New immigration reform group forms

By: EDWARD SIFUENTES - Staff Writer | Friday, June 8, 2007 12:07 AM PDT

Ginger Jacobs, an immigration lawyer, speaks during a San Diego press conference at which immigration advocates and other community leaders announced the formation of a new immigration consortium.
ROBERT BENSON For The North County Times
Order a copy of this photo
Visit our Photo Gallery

SAN DIEGO ---- A diverse group of religious leaders, labor unions, legal advocates and community leaders joined Thursday to call on Congress to pass immigration reform that would help legalize illegal immigrants, keep migrant families together and protect immigrants' rights.

The group, called the Immigrant Rights Consortium of San Diego County, is made up of 25 organizations. They include the American Immigration Lawyers Association of San Diego, the American Jewish Committee of San Diego, the Council on American-Islamic Relations of San Diego, the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice and several others.

More than a dozen members of the group gathered for a press conference in San Diego on the same day the U.S. Senate debated a controversial bill to overhaul the nation's immigration system.

Rabbi Laurie Coskey of Poway said immigration reform is needed because there are large numbers of workers who are critical to the local economy but live in fear of deportation. She said they often fail to report abuses at work because they are in the country illegally.

"So often, what we find is wonderful people doing the jobs that make up the backbone of our San Diego economy, yet they are fearful. They live in the shadows together with their families," said Coskey, who serves as the director of the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, a grass-roots group focusing on labor rights.

Consortium members said the group has objectives beyond immigration reform, such as opposing local policies that discriminate against immigrants, educating immigrants about their rights and showing the public the contributions immigrants make.

Some local anti-illegal immigration activists said the new group does not represent the views of most Americans on reform.

"As evidenced by the millions of angry phone calls, faxes and e-mails to their government 'representatives,' loyal Americans are fed up to the point of snapping with law-breaking illegal aliens," said Mike Spencer, who heads the Vista Citizens Brigade, a group of anti-illegal immigration activists in Vista.

Members of the consortium said at the press conference that they disagree with the assertion that most Americans don't want immigration reform. They said most Americans want fair immigration laws that protect the nation's borders and safeguard immigrant rights.

Andrea Guerrero, the chairwoman of the group, said the consortium hired a polling company to survey county residents and ask their views on immigration reform. She said the group will announce the poll's results next week.

Several members of the group said a compromise immigration reform bill being debated in the Senate this week is not perfect, but it could be improved as it moves to the House and later in negotiations.

The bill would help legalize millions of illegal immigrants, but would change the rules for future legal immigrants.

Republicans and Democrats have offered dozens of amendments to the bill in recent weeks, including proposals to eliminate its guest worker program and narrow the number of illegal immigrants who would be eligible to legalize their status.

That's why some members of the consortium said they can't say whether they support the bill until they see its final form.

"We've had millions of people march for humane immigration reform, but we've not seen that humane immigration reform bill out there, yet. That's what we're asking for," said Enrique Morones, who heads the immigrant rights group Border Angels, which is part of the consortium.

North County anti-illegal immigration activists said they believe the majority of the public does not want a bill that would legalize illegal immigrants.

"Americans and San Diegans want our borders secured first and enforcement of our immigration laws before we offer full rights and services to people who have broken our laws," said Jeff Schwilk, founder of the Oceanside-based San Diego Minutemen, a group of anti-illegal immigration activists.

"This new group does not appear to acknowledge these realities," Schwilk said referring to the consortium. "They should focus on helping legal immigrants assimilate into American society, and on protecting legal workers."

Edgar Hopida, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in San Diego, said the immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. He said Muslims and other immigrants often face years of waiting while the government conducts background checks to immigrate legally and become citizens.

Hopida said the Senate bill offers hope to those waiting because it has provisions to help reduce the immigration backlogs.

"A lot of people in our community are 'backlogged' three to five years and they've been legitimate green card holders who are trying to get their citizenship," Hopida said. "If you have an Arab-sounding name, more than likely, you're going to be delayed in security."

Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at (760) 740-3511 or esifuentes@nctimes.com.

Next Previous

Advertisement

155 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

Stop The Invasion! wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:18 AM:First, secure the border. Second, legalization of the law breakers only after fines, back taxes, and touchback requirements. Third, law breakers go to the end of the line after those who have followed the law and have been waiting for years to immigrate legally. Fourth, no amnesty (Z Visas or the like). Fifth, give priority to highly skilled and educated immigrants. Sixth, enforce existing laws before enacting new so-called tougher laws.

Check the headlines wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:41 AM:You should have written a column today explaining why the immigration bill went down to defeat in Washington yesterday. You can't ignore it, can you Edward? Your spin on the reasons for that defeat would be good for a couple of chuckles and you let your public down. About the new group forming....who cares?????

Robin wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:55 AM:This is a great day for America. The Senate's amnesty bill appears to be going down in flames! Illegal alien criminals are destroying this country. Amnesty is not the answer! Enforcment of our current laws is vital to our country. Jail the employers for illegally hiring these people. That will dry up the job market so they will go back to the country where they belong. Taxpayers should not be supporting 20+ million citizens or other countries. The illegals are criminals because they are breaking our laws and they shouldn't be here! We don't need them. Our economy would be much better if they were gone. I am not a racist since this issue has nothing to do with race. It is about our laws!

Old Lady wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:57 AM:Where's the fence?

*Adam wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:09 AM:These people are in la la land!

Born in the USA wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:39 AM:I wonder what other criminals these people would like to see set free! I wonder if someone breaks into their house if they offer them tea? Do they care about the people waiting in line to come here the legal why?

*Dyehard in Escondido wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:42 AM:Illegals rises gas prices by demands. If they were deported, our demand would go down and prices would go down. They are costing the American citizens in more ways than we can imagine. 12-20 million people using gasoline has to affect demand. Next door is 4 cars and across the street is 5.

