Posted on 02/19/2006 3:30:55 PM PST by dennisw
Hispanic group opposes penalty for hiring aliens
Saturday, February 18, 2006 By DAVID HOLDEN
A law to punish businesses that hire illegal immigrants is unacceptable, a group of Hispanic advocates told the Madison County Commission on Friday.
They also resent illegal immigrants being summarily characterized as criminals, they said.
Commissioner Morris Brooks, who has pushed for a new law aimed at businesses the hire illegals, said if people are in this country illegally, they are breaking the law and are criminals.
Immigration committee
Several members of the Hispanic Coalition attended the first meeting of the Madison County Commission's Committee on Immigration. The committee, made up of all seven commissioners, was created in December after Brooks requested endorsement for his Stop Employment of Illegal Aliens Act.
The commissioners endorsement would have urged the Madison County legislative delegation to introduce the measure for consideration during the current legislative session.
The proposed bill calls for making hiring an illegal alien a felony offense with punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
4-to-3 rejection
The commission rejected Brooks' proposal in December on a 4-to-3 vote along party lines, four Democrats to three Republicans.
Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie, a Democrat, introduced a new resolution Friday calling for the county to instead endorse two bills before the state Legislature and one already approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gillespie said those measures would strengthen the country's borders against illegal immigration by closing loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to stay in the country.
"I believe this is the extent that we can address this issue," he said.
Brooks and Commissioner Faye Dyer objected to the term "illegal immigrants" in the text of Gillespie's resolution.
"I have a problem calling them illegal immigrants," Dyer said. She said the resolution should call them aliens.
Margaret Rotger, a member of the Hispanic Coalition, said calling undocumented immigrants aliens is derogatory.
The committee is scheduled to reconvene after the next commission meeting on March 1.
What part of the definition of the word "illegal" do they not understand?
Deport them, too.
What is next? Bank robbers against penalties for robbing banks?
The politicians are afraid to take a negative stand against the illegals.
Is Bush being blackmailed by someone in Mexico? It sure makes me wonder.
This article leads me to believe the advocates are Americans. I'm certain no money changed hands, for this group of citizens to receive media coverage. Another practice deserving of outlaw status.
I think we just just call all criminals, I don't know, "free spirits" or something to avoid being derogatory.
Maybe we should call murderers something else, too. Maybe "those who question the scope of this life."
Doesn't that sound better?
God forbid that we do something that might make illegal aliens feel uncomfortable and ill at ease. That would be absolutely tragic.
Big surprise here Huh!
What part of ILLEGAL do these people NOT understand?!
Unbelievable.
Hispanic groups don't get a say in this matter. This is an American question and American laws should prevail.
All illegal aliens should be immediately deported.
"The proposed bill calls for making hiring an illegal alien a felony offense with punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. "
I don't like it either, the fine should be MUCH higher ...
No, it doesn't. The proper name for murderers is "post trimester abortionists"
Hey, no need to use the derogatory term "robbers"
They also resent illegal immigrants being summarily characterized as criminals, they said.
A shocking revelation this is.....NOT!
The part which has been politicized and has given them the opportunity to dispute the term "Illegal".
Alas, the graying of the Constitution and it's dictate continues.
Please, it's undocumented worker, if you continue on your present course you may offend sensibilities.
I wish this logic worked for speeding tickets.
Why?
It's not like they are illegal just because of their illegal status for crying out loud!
Yeah, real shame...
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