Deseret News | Reader comments: Immigration law not needed now

Reader comments
Immigration law not needed now

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Hello???? | 10:40 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

You are exactly right, there are not jobs. SO, they are lined up collecting state aid. Have you been to the grocery store, I don't think I have seen an illegal use real money, they have their state Horizion Cards. That is better than actually working, so you think they are going to go back when they can get it free. Now, that is living the American Dream, bail-outs.

Huntsman | 11:04 a.m. Dec. 19, 2008

is more of a Democrat than anything. Republicans lost because the people were tired of incompetent corrupt big government by Republicans who did not really believe in effective government. Bush did many good things but he focused mainly on foreign policy and refused to make changes when it was obvious that changes were needed.

Anonymous | 12:07 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

There goes Huntsman again. I thought he swore to uphold and defend the Constitution (both US and Utah) and the rule of law?

Comments continue below

Theives given keys to Castle | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Bush was a liberal that's why the repubs lost in 08.
So is Hunstsman, just another liberal.

Laws on the Books | 1:34 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

Refusal to enforce immigration and identity theft
laws already on the books is why this law was
enacted ,to force Outlaw/Sanctuary cities like
....... to obey the laws of the USA!

Cruisingfool | 5:50 p.m. Dec. 19, 2008

He must not be able to see past the end of his nose. He should make this Law a priority, as we need jobs for US Citizens!

Impeach Huntsman | 4:19 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

This man has no backbone who is favouring that business can subvert the american workers rights with illegal foreign nationals. This country, especially Utah, needs these laws to make illegal aliens unwelcome. They are not our brothers or friends. And how can Huntsman declare a passed law as unfit? The law has passed and is legal and binding and he has no authority to cancel laws that have been passed by our elected legislators and he himself signed. This man is a traitor to america, Utah, and the citizens.

CP | 5:07 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Huntsman didn't care in the first place. I still question WHY was he re-elected??? Can someone PLEASE tell me what he's done for this state that has been helpful or useful? Cause I just can't see it. At least for those of us who are actual legal citizens.

Burger King | 5:19 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

just you watch out for the next platter served you, which is just a bunch of rhetoric anyways! baa , hum bug...there is no xmas spirit here!

Timj | 5:40 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Kudos to Huntsman for having common sense. I voted against Romney because of his stance on immigration. I'm sure many others, who refuse to make immigrants into scapegoats, did the same.
Historically, immigrants have always been scapegoats. It's quite interesting to compare how the Irish were treated, and compare that to the treatment of Latinos today.
We've got much bigger problems right now than immigration...maybe the Utah legislature can focus on some of those.
Education, health care, the economy, etc.

Courting the hispanic vote? | 5:48 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Is he saying that one of the reasons we shoud not have this law is that it will offend some hispanic voters? They will not vote republican next time?

Or is he saying that because the number of illegal workers is decreasing it is OK for employers to knowingly higher illegals with out fear of punishment?

Or is he saying lets just ignore the problem for the immediate future.

You voted for him you got him. Hope you are happy.

Elizabeth | 6:12 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

To all the coments...how sad you think hispanics are used to get free things. When they come, they donï¿½t speak the language, they have left their loved ones and with high education they end up cleaning bathrooms at McDonaldï¿½s or places like it. If you will just take a minute to get to know them youï¿½ll find out they are hard workers, because they just have one thing in mind, feed their families back home and provide a chance for education, the same you get here for FREE and one more thing one child who is illegal is more literate than one of ours because they donï¿½t copy their homeworks from the internet they read books and type their own reports. And at least 50% of illegals have more education than you and me. So get ready for your children or yourselves doing the cleaning, the herding, picking and so on once you get them out.

Huntsman flip-flopper | 6:37 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

huntsman really has changed his tune since he first ran for governor in 2004. Then, his campaign literature said he was against driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. However, no sooner did he get into office than he started with a different line. This guy ran as a conservative and then turned into a John McCain (RINO) disciple. We do know where he stands on this issue, and it is not with the side of the rule of law. He wants to let everything continue the way it has for the past twenty years...downhill.

The law!! | 6:44 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

1890!! Polygamy !! out lawed =felonies. but no you accomodate those law breakers...what a double standard people yourself , always have a scripture or line to DEFLECT!! Wake up the state is in transitions!

pshawwww | 6:57 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

The need for immigration laws just became more important with the economy going down the tubes.

The citizens of this state need our Government to step in and protect our jobs. American jobs for Americans. I did not vote for Huntsman for this very reason. He has lost all connection with the working man. He cares nothing about us.