Skip wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:46 AM:Our federal betray cannot even issue passports to United States Citizens, and they would now have us to believe that 12 to 20 Million Illegal Aliens can be safely and adequately screened into becoming LEGAL Residents and Citizens. Seems to me that if the Amnesty happens, then it will be the biggest Rubber Stamp program in the history of the United States.

Skip wrote on Jun 8, 2007 5:01 AM:Every time the state of California mails me a notice on Voting or politics the notices are also printed in Spanish. This morning I was reading a Jury Summons that I received in the mail this week, and I noticed that it was written in English only. I DID NOT SEE AN EXCUSE BOX FOR "SORRY I DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH” I wonder how these millions of Illegal Aliens really will fit into our society.

RWC wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:14 AM:How do you legalize illegal? Solve the problem by ignoring it? This will bankrupt our social security system for sure!

Alfonso wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:19 AM:It seems our legislators finally heard our screams against amnesty for the millions of abusers. What these "immigrant" consortiums for amnesty don't understand is that there is only so much room on the boat. We have to control how many get on and off or we sink too. We need reform that will send the message "illegal entrance into our country will not be tolerated but if you want to work as a guest, we will help you find a way. Now, go home and come back through legal means." Also, fix the 14th amendment that encourages illegal entrance for birth rights. Punish employers who knowingly hire illegals and give them the means to verify and validate SS information. Enforce our current laws to their full extent. Can you believe they were going to offer amnesty to gang members, those already ordered deported that were defying the order and other criminals who would have NOT been exempt?

Warner: wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:29 AM: We have been very tolerant; however, there is an election coming in 2008, and we the people are bidding our time and taking note of those in-office politicians that support open borders, illegals, and the ACLU. We will have our say with the ballot, and we will speak out very clearly telling certain politicians to go find a job, and illegals to, "Get thy self back across the border." You see, that is the American way.

ME wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:47 AM:Shouldn't the headline read? "New illegal-immigration reform group forms."

Congress has decided wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:47 AM:The Congress of the United States made thie decision. They voted against the bill. Now it is time for the bill passed last October to be enacted. There is to be a wall/fence across the border, stretching from Texas to California. The continual onslaught of new illegals needs to stop. We have laws. Other people from other countries of the world have quotas and rules they must follow, so why would anyone crossing our border from the South be able to have done it illegally. However, there must be some way of temporary residency they can be allowed, IF and only if they have followed all of our laws and complied with whatever our government decides is legal. Millions of people have been allowed to remain here, draining our systems. Many others are not. We need to separate the two groups.

Listen to the Citizens wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:47 AM:Here's something the NC Times won't print. If you want our border secured, laws enforced and your voice heard I urge you to join with 400,000 plus citizens across the US by going to [Web site] and signing up today. There you will find detailed information on the immigration reform bill along with other pertinent information and be able to send free faxes to your elected representitives.

Rockfish wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:56 AM:Now here's a picture of people not in the know. All they care about is helping others, which is a beautiful thing. However, what they don't know is that the very people they are trying to help will do anything to take ANYTHING from them, including their livilihood, their standard of living and their children's future while not giving back anything. They don't realize that most of these people don't want our citizenship or our laws, they want freebees and handouts and don't give two hoots about assimilating. Only a fool would help that kind of character.

fedup wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:10 AM:....more spin, this group is so untruthful that they call themselves "immigrants rights....." Well, true immigrants already have rights, whereas the criminal ILLEGAL aliens that this group wants to help have none, should never have any rights in this country. If they want rights, they can go home.

Illegals wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:26 AM:Illegal border crossers HAVE NO RIGHTS !! Essentially they are all criminals.

Miguel wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:29 AM:Form all the groups you want. We need legislation that will discourage illegal immigration to our country, not encourage it. We do not have room for the whole world in America but we should be able to export Americas attitudes, policies and charity to every corner of the planet. If others want the benefits of Americas wisdom, they must install it in their own backyard, ours is getting full. Don't feed them fish for a day, teach them to fish forever. What's the question?

Alan wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:35 AM:Appropriate Immigration reform will affect peoples from all countries, not just the Latino majorities now illegally in our country. You cannot invade America in such disparate numbers without affecting our country's cultural diversity. Everyone should immigrate the same way, legally, through the system. If it is too slow, be patient. If you don't like it, don't come, stay home and make the changes there, not here.

Good then they wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:49 AM:can help us call the Senators and Congressmen and demand the borders be secured and interior immigration laws are obey as dictated in the 1986 law. Which included fining and imprisioning employers who hie illegals.

Loud and proud. wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:01 AM:Secure the border by building the fence that's already mandated by law and hire/train more border patrol agents. Enforce the laws. End "sanctuary cities". Enact secure ID so employers know the legal status of those they hire. Penalize employers who hire illegal aliens. Deport those found to be illegally in the country. Show the American citizens that the government can protect its borders and enforce its own laws and then we can have a conversation about what to do about the millions of illegal aliens in the country, but not until the government proves itself. You. Work. For. Us.

Patriot wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:11 AM:Everybody wants to conduct a poll on immigration reform. This is from another article in the NCT today: "In a recent poll by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, 55 percent of the respondents said penalizing employers who hire illegals is the best way to reduce illegal immigration." What irks so many people are the companies that ignore our labor laws to obtain the cheapest labor, and pass along the social costs of their employees and their families to the U.S. taxpayer. If companies were not hiring illegal labor, levels of illegal immigration would decrease significantly. Under existing law, it is illegal to hire someone who is in the country illegally. The Bush Administration has been derelict in enforcing this law.

Moving On wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:20 AM:Welfare is the problem, not people coming here to work. Fix the welfare state. Border security re terrorism is another issue. Get rid of the welfare state and the illegal immigration problem goes away.

