BYU NewsNet - Hispanics look for solutions

Sylvia Haro is a Mexican immigrant and now a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States. Even before she became a citizen, she looked for opportunities to become involved in politics and the community.

"A big day of celebration for me was the day I became a citizen [of the United States]," Haro said.

Another big day for Haro was May 18, 2006 when she was elected chair of the Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly.

Illegal immigration is a hot topic in the assembly and around the nation. Haro said she wants to improve communication between the Republican Party and the Hispanic community of both citizens and undocumented immigrants. She said the crux of the issue lies in the large number of undocumented immigrants in Utah who have families and own houses in the state.

"I don't support illegal immigration," Haro said. "However, I think we need to find a solution for those who are already here ... There need to be laws that allow for a path to citizenship."

J. Michael Clara, first vice chair of the assembly, agrees with Haro.

"Our purpose is not to increase rights [for undocumented immigrants]," Clara said. "Our purpose is to ensure that everyone is treated equitably. The Pledge of Allegiance says 'justice for all' and that's what we're trying to support."

Clara said it is important for the assembly to educate party members on the Hispanic side of issues and to prevent the Republican Party from developing extreme views that would repel Hispanics from the party.

As an example, Clara mentioned the Hispanic Assembly's opposition to legislation that was going to be brought before the Utah Republican Party. He said the legislation would have contradicted the 14th Amendment and not given citizenship status to children born in the United States to illegal immigrants. Clara said the Hispanic Assembly is instrumental in eradicating extreme views such as these from the Republican platform.

Haro said there is a misconception in the Republican Party that most Hispanics are Democrats. She also said there is a misconception in the Hispanic community that the party doesn't relate to Hispanics.

Both Haro and Clara said the Hispanic Assembly's main focus will be on outreach to the Hispanic community to educate Hispanics on Republican values.