Utahns await immigration plan

Two weeks ago, the U.S. Senate deadlocked on immigration reform. Now, with Congress reconvening this week, Utah's senators hope that the debate will be resolved.

Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, says border security and guest workers are both topics that need to be addressed in any immigration reform.

"A lot of people say they are for strengthening the borders, but they don't want guest workers," Bennett said. "An intelligent guest worker program is a consistent way to secure the borders."

And amnesty isn't the answer, says Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who opposed the sweeping reform measures proposed in the Senate. Both would tighten border security and give millions of illegal immigrants an eventual chance at citizenship.

Majority Leader Bill Frist intends to seek Senate passage of immigration legislation by Memorial Day, Republican leadership aides told the Associated Press.

Frist and other Republicans also intend to seek roughly $2 billion in immediate additional spending for border protection.

Any measure passed by the Senate would have to be reconciled in conference committee with a House enforcement measure passed last year. That measure gets tough on employers, toughens penalties, and bolsters border security.

That bill prompted hundreds of mostly Latino students to walk out of class earlier this month. It also drew an estimated 25,000 people to downtown Salt Lake for the city's largest march since the Vietnam War.

Now, Utah Latino leaders are split on whether to encourage participation in a nationwide "A Day Without an Immigrant" boycott planned for May 1. Immigrants are being asked to stay home that day.

Some are worried that after a march and rally that drew thousands to downtown Salt Lake City more protesting could hurt their cause.

Archie Archuleta, chairman of Utah Coalition of La Raza, said his board has yet to decide on the boycott, but "I personally am in favor."

"Until Congress comes forth and delivers a real (immigration) package, this is ongoing," he said. "Nothing has been done yet. If we stop now, what is accomplished?"

Michael Clara, spokesman for the Utah Hispanic/Latino Legislative Task Force, said the group will meet today to discuss whether to support asking people to stay home from work.

"We're for the no-buy thing, but we are against kids leaving school," Clara said.

Sunday, dozens of immigrants made blue ribbons at Centro Civico Mexicano. The ribbons will be worn by immigrants and their supporters who want to send a message without participating in the boycott.

Tony Yapias of Proyecto Latino de Utah also plans a "Walk for Liberty" at Liberty Park at 6 p.m. on May 1.