Concerned-1 wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:29 AM:Way to go Edward and NCT. The immigration reform bill in the Senate got shleved yesterday, but you lead with "immigration reform group forms..." And the poll you mentioned? Can't wait for that. Wonder what it will say. I took a poll yesterday from one of these so-called unbiased polling organization and it was so skewed it was unbeliveable. I'll tell you what, put it to a vote of the American citizens and see how it turns out. If you win, Edward and NCT, then I'll live with it. Just don't keep raming this totally biased crap down our throats!

Ridiculous wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:48 AM:Of course the immigration attorneys want to give amnesty to illegals. How do you think they make their money? By representing all these law breakers at the expense of US citizens. The Catholic church supports illegals because it means more parishoners for them. I am sure that the poll they conducted will reflect exactly what they want it to by simply wording the questions in a way that benefits them. The vast majority of Americans want the border secured and a lawfull and orderly approach to immigration. NOT AMNESTY for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!

They don't know what wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:59 AM:they are talking about. Sifuentes doesn't either. We want the CRIMINAL ILLEGAL immigrants DEPORTED immediately. The illegal immigrants have some mentality of entitlement that most people don't like. You can write what you want Mr. Sifuentes and the NCT can print it, but YOU don't speak for what the majority of AMERICANS want. NO AMNESTY.

Nick wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:02 AM:What a joke! Obviously none of the people or groups above speak for 80% of tax paying AMERICAN CITIZENS. Deport them all with the Illegals!

Thank you wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:14 AM:for naming those involved in the "New" Consortium so I know who I will not support. You folks don't get it. Send them home, bring them back LEGALLY. Slam the border shut first with Military or whatever it takes. Enforce the law going after and fining employers. You see these are laws from 1986 that passed and no one enforced. They say a definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over expecting different results. You wonder why the members of the Consortium who sound intelligent and have nice titles are so ignorant.

UR Minute is UP wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:21 AM:Jeff Schwilk is a washed up has been. The Minutemen are a thing of the past.

mEATbONE wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:25 AM:We don't need reform. We need to enforce the laws already in place. Don't even consider "reform" until all aliens currently in the country are prosecuted and deported. And BTW, these people don't really mean "reform." "reform" is only a euphemism for re-legislating. Don't be fooled.

Legal Citizen wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:43 AM:Yes, they should live in the background, in their own country. Most Americans are sick and tired of Illegal Aliens sucking American resources dry. And yes, the correct term is ILLEGAL ALIEN. In no way shape or form are they immigrants. They know what they did and are doing is completely and totally illegal, so yes, hide. I have no pity for them or their families, because too many times poor American families and children have and are being overlooked, to cater these ILLEGAL ALIENS. Enforce the current Immigration laws, and deport the Illegals. The easiest way to do it is to just not hire them period, fine or take away the business licenses of the employers who have been hiring them, and they will go home.

Escondeeter wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:02 AM:Ho, hum... old news. "Sun rises in east, new leftist front group forms". The same thing's been going on since Karl Marx got his library card. It's an effort to try to make it look like they have more support than they do.

Viva La Raza wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:12 AM:These new groups forming to protect immigrants are out of touch with reality. This is not about protecting illegal immigrants from abuse. We can all pretty much agree that all illegal aliens from all the countries of the world that illegally come into the country should be protected from abuse. The disagreement is that these groups are trying to advocate that America legalize all the illegal immigrants from mostly Mexico. This is not Mexico and I am sure people will fight if need be to keep it from becoming Mexico. Our representatives and President need to get their act together before we end up in warfare like when Albania sent all its poorest people to neighboring countries.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:26 AM:Sorry to disappoint those who actually think an "amnesty bill" (or anything close) is going to pass. This has become a hot-bed issue with many American CITIZENS throughout the country and we refuse to be bullied, threatened, or convinced that allowing illegal aliens a direct path to citizenship. It's just not going to happen. It's a shame that Ed Sifuentes has to take the side of "los pobresitos" on this issue. Just a tad bit biased?

Scott wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:28 AM:I didn't see a complete list of the 25 people on this new consortium, but the author listed them as community leaders. I wonder what community they lead. I would like to see a list of their members in case any of them decide to put their hat in the political arena. No vote from me for a leader who puts his/her community at risk by supporting criminals.

GFN wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:35 AM:Even if this new group is correct in their assertion, "They said most Americans want fair immigration laws that protect the nation's borders and safeguard immigrant rights.", and I believe they are, the citizens of the US DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ITS OWN GOVERNMENT WILL ENFORCE ANY NEW LAWS THAT THEY ENACT. The reason for this is that the government of the US HAS NOT ENFORCED THE LAWS THAT THEY PASSED ON IMMIGRATION IN 1986. What we are saying is, "We do not trust you, Congress and President, and that is YOUR FAULT, not ours. Gain our trust by enforcing the laws CURRENTLY on the books and THEN adjust them if necessary for a fair and balanced solution.

Does anyone Know wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:39 AM:Does anyone Know if Senators Can be recalled. I would think the citizens in Nevada and Arizona two conservative states would be livid with McCain and Harry Reid and they would be organizing for a recall of the two. If they get rid of those two it would send a message to the other elitist Senators who are way out of touch with the citizens.

Mike wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:55 AM:I'm amazed how illegal people are dictating American policy.

Baby Steps wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:56 AM:Does anyone wonder why this article is a top story in the NCT, yet nowhere to be found is the real news about this bill not passing today? It's front page news in every rag around, yet the NCT feels that we need to know about some new group of socialists. Hey NCT, report the news - not your own anti-american agenda. Please keep contacting your government representatives - they are just starting to hear the voice of the silent majority.

CR wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:01 AM:Let the new group form up SOUTH of the border! Why waste our space with it. There are no "rights" for illegal aliens breaking the law by just being here--yet they think they are entitled to everything that citizens get. The law has turned around backward, but there is hope the "reform" will die in Congress because the true citizens are speaking out. There should be at least ten stories about people who legally became citizens, and the hard work they went through to earn it, for every sob story about the "poor" illegal aliens. Tell the truth about the $20,000 each year that each one COSTS the economy!

