum. Deport them and their children NOW! It is not fair to the U.S. Citizens or the people who haved earned their right to be called an American.
bringiton wrote on May 7, 2007 7:48 PM:The monument in Baldwin Park, CA did it for me. I hope somehow, those against illegal immigration throughout the 50 states come together. We need to make this the primary focus in the 2008 elections. We know it will not be completely settled in the next 18 months. This problem is spreading throughout the US and is much bigger than California.
Gunnar wrote on May 13, 2007 7:00 PM:Teddy Roosevelt ad legal immigrants,"In the first place we should insist that the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equity with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any flag of a nation to which we are hostile. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Theodore Roosevelt in a letter to the American Defense Society in 1919. "Every immigrant who comes here should be required within five years to learn English or to leave the country," he said in a statement to the Kansas City Star in 1918. "English should be the only language taught or used in the public schools."
mordecai wrote on May 16, 2007 11:15 AM:To those idiots that just post saying get every illegal out save the country... I don't know how you can be and more stupid.. those are the people that are racist because they don't measure any consequences they just want to see other people get hurt, bunch of sadists. You have no idea what will happen to the economy. As long as your ok? well you wont be every one will be affected .... Go do some research and then post some intelligent opinions ok ?
PABLO wrote on May 29, 2007 7:23 AM:MAN PEOPLE SAY THAT ILLGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE TAKING THEIR JOBS BUT IF YOU WHENT TO COLLEGE YOU WOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PABLO OR JOSE TAKING YOUR JOB BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY AND IF YOU HAVE A GOOD JOB YOU CAN PUT YOUR KID IN A GOOD SCHOOL NOT AN OVERCROWDED ONE
jose wrote on May 29, 2007 4:01 PM:man you dudes that post all those comments... if you dont get bothered by "saving" america you will not care. so wait until the movie "a day without a mexican" actualy happens and you have to pick up your own food and cut your own grass or clean up the toilets then we will see who will whant the illegals immigrants
paco wrote on May 29, 2007 4:10 PM:yeah puto u whant to give green cards to the people you whant but that only benefits you wait until those illegals get the card you think they will stay there no they are going to try to get better jobs just like you always trying to bet a better job
jeff wrote on Jul 22, 2007 6:37 PM:take the main incentives away... any child born in this country of even one illeagal parent, then that child is not a citizen and does not quailfy for welfare, medicaid or medicare. illegals come here to have their children so they will be "citizens" and as citizens they qualify for welfare, medicaid and medicare and it also seems to give them leverage against deportation because it would break up the family. meanwhile we legal citizens get the privalige of footing the bill. if you dont believe me pay attention in walmart you see the mexicans in line several children in tow the woman has to watch the kids put the items on the conveyer, put the items back in the basket and take care of the kids all at the same time while the men dressed to the nines stands back and doesnt help, but he will flirt with the cashier. the they pay with an ebt card for the goceries and he will pull out a hundred dollar bill to pay for his beer. so if it wasnt so financially viable for them they wouldnt be here. so while we support them and their children, they collective send back to mexico money to the tune of 18 billion plus annually. in any country you go to except america if you are not a citizen you have no right to welfare free medical care or a say so in the politics of that country until the day you become a citizen. here we have these millions of illegal imigrants demanding rights, and i'll be damned if it doesnt look like they are going to get the same rights i have being a legal american citizen
Darlene wrote on Jul 26, 2007 5:43 PM:This is suppose to be America. The place my father,uncles, and brothers fought in the war for ingorante people like you for ,for freedom! You had better raad your history books ,because this was there land and the indians before the white man came and stole it so how about the white man going back where he belongs and the black man!!!!!!
Iselin007 wrote on Aug 12, 2007 2:42 PM:Take away the illegally rented housing then the savings in hiring H1B or undocumented workers begins to hit the purse strings of law breaking companies. Try renting a hotel room for a cheap labor worker an suddenly their too expensive! Imagine getting the hotel bill for 365 days for a H1B worker and you would find them to cost too much!
paula wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:26 PM:We need to get all state united and organized to put a stop of the illegal alien invasion before this country is done in and start to take better care of our own families. Jobs are being taken and we now say we can't afford health care. We don't need more people at this time to cover. Are sons fathers,moms and daughters are in a war need doing for another country while they (Mexican)are coming here not defending us but using what are soldiers are dying for.
howard wrote on Oct 25, 2007 10:17 AM:After reading these comments I can see why illegal immigration is such a mess. I have been doing extesive research on this subject for nearly a year. I can do this because I am retired. There is a trio of participants involved with this issue. 1. The illegal immigrants coming into our country uninvited from all over the world. 2. Corporate American, who wants the cheap labor and is driven to given larger profit margins. Large profit margins are good for CEO's and investors. The CEO's and investors have political connections. Corporate American, invesotrs, and CEO's donate alot of money to politicans to get them elected. Alot of our politicans are investors. 3. President Bush has said the system is broken and they tried "amnesty" this summer because he is compassionate. It is probably the only thing he could come up with. Presidents Clinton and Bush have allowed this, with Bush at a much larger scale. Corporate America would have like to get the Amnesty sooner but I'm sure Bush could do it because he wouldn't had a second term. Now that he can't run anymore he tries amnesty. Promises made, donations accept, and fullfillment of obligations. Don't surprised if Bush use some kind of presidential pardon to bring amnesty. Now here is the big issues that hardly anyone mentions. The president and our other elected officials are soppuse to work for us, but they catered to someone else. This is the big danger. We elected them and they cater to the big money. We need to force them to do our binding. If we don't, we will be the big losers and it will be our fault. The immigration system is not broke. Never has been, it hasn't been enforced. They say it is broke so to imply it's not their fault. It is the politicans fault. They have been watching this situation get worst for 16 years. They knew all along. The politicans could have enforced it but chosen not to. This is why we have to force their hand now and remind them that the citizens come first and not Corporate interests. Legal or not at all.
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