From Deseret News archives:

House favors hosting talks on immigration

Published: Thursday, April 19, 2007 12:27 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Utah House members overwhelmingly support a proposed discussion this summer on illegal immigration, though it likely won't rise to the level of a previously planned daylong summit.

"This is still a concept in design," said House Majority Leader David Clark, R-Santa Clara, Wednesday following a discussion on the idea at a House Republican Caucus meeting. When asked if they'd support such a meeting, nearly all present raised their hand.

"The House and the Senate often have the same idea, but a different angle," Clark said. "It would be helpful to have a cross section of ideas."

Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, said Democrats also supported the idea, as long as the discussion remains objective.

"We need different perspectives," Litvack said. "We don't need a forum based on political rhetoric. ... To me this is an opportunity to become better informed."

Legislative leaders had earlier approved a more formal summit, to which all lawmakers would be invited and paid to attend, at the request of Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper. On Wednesday, Clark said the meeting would more likely be an informal, caucus-style event, with voluntary attendance.

Story continues below
Lawmakers often face a variety of bills dealing with illegal immigration, and this year's legislative session was no exception. Several bills failed, ranging from a repeal of in-state tuition for undocumented students to deputizing some law enforcement officers to perform federal immigration enforcement duties.

"I'd like to know what we can do as a state," said Rep. Lorie Fowlke, R-Orem, among lawmakers who questioned the state role versus the federal role.

Last year, federal immigration reform failed to materialize when the U.S. House and Senate didn't reach agreement. This year, the Democrats have control of Congress and there are renewed talks of action.

But Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, suggested it would be helpful to look at other states' legislation given that it's unsure what, if any, reform will come from Congress.

"In case the feds don't do anything this year, what are other states doing?" said Herrod, who sponsored failed legislation this year which would have prevented illegal immigrants from accessing state benefits that aren't federally mandated.


E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

I disagree. If he is going to be a celebrity and make his living off our...

MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers

Let JD Books and 2A run their gums. No one can argue the 2A MVP. Teams spent...

When reporters go, so do facts

If in fact a person is jailed because they do not pay a fine, they are jailed...

Way to big Nick!!! Great season, stay humble and keep working hard.

4A high school football: All-State

Travis Still from Spanish Fork. First-team season, first-team caliber.

The papers are in trouble because the nature of media is changing. For a...

Oil prices fall

I'm tired of hearing about the reasons for increases and drops with this...

Does he ever "actually work" or is he so addicted to the telepromptor and...

I have been cross country many times, lived from coast to coast and sometimes...

2A high school football: All-State

Way to go Trevor and Judd! We are so proud of you!

Advertisements