Reality Check wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:01 AM:To UR who writes “The minutemen are a thing of the past.” The Minutemen WANT to be a thing of the past, because when that happens, we’ll know our illegal alien problem has been brought under control. Until then, the Minutemen, made up of everyday common citizens doing whatever they can within the law, will exist and continue the fight for the type of America that benefits even folks like UR.

Listen to the Citizens wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:24 AM:I wrote an earlier post regarding a large group that is fighting for upholding our laws, securing the border and is against Amnesty. Isn't it strange that the Numbersusa website was deleted from the post yet the NCT has no problem promoting via their front page an organization called Immigrants Rights Consortium. Just another example of their biased, unbalanced reporting.
[Comment policy: "No email addresses or Web links to pages other than those on this site or to public governmental sites will be allowed." For our complete policy, please go to: nctimes.com/blogpolicy]

AResident wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:47 AM:It's true NCT's is pretty lame in reporting. Where is the article on the 20year old girl that got kidnapped. It's in the UT.

Skip wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:52 AM:You have defeated Scamnesty Bill S. 1348 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Last year the amnesty bill passed the Senate and we had to stop it in the House. This year, thanks to a historic backlash from the American public, our side advances! We have stopped this amnesty in the Senate! This is a great advance for our side! The bill failed on two Cloture votes today. Senator Reid, McCain, Graham, and the other Sellouts are out of time! They are out of time because each day that goes by more Americans find out about this terrible bill and the resistance grows!Senator Reid has just announced he is taking the Senate Scamnesty Bill off the Senate floor! This bill is DEAD! Thanks to you! Some of the bills sponsors are reported to be literally crying! The tide has turned towards enforcement. We The People have defeated...

WHAT BALONEY wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:56 AM:All of these blogs are pure baloney and racist ballyhoo. They are from a narrow group and many are from the same person using a different blog name. They are mostly north county military retirees from the south. What they blog is completely predictable. They do NOT represent the majority of Americans who poll after poll have indicated their support for legalization of all migrants, but to include better border control. And that's exactly the legislation that will be passed. Politicians play up to the will of the majority to enhance reelection. And those politicians are experts at seeing what the majority wants.

Ali wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:58 AM:Why is it so complicated to understand that we are for legal immigration?? Why is difficult to understand that we do not want illegals coming to this country without knowing who they are and going through the legal process?? How did it come to this? This is just common sense stuff!!!!

Betty wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:02 PM:Charity begins at home and our legal citizens come first. We need to enforce our existing laws and secure our borders. The mexican people are good people but they were taught a lie called "AZATLAN" which is the southwest belongs to them. Thier government tought this in their schools but it is a lie! You need to go home to Mexico and take your country back from your crooked government and drug dealers. We americans have our own problems with our home grown crooks who run our republic representative government. Our systme of government is good but a large portion of our representatives (democrat and republican) including the president are corrupt. Google the north american union and you will see why they want illegal immigration. It isn't because we need slave labor!

Betty wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:21 PM:Skip claimes the people have defeated the scamnesty bill S.1348. I wish you were right Skip! but the congress has pulled this trick befor. They say it is dead for now and then they will pass it in the middle of the night or when they think we are distracted with other problems. We the people (LEGAL CITIZENS)need to continue voicing our opinion on the amnesty bill. If we stop now we are doomed to the GLOBALIST AGENDA CALLED THE NORTH AMERICAN UNION. If the rule of law no longer applies to the illegal aliens then it should not applie to the legal citizens. Fair is fair!

Not uno cent wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:30 PM:of tax payer dollars to the illegal aliens!

Could it be the wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:31 PM:activist and the illegals are seeing a major backlash?

American woman wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:39 PM:Ed, you needed to watch carefully the "progress" of the most recent bill, S-1348 in the Senate. Hellooooo...It's been shelved and will likely be completely removed to the Senate "circular file." Where to begin? This article, as usual, refers to immigration in many instances where the term 'illegal' should be used as a modifier. Old news, but just as irritating. I believe Americans are, for the most part, FOR controlled immigration into the country. It goes without saying that the United States of America is built on the diversity of an emigrant society. However, millions of third-world, under-educated foreign aliens do not necessarily make for a better or more successful society... certainly not economically, and not socially or culturally. Both the premises and arguments of this Sifuentes piece is more of the same old-same old. I am heartened by the fact that more and more philanthropic and religious groups are offering their help to the illegal aliens, particularly from Mexico. Their insistance on helping these less fortunate individuals who have nevertheless, committed criminal acts, again and again against our country, is laudable. This also seems to indicate that they will be willing to take their acts of generosity and compassion a step further by accompanying the lawbreakers back to their home countries. Mexico is a beautiful, resource-rich land. There are countless opportunities there for the Mexican people. If they will focus the amount of energy they have wasted sneaking into the U.S., trying to avoid our laws, and circumvent our judicial processes, on changes in Mexico, they will eventually create their own successful country. This is how change is created...not on U.S. soil, at the expense of American citizens! It seems they could create a massive resistance to their current questionable government! They have La Raza, MALDEF, LULAC, MAPA, MEChA and the myriad huge Latino/Mexicano organizations refered to by Ed...and don't forget the Catholic Church! It's time for Revolution in Mexico, and this time they need to win. No one can deny that the voices of WE, THE PEOPLE were finally heard, loud and clear by our Senate. This long-overdue reaction of the Congress to the demands of taxpaying America has felt awsome! Now that we are awake and aware, let's keep the ball rolling! God bless America

dave from oceanside wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:40 PM:Eighteen states permit the recall of state officials: Alaska Arizona California Colorado Georgia Idaho Kansas Louisiana Michigan Minnesota Montana Nevada New Jersey North Dakota Oregon Rhode Island Washington Wisconsin

Jorge wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:43 PM:SO...WHERE'S THE FENCE?

