Immigration debate goes on in Sandstrom's absence

SALT LAKE CITY — It was supposed to be a one-on-one battle between the author of the year's most controversial bill and its most prominent opponent.

But Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, was a no-show at the Rotary Club debate Tuesday over his tough new illegal immigration bill. Instead, Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, discussed the issue with Tony Yapias, director of Proyecto Latino de Utah.

Herrod said Sandstrom had a work conflict that prevented him from attending the debate.

Rotary Club of Salt Lake City president Jay Jacobson said he was disappointed that Sandstrom pulled out at the last minute. Typically, the club does not allow replacements.

Bob Springmeyer, the local club's past president and the debate's moderator, also voiced his opinion.

"We're clearly disappointed," he said.

Herrod will be one of many co-sponsors for Sandstrom's bill, which would require law enforcement officers to inquire about the immigration status of anyone arrested if they have "reasonable suspicion" that the person is here illegally.

Herrod, whose Ukraine-born wife and Ethiopian business partner are both legal immigrants, recently wrote a book called "The Forgotten Immigrant." He believes compassion is lacking for those suffering in other countries who want to come here legally but have to wait in line.

"We're discriminating against the African, the Asian, the European," Herrod said.

Asked about the LDS Church's call for compassion for all, Herrod, who is a church member, said his understanding is that the church has long asked members to stay in their own countries.

He cited statistics showing that 16 percent of the state's murderers and 22 percent of those convicted of raping a child are illegal immigrants.

Yapias said Herrod and others are trying to inject fear into the debate. He said undocumented workers don't want citizenship, just the ability to work without fear of being deported.

"What he's trying to do is play with your emotions here," Yapias said. "He's not being compassionate about this whole issue."

Also an LDS Church member, Yapias said he has friends in "Anglo" wards who see people in church on Sunday who are trying to get them deported the rest of the week.

Yapias also said that immigration is strictly a federal issue that cannot be solved at the state level, and that state legislators are using it as a "political football."