Posted on 06/26/2006 3:34:14 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The nation's oldest Hispanic rights group scheduled numerous speakers - both Democrat and Republican - for its annual convention, but one sought-after name is missing from the agenda.
The League of United Latin American Citizens says it wants to hear from U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrennner on why he proposed a bill that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally and, among other things, build a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Sensenbrenner, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has not accepted any of its invitations, says the group, which this week is holding its annual convention in Milwaukee, the Republican's backyard.
More than 10,000 people are expected at the convention, which begins Monday evening and wraps up Saturday. The week's programs include sessions on immigration, Hispanics and business, and health care.
Speakers include House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Ken Mehlman, chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
Sensenbrenner told representatives of the group that he has votes scheduled in Washington through Friday and constituent business on Saturday, said Jeff Lungren, a spokesman for Sensenbrenner and the House Judiciary Committee.
"Therefore, when deciding between serving the constituents that elected him or giving a speech to a special-interest group, U.S. Rep. Sensenbrenner will choose his constituents every time," Lungren said.
LULAC has been using the proximity of its convention to the home district of Sensenbrenner, nearby Menomonee Falls, to call attention to his proposals. On Sunday night, about five members of the group, including the executive director, attended a town hall meeting held by Sensenbrenner in the Milwaukee suburb of Thiensville, said Gabriela Lemus, director of policy and legislation for LULAC.
She said Sensenbrenner, like several other lawmakers associated with the measure, changed topics when asked by LULAC members about his immigration proposals.
Lemus said the selection of Milwaukee for the convention had nothing to do with Sensenbrenner. The group last held a national convention in Milwaukee decades ago, she said.
LULAC National President Hector Flores said Sensenbrenner needs to allow more voices into the debate to help solve the nation's immigration system.
"If U.S. Rep. Sensenbrenner were serious about addressing the issue of comprehensive immigration reform, he would draft policy that attempts to address the root of the problem, which is a broken immigration system that is so outdated and unworkable, it encourages illegal immigration," Flores said in a news release.
Both the House and Senate have passed immigration bills. The House version, with Sensenbrenner as a main sponsor, focused on enforcement. A measure passed by the Senate would provide the opportunity for some illegal immigrants to gain legal status. House Republican leaders this week are holding hearings on immigration. They hope by the end of the year to send a border security bill to President Bush.
Lemus said, if anything, LULAC should thank Sensenbrenner for helping mobilize the movement and bring unity to the various Hispanic groups.
Groups like LULAC and National Council of La Raza - which holds its convention in a few weeks in Los Angeles - can advance the movement by building on the momentum from earlier marches, which saw more than a million people participate throughout the country, said Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, director of immigration studies at New York University.
"Immigration for our country today is too serious an issue to leave it to politicians," Suarez-Orozco said. "We really need, as citizens of our country, to engage our voice in this topic."
Since late 03 there have been uncountable bills and proposals. While I may have thought that there was one that was best, or more than one that was adequate, I realize that none of them were perfect. In the end, I will have supported the one that is politically feasible.
How about you?
He should show up & explain the law - in English.
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