Bennett and Hatch already told you when sb81 was before the State Senate that this would not be tackled by the federal government for several years. Quit passing the buck.

The one million dollars cost could easily be recovered in eliminating social services for those sent back. And there still here, maybe not in your neighborhood, but in mine.

Payaso | 7:26 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Huntsman is quickly turning into a do nothing like Leavitt. All that political capitol that won't be expended on issues that really matter. Huntsman caved to the teacher's union, now to business's that continue to hire illegals.

Bryan Robinson | 7:32 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

SB-81 is a bad idea. Have you actually read the proposed bill? Many a well-meaning law has had the opposite effect of what it was intended to do and produced negative consequences. Implementation of SB-81 will lead to confusion and litigation and will further damage our Utah economy. Immigration is a humanitarian problem as well as a legal one and should be treated as such. I am saddened when I hear anti immigration comments coming from good, but uninformed people, who are acting more out of fear and bigotry rather than out of reason, common sense and compassion. Comprehensive national immigration reform is the proper way to deal with the problem and it should be a priority for the Obama administration. I am no fan of Governor Huntsman but his comments make sense. The light has come on in his mind and we can only hope that the light will come on for others too.

Juanita | 7:42 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Yes, the laws are still needed as the illegals should not be having jobs or benefits over citizens. Bring the law on and put it into place as it will take years to enforce anyway. They burden on our schools has been tremendous, along with the health care system. I don't begrudge immigration but I do begrudge the flat out openess of ignoring the laws of this land.

Jon Boy - Big $/No brains | 7:49 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

If he is not willing to enforce the laws (which he promised to do when he took the oath of office); then, perhaps he and his family are willing to personally fund the enormous social costs that he is placing on the citizens of this state.

disgusted | 7:54 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

This is the best time to get good immigration laws passed and enforced. It won't be long before the economy improves and illegals will be sneaking back into the country. If the laws are in place and the governments (local & federal) enforce them, the problem will NOT get worse.

Huntsman is using the "poor economy argument" to justify his unwillingness to act appropriately.

It seems most politicians, no matter what party they are in, are more liberal than the general population. And the people have no control over who runs for office, but are simply given a choice amoung "chosen" individuals whom they are allowed to vote for. The good guys can't get through the political machine!

re Hello???? | 10:40 a.m | 7:58 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I can understand your frustration in these uncertain times. Let me explain to you can rest more easy on your fears.

You are worried about jobs. While it is true that undocumented people do take jobs, they also require goods and services. These goods and services that they consume require jobs to provide. If they were all to be gone immediately, the goods and services they consume would no longer be necessary, consequently the people providing them would then become unemployed or underemployed.

The jobs the undocumented now hold would to be sure open open up, but the combination of these two factors would be a wash. Them leaving would not provide the economy with any jobs. To make matters worse, the type of jobs these undocumented have are the lower and more difficult jobs, therefore if they go, the job supply would remain unchanged, and the jobs that remain would be worse jobs.

I commend you for your being concerned about the situation in Utah, that shows the marks of good citizenship, however good citizenship is no substitute for correct knowledge. The two work best where they work together. Hope this helps.

Readers here | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

are just brain-washed, Limbaugh and other listening non-thinking conservatives that don't understand what being conservative is. We don't need more programs that cost more money. How is that being conservative? If you use government to promote your ideals then your nothing more than a liberal in disguise using the government to promote your own philosophy. What is lacking in most responses and in most decisions made in the state government is common sense. Democrats won this last time because their agenda was more in line with the majority of Americans views this time. They aligned and won. Republicans are seen as the same thing as democrats now, if not worse. Comments here show that in this state, they just don't get what is happening at the national level.

To: Elizabeth | 8:09 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Thank you very much for your comments. I was looking for some people who has really know at least one hispanic in their whole live. That is what the real spirit of xmas is all about, not shopping for the best gifts ever out in the stores. I can agreed that some hispanics may be dishonest just like any other race but WE CANNOT GENERALIZE BECAUSE THIS IS WHY WE ARE FULL OF HEATED, THIS IS WHY THERE ARE MANY COUNTRIES ON WAR, THIS IS WHY WE ARE WHERE WE STAND AT THIS TIME.

THAN YOU ELIZABETH TO YOUR COMMENT. I HOPE SOMEONE ELSE CAN LEARN FROM YOU.

To re hello???? | 8:12 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I am very impress the way you have put things together.

Informed | 8:25 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Its interesting that Governor Huntsman and his old Chief of Staff (Congressman Chavetz) are on polar ends of the spectrum.