Time to Impeach wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:51 PM:Bush and those loser senators! Any Presidential canidate that even mentions immigration reform will of committed political suicide.

Mike America wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:52 PM:To all of you who took the time in the past few weeks to call and write the sorry excuses we have for representation in the White House and Senate; thank you. But our job is not done; as you can see, the squeeky wheel groups are already re-orginizing for another round. Please continue to call and write; demand they build the fence and start enforcing the existing immigration laws.

Recall them all! wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:02 PM:Including our Governor who said that July 1, 2007, no more taxpayer money to children of illegal aliens. If he doesn't keep his word, RECALL HIM!

Hey NCT wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:11 PM:Can we have a round table for Americans against illegal aliens? We could discuss all of the crime and the hit and runs, but you would have to put a time limit on it, because it could take weeks to tell everything that is wrong.

What about our senators? wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:12 PM:Recall Feinstein and Boxer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Simon says: wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:32 PM: There many groups of USA citizens that have, for many years, let the USA and our people down. They are the three branches of our government, the ACLU, and our religious leaders that insist on aiding illegal aliens. They are assisting and facilitating the illegal entrance of illegal aliens into the USA, and they are using my tax dollars to accomplish the criminal deed. In addition, they are assisting and faciliting the ellegals remaining here using my dollars given to charity. I have a God given right to be secure in my own home, and enjoy the benefits I have earned for my family and myself. I have read that 30% of the inmates in California jails are here illegal, and that does not account for the criminals that have been deported. As of today, I heard that one county in CA has 19,000 jail beds while they need 30,000. I have read that felons are being release from CA courts on tickets with their promise to return to court to face charges and they never show up. What the group of people mentioned in the article, called the Immigrant Rights Consortium of San Diego County, needs to do is shut their mouths and sit down, or move to Mexico where they can really help some poor people that are not criminals, because every illegal here in the USA becomes a criminal the minute they cross the border. In addition, as I have been taught all my life, including by my religious leaders and teachers, when you become a criminal you are a person of ill repute and belong in jail, God will forgive them and so will I, but the Government of the USA should take a dimmer view as I do. I will forgive them after they are back across the border.

Paul wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:34 PM:With the shelving of the Kennedy-McCain amnesty bill, we have won a battle, but the war is far from over. I’m sure that LaRaza and big business will redouble their efforts to get this bill pushed through. We have to do the same. If you’ve already called your senators, DO IT AGAIN. Let them know you’re still paying attention. We should also start to work on the House of Reps. Call yours AT LEAST once a week and give him/her an earful. Tell them that since this bill is stalled we can still enact the laws that are already on the books. Last year the House and Senate passed and Senor Bush signed a bill to build hundreds of miles of fence. (even more fence than what is in the Amnesty Bill) Where is it? We have laws against employers who hire illegal immigrants, yet only FOUR employers were charged last year. Call the White House (it’s toll free) and ask why the Bush administration made this a low priority. WE HAVE THE MOMENTIUM, DON’T SLOW DOWN NOW!! Let’s take our country back. Paul the American

Carter: wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:34 PM: What is this "Hellooo" crap?

To: What Baloney..... wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:37 PM:You wrote:.."They are mostly north county military retirees from the south...."----Hmmm. And you know this how? I'm hardly retired, and NOT from the south, husband was in Vietnam, son was in Kuwait & Iraq, but those are the only military connections I have, soooo what else ya got? Sorry, but take a trip over to congressdotorg for just a small sampling of how many people across the ENTIRE U.S. are angry over over illegals getting legalization. That's just the tip of the iceberg. And, about Sen. Feinstein in today's news, this: "...In her 15 years in the Senate, Feinstein said, 'I've never received more hate or more racist phone calls and threats.'"***This from the woman who said she wasn't getting enough phone calls as of last week. So, Mr. or Ms. Baloney, keep on thinking that all the posters are all the same people (what would really make you nuts if one could see all the different IP addresses, lol!).

Thanks Dave wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:39 PM:We need any of your readers with conservative contacts in Arizona and Nevada to contact them and see what the feeling is for a recall election of McCain and Reid. I unfortunately know of no one there. The 16 other states that have a recall of Senators should consider it also. Unfortunately California is lost so I don't think we can ever get rid of Boxer or Feinstein until we start deporting our fraudulent voters. If they get phony papers to work they can get phony papers to do anything.

Vista John wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:50 PM:Just what we need more people in AMERICA worried about someone from another COUNTRY. Hail legal citizens of America! Go home if you are not following the laws of this country. The American citizens have spoken S.1348 is not what we want.

Eduardo fox and co. wrote on Jun 8, 2007 1:56 PM:someone say EL GIGANTE DORMIDO HA DESPRTADO (THE SLEEPY GIANT HAS AWAKE)I belive is true. Now i ask this new group TO GO TO MEXICO CITY ANDASK FOR MORE MONEY TO ORGANIZE ANOTHER NEW GROUP FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF FAMILY REUNIFICATION IN MEXICO EL GIGANTE DORMIDO WILL BE GLAD TO HELP.

dave from oceanside wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:11 PM:Well said American woman. And we can recall Boxer & Feinstein.

Laughing wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:20 PM:I thought I read that Boxer opposed it....

Just a thought wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:24 PM:I think we should send this group along with all the illegal aliens back across our border. They can set up shop in Mexico and whine to the government their instead of whinning to our government.

Minute men Unite wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:36 PM:The Minute Men and similar organizations need to unite on one focus now. Attempt to recall Senators that support this bipartisan selling off of our republic to make it a strictly one party system. That party- the Democrats because they are going to make these 12 million plus illegals their liberal base. I know there are a lot of Democrats just as upset as Republicans with this invasion of America. Both Democrats and Republicans should contact their representatives to show their distaste of the Selling of America.

