The fate of Utah's immigration legacy

By Craig D. Galli

Helen Papanikolas' "The Peoples of Utah" celebrates Utah's immigration heritage which includes "pioneer Mormons who sought religious freedom" and the "later immigrants who came for economic security." Many living here trace their roots to these immigrants. Yet anti-immigrant legislation appears to have overwhelming support ensuring passage along partisan lines. The Legislature and governor are about to write a new chapter in Utah's immigration history. How will future generations evaluate anti-immigrant legislation if it passes?

First, at least by 2011, the LDS Church and the business community appear to have very little influence over the predominately LDS Legislature, governor and lieutenant governor. On Nov. 11, the church's stated position was unequivocal when it sided with other churches and the business community by adopting the Utah Compact: "The Church regards the declaration of the Utah Compact as a responsible approach to the urgent challenge of immigration reform. It is consistent with important principles for which we stand."

Supporters of the pending anti-immigrant legislation ignore these sound principles of the Utah Compact: "Immigration is a federal policy issue between the U.S. government and other countries — not Utah and other countries…. Local law enforcement resources should focus on criminal activities, not civil violations of federal code…. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers. We oppose policies that unnecessarily separate families…. Utah's immigration policies must reaffirm our global reputation as a welcoming and business-friendly state."

Second, the legislation will harm Utah families. A key purpose of Rep. Stephen Sandstrom's bill is to use law enforcement to facilitate deportation of more undocumented persons. A 2009 report by the Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, criticized the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for not documenting how many families have been forcibly separated through deportation: "A more complete data set is paramount in evaluating proposed legislative and policy options to reduce or prevent parent removals in specific circumstances." We likewise do not know how many families have been torn apart in Utah through forced deportation.