WWJD | 8:44 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I think Christ would bust out his whip and have at you haters on here. The rampant intolerance in this state is sad. The judging of a race is wrong. The stereotyping of one group of people to be the one and only problem in our country and state is wrong.
Many people come here because life in their country is so miserable it is beyond our comprehension. We as Americans have such an easy life we don't even want to think other people in the world don't have what we do.
We do not have constant warfare, rape, murder, governments that keep everything, etc. We forget most human beings make less than $600 per year. We forget that most human beings have no education past our 3rd grade level.
So to all you haters, You are WRONG to not want to do all we can to help others. They are God's children just as you are. It is not their fault they weren't lucky enough to be born here. Help them- don't hate them. I can't imagine you are suffering so much you can't give a little. Because I have been given much, I too must give.

re WWJD | 8:44 a.m. Dec. 20, 20 | 9:02 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

You're right, Jesus wouldn't be pleased. Perhaps he wouldn't get out his whip and beat those who are prejudice, more likely he would set a quiet but affirming example.

When he traveled through Samaria rather than go around as was the custom of the Jews at the time, this because they despised the Samaritans, as these people do the Mexicans, people were surprised, he surprised them again when he talked to the Samaritan woman and held conversation with her.

Jesus said the poor are always with us, likewise people who have yet to learn how to properly treat people who are different than them will presumably always be with us, until we learn.

jeanne | 9:08 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Why is it that just because we want to uphold the law (approved & signed by the governor by the way), we are labeled as uninformed, bigoted, backward dunces? Talk about having the spirit of Christmas! Sounds like self righteous hypocrisy to me...
Jon Huntsman espouses many of McCain philosophies, which does make him a RINO.
People beware, he'll use his clout & whatever means at his disposal to manipulate the legislature into getting what he wants. His arrogance has no limits.

Sounds like | 9:15 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

...Huntsman is following the same mold as McCain. They are great buddies ya know. McCain lost because he is not a true Republican. Pre-election, you NEVER heard anyone talking about immigration like they did during the primaries. Both parties danced around it. Governor, what happened to the principle of the matter? Now, government will go back to their old ways and just ingore it. The cycle begins again. Why can we have government representatives that will follow, support and represent the rule of law. There is no problem with them coming in if they do it right. Its not fair to those that do do it right and then their whole experience is tainted for the bad name it gives "immigrants".

utah rose | 9:17 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I am not a hater but I believe that the laws they are trying to push through are common sense!

And, I believe that all of those that are committing criminal acts, like rape, shootings (which one was deported and came back and killed a little girl) should be deported.

And, if you want to stay here please learn English, and the construction jobs should go to citizens first.

Don't jerk me around | 9:28 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

John Huntsman is the type of guy who will scratch your back if you will scratch his back. Double standards come a dime a dozen.

lost in DC | 9:30 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

again Hunstman disappoints. Why doesn't he just come out and admit that he is pro-illegal immigration? Why does he lie saying he opposes enforcing it because 1) the law isn't needed, 2) hispanics voted 2-1 for dems, 3) and let's wait and see what the feds do?

1. Conditions have changed, but he's saying they will never improve when he says we don't need the law.

2. hispanics have always voted heavily for the dems; last election was no different, because they know dems will give them more welfare and public aid.

3. And 'wait and see the feds do?' Oh puhleeze! We know the feds won't do a thing. Especially during a BO administration. No the feds won't act, so the state has to.

evensteven | 9:48 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

The best time to implement a law such as this is when there is no pressing need. If the economy were in high gear, it would be extremely disruptive to begin enforcing new residency verification rules. As it is now, there is enough slack that the program can ramp up without too many hiccups.

Huntsman is a RINO and a huge disappointment. This bill has been looked at and picked over far longer than many other pieces of legislation. Leadership means tackling the hard issues. It is not advocating delay, saying the law is unnecessary, kicking the can down the road.

The poor will always be among us and we do what we can to help. But they have a responsibility as well to not so burden our system that we lose the ability to help them or jeopardize ourselves. Mexico is a failed state with as much resources, coastline and workers as the U.S. Rampant corruption has decimated her economy and impoverished her people. Our illegals problem is the collateral damage of this corruption. Mexico must fix herself soon or she may take us (at least the border states) down with her.

justin | 9:57 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Finally the spirit of xmas has come to some of the last fox's comments.