HERE WE GO AGAIN wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:43 PM:Now American woman lumps the Catholic Church together with La Raza. Yep, .... Nothing like good old fashioned racism and bigotry, huh American woman? Fortunately, people like American woman have little or no influence.

Boxer Opposed it wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:44 PM:Boxer only opposed it because it restricted the illegals grandparents, aunts, uncles and brothers from being allowed to reunite with their illegal family members.

THINK AGAIN wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:48 PM:If anyone thinks that fine tuning of the current immigration bill amounts to dumping it, think again. The basics WILL PASS to include the legalization of all migrants now in this country plus provision for their families to join them. Oh yeah, there will be a token "tightening of the border." That's a sop for the rednecks and minuteklan to chew on.

HEARTENING NEWS wrote on Jun 8, 2007 2:52 PM:I am heartened and encouraged by the strong showing of religious and civic organizations in supporting the legalization and support of migrants. The migrants do indeed need legal assistance and advice provided by competent lawyers to protect them from bullies and racists. It's about time! It's time to jail the vigilantes who abuse helpless people and to sue those who recklessly and viciously smear migrant advocacy organizations!

The French wrote on Jun 8, 2007 3:07 PM:are closing their borders and deporting illegals, why? Because they found out the hard way it doesn't work. So what does bush want? North American Union, modeled after the one that doesn't work in Europe. How stupid are these people?

WTH wrote on Jun 8, 2007 3:09 PM:What part of "ILLEGAL" do people not understand??? This country is so butt-backwards. We can't or won't take care of the our homeless, some which are veterans of this country, we send our young American men to war (and possibly die), but yet, we let ILLEGALS live in this country off our money - yes, I'm talking about those on welfare, medi-cal, and don't speak a lick of English. And true, they maybe hard workers, but do they pay taxes??? And why is it that to get a job now-a-days, you have to speak spanish?? WTH??? They want to be in this country so bad and be treated like Americans, then they need to learn to speak English.

TO : WHAT BALONEY wrote on Jun 8, 2007 3:15 PM:I am still active duty military, and I grew up in Southern California. I only posted once today, and I am very happy that this bill failed. I do not approve of Socialist Groups as described in this story. I have spent much of my military career guarding other country’s borders, and I feel it is way past time to secure our own borders. R/ S

This bill has wrote on Jun 8, 2007 3:28 PM:done more to destroy Republicans and Democrats that wish to run for President than any other measure, including the war. Bring it back and more politicans will be destroyed. My advise to the Republicans stay as far away as you can from bush.

Bill wrote on Jun 8, 2007 3:29 PM:When the ship has a leak in it's hull you don't sit up top side arguing the various merits of H2O. You go down and plug the leak. Then you can debate the various merits if bailing water out or determine if you need to. This entire round of legislative rope-a-dope has convinced me that I am pulling levers against EVERY SINGLE INCUMBANT...PERIOD Fix the border, enforce the current laws and after (and only after) you demonstrate the ability, willingness and consistent execution of steps 1 and 2 will I want to hear a word about steps 3 for 47

Elizabeth S. wrote on Jun 8, 2007 3:30 PM:I joined the bi-partisan "Americans for Legal Immigration". We desire more control of illegal immigration and border Security. The actions of the President and Kyl-McCain-Kennedy is criminal. Yesterday Our senators voted something like 59-36 against securing the border and enforcing the law. This bill is the first step to the destruction of America. Wake up America! We are loosing our country! We are being betrayed. I'm not exaggerating.

Glenn wrote on Jun 8, 2007 3:36 PM:After decades of being lied to, the American People finally have had enough. This time they weren't buying the lies. They knew this was amnesty. They knew the Mexicans would be given a free ride and the border would be left open and they told their Senators so. And they knew their country and Western Civilization was at stake.

End it all wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:05 PM:Look, this is very simple. Punish heavily the idiots who are hiring the illegals, and force them to fire all the illegals they have hired. If nobody hires these criminals, they will not make any money and they will go home with their tail between their legs. See, it's simple, NOW DO IT !!!!!

JB wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:09 PM:To What Baloney: What proof do you have that all these posts are from the same person? I have no association with the military, yet I am against illegal immigration as are quite a number of others I know. I think a majority of Americans favor legalization of migrants here legally, not those that are here illegally.

Nah I think it is wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:16 PM:time to jail that want to aide and abet criminal aliens.

SMEAR migrant advocacy groups? wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:23 PM:GET REAL. They are supporting CRIMINALS who are breaking the laws of America and La Raza and the rest of them want to REWARD them with citizenship? I don't think so!

Time for the La Raza bigots wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:29 PM:and there supporters to realize the American people are alot stronger than the protest marches by illegals and their supporters. It comes down to this, we the CITIZENS ask the politicans do you want amnesty for illegals or do you want them deported and you get to keep your comfy job with all of the beneies? Every politican I have ever known would say adios amigos, border that away!

dean wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:47 PM:Yes! The people have spoken. Now we need the Wasington nuckle heads, McCain and Kennedy to see what most Americans see. Illegals will leave in droves when we have enforcement on employers. Washington bumbles everything they touch... and our freedom is at stake because America is being sold to the highest bidder.

Boo McCain wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:49 PM:Republicans should boo John McCain whenever he speaks at a Presidential. Boo so loud that no one can hear what he says because he obviously can hear what American citizens are saying. No Amnesty John. Fine and Jail illegals employers that is all you need to do.

Thank Teddy for starting this lunacy way back when. wrote on Jun 8, 2007 4:49 PM:Why isn't their website named honestly? Shouldn't it be www.ILLEGALimmigrants(whocouldcarelessboutAmerica)sandiego.org? (Notice that it has an ".org" meaning that it is ANOTHER non-profit organization now out there for lawbreakers. Oh well, according to one of our Cat-in-the-Hat esteemed senators, document-forging & identity theft doesn't count as a crime anymore--but ONLY if you're illegally here; it you're an AMERICAN citizen and do this, stand by for felony charges.)

