Demo to lead a pro-Bush Utah rally on immigration

President Bush's upcoming visit to Salt Lake City to address the American Legion Convention is sparking controversy, largely surrounding the war in Iraq, and generating rallies in support of opposing viewpoints.

But for at least one local Latino community activist, the most critical of President Bush's policy proposals is his call for comprehensive immigration reform.

The issue is so important that it cuts across party lines for Tony Yapias, director of Proyecto Latino de Utah and chairman of the Utah Hispanic Democratic Caucus.

That's why Yapias is planning a rally in support of the president on immigration matters, to coincide with the president's visit later this month.

And like the organizers of the convention, Yapias is balking at extending a speaking invitation to Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson. Yapias expressed some concern about inviting Anderson, a vocal Bush critic, largely because he wanted to ensure the message remains focused on immigration reform.

However, Yapias said details of the rally, including invited speakers, will be decided at a meeting today.

"We're going to focus on what worries us most, and that's immigration," Yapias said. "The president supports a guest worker program. We're going to encourage him to work with Congress to get a bill passed."

The federal immigration debate is at a standstill for now. The House passed a measure focusing on tougher enforcement of immigration laws. The Senate passed a comprehensive bill that would legalize many of the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants. The two houses of Congress have yet to start talks on a compromise.

Yapias said he's applied for a permit to rally at Liberty Park on Aug. 30 to support the president in his call for a new guest worker program, along with bolstered border security.

Another pro-Bush rally is planned by Salt Lake County Republicans, and a non-political "support our troops" rally is set on the same day. Meanwhile, Anderson will be speaking at a protest of Bush's policies, along with anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan.

Michael Clara, vice chairman of the Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly, said if the Proyecto Latino rally remains focused on support for Bush, it could help garner support for comprehensive immigration reform, especially since it is organized by a Democratic official.

"I think it's extremely helpful," Clara said. "It underscores that President Bush is on the right path."