Immigration Reform, What's It Mean To You?

Political organizers from Oregon’s Latino Community are going to Washington D.C. this week, renewing conversations about immigration reform. April Baer reports.


Marlen Torres didn’t even know she was in the country illegally until she was about 17.

Marlen Torres:   “I realized I was undocumented when I started applying for scholarships.”

Torres’ mother had brought her to the United States when she was just five years old. She says when she figured out her family’s story, her dreams were shattered.

But she didn’t give up on her life in the U.S.  She kept working, paying taxes.

Marlen Torres  “I had a long journey, from being undocumented to becoming a citizen, but I was able to get my permit. Now I’m a citizen, I was able to vote.”

Torres is one of thousands of people in Oregon encouraging the federal government to offer a chance to others like her.

Next Monday, President Obama will meet with Congressional leaders to talk about changing immigration laws. And organizers here, like Torres’ boss, Ramon Ramirez, with the farm labor union PCUN, say they want to help.

Ramon Ramirez: “We’re pretty confident that all the members of the Congressional delegation will vote in favor of comprehensive immigration reform. We do feel like there’s some members of Congress who dislike certain aspects of it. But I think at the end of the day, we can pull everybody.”

Ramirez says he understands that some Reps, like Democrat Peter Defazio, have  reservations, about letting more guest workers into the country, or creating a path to citizenship for people. But the immigrant rights community believes the public will support what they’re working toward.

Immigration reform means different things to different Oregonians.

State Representative Kim Thatcher, a Republican from Keizer has sponsored several bills that would tighten rules for undocumented immigrants: requiring employers to check status, limiting state benefits.

Thatcher says if the federal government wants to help, it could start by speeding up the entry process for good, qualified candidates who want to work.

Kim Thatcher  “They need to give realistic numbers of -- allow realistic numbers to apply for citizenship. There’s such a glut right now.”

Thatcher says constituents call her regularly about immigration concerns. She doesn’t think those callers be satisfied by what CAUSA’s campaigning for.

In some parts of the country, mainstream politicians are backing similar immigration reforms.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels is on board. But so far, most major Oregon politicians seem unwilling to touch the issue. They may be waiting to see just how much political power the immigrant rights groups can muster.

Comments

June 3, 2009
5:13 p.m.
The morons who are promised to protect all Americans, are really pandering to minorities and the business executives, who want the cheapest workers they can find--without any extras including health care. A very upgraded E-verify application that any literate computer person can use, can begin the attrition of clearing our nation of illegal foreigners. Since the 1960's they have brought unrestrained criminals, subversives, who have no motive drive-by shooting to prove a point. From wherever they have come, they have tried to force on the American people a nasty form of multiculturalism and fundamentalist religions which attributes to increasing violence. A few officers of the law such as Sheriff Ariapo, have enforced immigration laws on a county level, to be purposely restrained by corrupt politicians such as the new Homeland security chief Napolitano. She is like so many elected officials who make grand entrances, promising to enforce the laws and while admonishing anybody who does. She and her thrall have incapacitated Sheriff Joe in the past, to do his job along with Arizona's governor. All these spineless characters need to be shown the exit, when they appear for re-election? We have been forced by federal law to accommodate them with translators in the court system, voting and other measures, when those who came here legally would have been versed in the English language. Americans citizens have been subjected to growing overpopulation, which our politicians seemingly remain quiet about? The pollution in the cities, traffic blockages is an ever growing chaos. We must understand that illegal immigration is causing massive economic setbacks fo our nations own homeless and impoverished. California being the perfect pawn by their governor and Sacramento officials who must cut services, because of the $47 billion budget shortfall. The worst offenders are the liberal press who do not denounce the causes that can be attributed to illegal immigration. There non-democratic principles have allowed the proliferation of Sanctuary States and cities. The only way for AMERICANS to get any action is to verbally explode on the Senate and Congressional lawmakers is by phoning their aides direct. A million voices or more will make both the states and Washington politicians to realize, their career jobs are on the line. Their greatest ability is to distract American taxpayers with meaningless issues, that only effects minority groups. Illegal Immigration effects everybody, your taxes, your jobs, your language, your culture, your moral integrity, your religion. YOU CAN MAKE AN IMMENSE DIFFERENCE? Senate & Representative for your contact at: (202) 224-3121: THESE PEOPLE ARE YOUR PUBLIC SERVANTS AND SWORE AN OATH TO YOU?. Demand E-Verify today. SAY NO TO AMNESTY! WE DON"T NEED NEW IMMIGRATION REFORM--WE JUST NEED THE 1986 SIMPSON/MAZZOLI BILL ENFORCED!

— Posted by Brittanicus


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