We need, wrote on Jun 8, 2007 5:44 PM:A group to protect American Citizens. From this illegal alien invasion. This is after all the United Sates of America. We need the border fence and more Border Patrol Agents. Protect our workers from illegal aliens taking low wages. Protect our children from illegal alien kids speaking spanish in the classroom thus depriving our kids of a good education. Protect our hospitals from non paying illegal aliens. Protect our street from over crowding and unlicensed and uninsured drivers. Protect our Citizens from illegal alien crime. No more free money and welfare. No more jobs, housing and they will go home. Just uphold the law against an illegal alien invasion.

jon wrote on Jun 8, 2007 5:48 PM:What happen to the illegal immigrant who have finish high school and cant go to collage because of status in country also how do illegal immigrants pay all taxes they owes when they get paid below minimum wage some don’t even get paid

Tony wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:12 PM:To What Baloney: You are sadly mistaken as to who posts these comments I am a Hispanic-AMERICAN and I am in the military living in the state of Washington I was raised in San Diego and I to agree that ILLEGAL immigrants must be sent back. To think that these people try and confuse the public by making the word immigrant and illegal one and the same is an insult to legal immigrants that obeyed the law.

I agree all these post baloney wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:28 PM:I don't think they represent majority of Americans. I also think that it's the same people (if not one person) trying to change the reality of public opinion. Majority of Americans are not that cruel. They want to legalize people that help them take care of their elderly, clean their lawns, serve them in their restaurants, pick their crop, etc. Majority of Americans want to find ways to meet supply with demand of unskilled labor without exploiting people. Majority of Americans are reasonable and kind people. The people (person) that posts here does NOT represent majority of America. I think the bill that just failed offered real hope for our immigration system and for our country. A lot of efford was put into it and it should not be allowed to die. Our senators should get their act together and start to represent American people that voted for them. We cannot enforce the law that does not work. We need a new law. LET'S GET IT DONE!

change wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:55 PM:this entire blog is infested with racists, these ppl who come here to provide a better life for their family are no different than your forefathers who came to america to with the said intentions. Now i do not agree to legalizing felons, but i do completely support legalization of immigrations who have become a great part of american economy and have been law abiding citizens (which most are)...the ppl who feel the america will flourish without these immigrants are just plain stupid. You cannot deport over 12million ppl and rip them out of the life they have created here...what sense does it make...what harm does it do to make these ppl legal? i mean seriously ...americans do not realize how important they are to this country....the economy would completely crash without them....be careful what you wish for...

Wesley wrote on Jun 8, 2007 6:58 PM:Milwaukee Cop of 5 years is found to be illegal alien with Fake I.D. May 2007! And that is in Wisconsin, how many in Southern California?

Wesley wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:04 PM: We should require the country of origin to pay the paperwork, housing, medical costs of the individual, in this manor incouraging greater immigration. If each city & state received $5,000.00 minimum for each person upon arrival, more would be incouraged.

Wesley wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:05 PM:Another choice would be for the churches that wish to help out could pay/sponsor immigrants from parish donations.

Tom wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:27 PM:We did it! Today, “we the people” won the first key battle over the Kennedy-McCain-Bush amnesty bill!

The Reason Was Simple — Public Outrage. wrote on Jun 8, 2007 7:33 PM:How could the Senate amnesty bill have possibly failed? It was supported by the president, the majority party and prominent members of the minority, plus Big Business, Big Labor, Big Media, and Big Religion. And yet the motion Thursday night to end debate and move to a final vote on the bill was soundly rejected, failing to garner even a majority, let alone the necessary 60 votes. THE REASON WAS SIMPLE - PUBLIC OUTRAGE!

Ben wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:00 PM:Of course, what is never mentioned, is the FACT that mexico should be responsible for IT'S OWN CITIZENS. it it NOT the responsibility of the middle class American taxpayer, to bail out the corrupt mexican government. Who the mexican people should be angry at are the nafta globalists, who exploit cheap labor, for their own economic gain, without trying to help mexico build up THEIR infrastructure. perhaps when illegal aliens from mexico, join angry American citizens in an effort to penalize corporate globalist buinesses for their exploitation of cheap immigrant labor, perhaps then, positive change can be effected.

Art wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:05 PM:What part of "ILLIGAL" do these bleeding hearts fail to understand? Are they not seeing that AMNESTY breeds more ILLIGAL entries??? In 1986 we only had 3 million and the lawmakers did nothing all these years. What does this so called new bill do to make things better? NOTHING! It instead gives a river of rights and entitlements that CITIZENS here do not have a hope of getting. Send them ALL back!

Susan wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:45 PM:I sincerely hope NCT conitunes to feature articles such as this. It makes those of us who want our laws enforced even angrier. When your angry, then you are more inclined to be proactive and make those calls to your Senators and Congressman. We can thank a majority of Republican Senators for voting against the bill. A big surprise though was that Senator Boxer voted againt it. She is up for re election next year. Let's listen very closely to the Presidential candidates and pick one regardless of party that will enforce our immigration laws and build the 700 miles of fence. It isn't Clinton, OBama or McCain.

To Baloney wrote on Jun 8, 2007 8:56 PM:You need to watch another news channel and take your medication. Your imagining things when you think that all the posts are from the same person. The majority do not support illegals becoming citizens. It didn't work in 86' and I won't now!

OneifbyLand wrote on Jun 8, 2007 9:18 PM:Who Broke our Immigration System? Illegal Aliens from mostly Mexico have broken our immigration system and gamed and abused the 14th amendment to the extent that almost 20% of the population of Mexico have illegally infiltrated the USA. Even more outraged citizens and LEGAL immigrants should speak out so that biased media like the---, and ------- whose editorials seem to be written by Mexico City are FORCED to report the TRUTH about the Invasion of Illegal Aliens into the USA. We Are All Minutemen Now!

