Of the many proposed bills and amendments being discussed and debated in the 2008 Utah state legislative session, eight of them directly relate to immigration reform.
Yet many pro-immigration advocates see a certain irony in the attitude of this year's proposals.
"This is the same legislature who, six years ago, passed legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to have driver's licenses with the understanding that it would make Utah a much safer place to drive," said Tony Yapias, former director of Hispanic Affairs. "Then-Governor Mike Leavitt understood that these undocumented immigrants were contributing to the prosperous economy in Utah that we had had for the previous 10 years. In recognition of that, he decided to give driver's licenses, allowed resident tuition to their children, and other benefits ... despite their immigration status."
Yapias refers specifically to House Bill 239, a reform to qualifications for a Utah driver's license that would require proof of legal immigration status before anyone would be granted a driving permit. Some estimates put Utah's illegal immigration population as high as 100,000, so any bill or amendment that would affect immigration will likely have a resounding impact.
Still, most parties involved in the debate agree that something must be done with regards to illegal immigration.
"Even as an advocate, I have no tolerance for people who are here illegally," Yapias said. "But it needs to be carried out the right way. First, we must realize that this is a federal issue. Nine out of 10 undocumented workers prefer to have a legal means to work here. Contrary to what [state Rep. Glenn] Donaldson and others think, they don't want free amnesty and instant citizenship. But they also don't want to live in fear that they won't come home from work one day. We must create a reasonable approach such as President Bush's or Senator McCain's guest worker programs that allows undocumented workers to work legally in the United States."
Another bill currently up for debate is HB 241, which would grant a repeal of resident tuition prices to university students whose parents are undocumented workers in Utah.
"Many of the recipients are students who came here as children," said Lorena Riffo-Jenson, member of the Board of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, "[They] probably didn't learn of their [immigration] status in the United States until they wanted to go to college. It's punishing people who should not be held accountable. We are not giving them any sort of freebies. For the benefit of the state of Utah, we should want educated minds in our nation."
HB 241 would require all students of questionable migratory status to file an affidavit with the state, stating that they are currently in pursuit of legal citizenship.
HB 257, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Herrod, R-Provo, would require all employment agencies to use a national employee verification program. The e-verification program will catch those who attempt to use someone's social security number. This includes sex offenders trying to avoid registering, those trying to commit fraud, and illegal immigrants.
"Illegal immigration reform is not the only reason that [HB 257] is being run," Herrod said. "Most people feel that state money shouldn't go to anyone using a stolen social security number. I have been called everything from un-Christian to uncompassionate for my views [on immigration]. What most people don't realize is that my
wife is an immigrant; my business partner is an immigrant. They don't support illegal immigration. Most legal immigrants do not either."
Most advocates against these bills say that the current group of Utah legislators has unreasonably closed themselves off to further discussion on the issue.
"This small group of legislators has already made up their minds," Yapias said, "I question whether they are representing the true desires of their constituencies. Instead, it seems they are representing a small group of minority people. Many of these legislators voted in favor of driver's licenses to undocumented workers 10 years ago. But now it's a bad thing. And all because of the element of bigotry that has slipped into the debate."
Herrod disagrees, saying that most legislators aren't against immigration, just illegal immigration.
"Why do they think that it's right to jump in front of somebody who has been trying to immigrate for 10 years?" Herrod said, "Everybody should have an equal opportunity to come, but they need to come legally.
Herrod also said he has foreign friends and associates who have attempted to legally immigrate, but have been waiting for an extra long time because of problems associated with illegal
Proposed Legislation:
2008 Proposed Immigration Reform Bills (and sponsors):
--HB 95 - Fines for Document Fraud(Karen Morgan (D-SLC))
--HB 98 - Utah Employee Verification Act. (Glenn Donnelson (R-North Ogden))
--HB 237 - Local Enforcement of Illegal Immigration. (Donnelson)
--HB 239 - Change to Driver's License Qualifications (Donnelson)
--HB 241 - Repeal of Exemptions from No Resident Tuition (Donnelson)
--HB 257 - Employee Verification Act (Christopher Herrod (R-Provo))
Copyright Brigham Young University 30 Jan 2008
