Mexican consul needs to weigh in on immigration issue

Utahns expect him to tell them what Mexico is planning to do to stop the flow of immigrants risking their lives to come to the United States illegally. He ought to help them to hold their heads high with dignity and receive the respect many of us fought to gain in the civil rights movement.

The business and economic development community seems to be the most ardent promoter of illegal immigration by enticing Mexicans with plentiful "help wanted signs." They see immigrants as a lucrative consumer market and a labor force eager to work hard for low wages.

Then there are those who pursue their own interests while claiming to look after the interests of Hispanics. All seem willing to overlook illegal immigration and reap its benefits; but none seems willing to protect the public's interest, consider the human and moral toll or take responsibility for how their self-interests negatively affect our communities.

It was encouraging to see Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. say he was interested in Mexican President Vicente Fox's visit to Utah because it had the potential of bringing greater understanding on issues from trade to immigration. At last, a leader who is willing to talk about the elephant in the room that others refuse to acknowledge.

While promoting commerce between nations, it is important for our elected leaders to focus on how to stop illegal immigration that is dividing our communities. Our citizens deserve answers. In this case it's not only the citizens who have to bear extra social costs who suffer, but also poor Mexicans who are forced to leave their country, risk physical harm and, most of all, the loss of dignity no person should endure.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: ">jdflorez@comcast.net