El Guero wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:16 PM:Yes, it's true that Barbara Boxer voted against S.1348 only because it restricted the illegals' grandparents, aunts, uncles and brothers from being allowed to reunite with their fence-jumping family members in los Estados Unidos. And she earned my thanks by doing so. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

To: Change at 6:55 pm? wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:21 PM:Psst....grab a clue; go read what Ben @ 8:00 wrote. Sorry, our economy won't crash and burn without you; you think wayyyy too much of yourselves. No, you just want to be a person from your country and take, take, take from America at the same time. America was flourishing JUST FINE before the invasion. (Oh, and for the record, this is my third post on this blog, and I KNOW I didn't write the other stuff, so there goes Baloney's theory right out the window....)

WHATEVER wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:36 PM:I am soooooooooooooo sick of NCT saying immigrants. Immigrants don't need protection. NCT means ILLEGAL. Wake up NCT, can you not see that Americans have had it with their rights being violated by Illegals, immigrant rights groups and the ACLU. We are not giving up our country anymore. Apathy is gone. Enrique Morones can create as many groups as he wants for his reconquista agenda, but he has lost traction and support because of his HAte speech and race bating.

Madam Patriot wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:45 PM:to GFN @ 10:35AM, well said. Didn't President Reagan say 'Trust But Verify?' I know he did and guess what?, the bill he signned has never been enforced.

I agree wrote on Jun 8, 2007 10:47 PM:with Nick. Deport all the pro illegal alien supporters along with the illegal aliens.

American wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:04 PM:It's amazing to see the prejudice, narrow-mindedness, and stupidity on here regarding immigration. If any of you are in the military, then you must know how many of those serving are Latino's.

Madam Patriot wrote on Jun 8, 2007 11:06 PM:to dave from oceanside @ 12:40PM, thanks for the info. This info needs to be posted on more national sites so people can get the ball rolling on this. Great idea from an earlier post!

Will wrote on Jun 9, 2007 12:17 AM:What part of illegal do people not understand. My wife is a citizen of another country, she is here legally, I repeat legally. We went through 5 years of INS hell to get her here legally. What makes these people south of the border any more privilege than her. I grew up in a small city in southwestern Kansas which has a very large mix of mexican people. Some of these people were very good people, but most unfortunately were trash. They would try to get what they could for nothing. They would only work if there was no other way to get what they wanted. You could not leave anything sit in your yard because they would come and steal it. Untill the year of 2000 I was non comitial about mexicans coming into this country untill I saw an incident at the INS office in Moscow. There I saw a highly educated couple with 2 childern crying. Can anyone guess why they were crying? They were crying because the INS has rejected their application for a visa to come to America. Here is 2 highly educated people who was willing to be an asset to America being rejected, but yet, the liberals of this country are fighting to let a bunch of illiterate people south of the border (here illegally no less) become citizens of this country. I could go on and on about the illegals molesting children here in this country, the rapeing of women, the drunk driving and killing americans on our highways and the gang activities killing people here. I think we could vastly improve america by deporting LIBERALS. Will

Escondodo wrote on Jun 9, 2007 3:47 AM:Sorry, Baloney, most of us have lives and only post once per lame article. We live it, we know the drill. We are becoming very weary of this constant assault on common sense. Your tired old rant just doesn't have the power to move your cause forward. The death of this misconceived bill should send you a clue. McCain is becoming a laughingstock. If this blog wasn't annonymous, I would gladly stand up and be counted here. One citizen, one vote.

~Sighhhh~...Yet ANOTHER poll... wrote on Jun 9, 2007 8:04 AM:Yanno, the jig is up, folks. This poll will probably turn out to be much like every other one we see in that less than 1000 people were asked skewed questions to make it sound like most American citizens want uneducated people who come from lawless countries (thereby bringing that lawlessness mentality here to our country) legalized just because they want to work here, yet if it were put to LEGAL voters, we?d have another landslide a la Prop. 187.***There are numerous unemotional, fact-filled, articulate articles out there that reflect how many people do NOT want illegals rewarded, but then we?re bombarded with being called racist, xenophobes, nativists, hate-filled, you name it when what we really are are law-abiding, taxpaying American citizens who, for the most part, play by the rules and would like uninvited guests to at least do the same. We are accused of ?spewing hate? when all we?re doing is stating facts and wanting our rights as an American citizen preserved.----What always gets lost are the facts of what illegals cost us, yet the favorite argument from the pro-illegal advocates is that illegals pay taxes. Really? Exactly how much fed & state are paid on minimum wage when you throw in the Earned Income Credit? Does anyone REALLY care to know what the cost to the state is for having a baby (OB care, delivery, & hospital stay without complications)? The cost would shock you. With that example alone, without going into all the other programs illegals can take advantage of, the math just doesn't lie. Uneducated equals low pay which means they will always be taking more than they could ever put in. Yet, even though hard statistics are released, we are told these are all falsehoods and outright lies in addition to being told that what we've experienced and seen with our own eyes just isn't true (i.e. classrooms with large percentages of Spanish-speakers, construction sites with hardly anyone who can speak English, fast-food places (where most of us and our kids got our starts in the working world while teenagers) where the person taking your order can barely speak English, etc.).---Additionally, we?re constantly having our intelligence insulted by hearing the mantra, ?They do the jobs Americans won?t do? yet WE were the ones doing these jobs before this invasion.----Then you have Enrique Morones on television telling Duncan Hunter that he is solely responsible for all the illegals who have died trying to cross the border because of the wall built in San Diego. I couldn?t believe my ears and the sheer stupidity of that statement. Nevermind that these people KNOW the perils and consequ