To Elizabeth | 10:00 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Most of these people do not hate the them. They are upset with one thing ILLEGAL. Which means ILLEGAL not LEGAL. I'm for immigration, LEGAL Immigration.No one hates them for trying to take care of their familys they just want them to obey the laws of our country like the Legal citizens must.My wife is from another country but she is here LEGALLY and she is trying to get her family here LEGALLY not buy walking across a border and using someones else's social security. They must be Legal and must obey the laws of the land like the rest of us period no exceptions!!!That is why we have a goverment to enforce the laws for everybody not just those who obey the laws?

natty | 10:05 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Yeah but Jesus can turn water into wine and one loaf of bread could feed the masses. Jesus ain't here. Who is gonna feed and hydrate the masses? ME? You?

Agree with above poster. Guy is liberal is sheeps clothing. Corp. slavedrives like cheap labor just like they like hedgefund fraud. and offshore banking.
Fight the NWO.

Somebody has to act | 10:18 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

The Utah law is a response to federal inaction. If Obama acts, his approach will only make the problem worse. Huntsman's argument that the state should not follow through on a legitimate attempt at a solution is a cop-out. My wife is a legal immigrant and she thinks this country has been stupid in the way it has allowed this problem to fester. We both feel that Utah is near the bottom of the pack in rolling out the welcome mat for those who come here in blatant disregard of the law. One of them recently called the Spanish radio station to brag about how he was deported and came right back with no problems.

Hunstman is full of it | 10:20 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

A handful of Mexicans decide they want to go back to Mexico to live and Huntsman claims illegal immigrants are leaving the USA in droves. That's ridiculous, there will still be considerable net in-migration this year and every year. Huntsman is a pawn, not a leader. Utah has an incredibly huge illegal immigrant problem just waiting to explode. If the state didn't have a sub four percent unemployment rate, the number of illegals taking up jobs would be a huge problem as it is in some other states. It will may become a big problem here if the Utah economy follows that of much of the rest of the country. Too many people in this country are deluded, duped and unwilling to do anything about the problems we face. So we elect people like Obama and Huntsman who are out to make the problems even worse.

Debbie | 10:29 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

When will we have an adult governor again? I'm tire of motorcycle gangs running our state.

Pat B. | 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

This is an outrage. The Governor can ignore a law that was debated and passed by a majority, based on his reading of tea leaves that we may not really need it?

wwjd | 10:48 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Jesus would tell them to stop justifying breaking the law by using his name. He told us to obey the laws of the land.

Economics are a cycle, when there are more jobs than workers, the wages go up, when there are more workers than jobs, wages go down. Wages stayed stagnant in this country for most workers during the boom years, because of the illegal aliens. We never shared in it.

It would help the workers here if we removed all restrictions on business, such as requiring licenses, using other companies brand names and not paying taxes. Just think how out of country companies could undercut our businesses prices. That's what has been happening to our workers. It's time to stop, and level the playing field of business and labor.

to Hello?????? | 11:05 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Mister cliche person did you personally ask the person with the horizon card if they were illegals or that was a presumption because they were Hispanic.

Bonzo | 11:16 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Is Governor Huntsman now in need of some cleaning maids or what? Wow, the rich get desperate and greedier!

frank arnold bowers | 11:19 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I'm astonished at the mans like of forethough.They R going home for Christmas&will be back soon.the fact remains it cost about 12000.00to birth a child at a clinic&the women R staying behind to do just that as the anchor babies R eligilble food stamps housing&medicade for her&him when he comes back.
Now my question to the governor how much did LaRaza pay him for this statement for his reelection, the follow up quewstion is do you have to depend on the s/s they are stealing for your golden years like we do or do you not get the famous STATE RETIREMENT in which you pay nothing into, while we pay it all for you. Frank

I knew it... | 11:26 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

A TRUE WIMP!

Spoiled little rich boy | 11:30 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

I would never VOTE for Jon Huntsman again for anything as long as I live. This has done it for me!

ABS | 11:52 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Are these people insane?
On one hand they want strong enforcement, on the other a guest worker program and now no law enforcement.

Give every job now held by an illegal alien to an out of work American...
Understand Huntsman ï¿½ Implement SB81

All Knowing | 11:56 a.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Cruisingfool | 5:50 p.m.: >>>He must not be able to see past the end of his nose. He should make this Law a priority, as we need jobs for US Citizens!<<<

You got that right! We could reduce unemployment, which is now hovering around 7 percent, to about 4.5 percent if all illegals would go home.

wrz | 12:07 p.m. Dec. 20, 2008

Timj | 5:40 a.m.: >>>We've got much bigger problems right now than immigration...maybe the Utah legislature can focus on some of those. Education, health care, the economy, etc.<<<

Let's look at these problems:

Education - The schools are flooded with children of illegals. So, schools must put everything on hold to teach illegals how to speak English.

Health care - A problem because illegals have no insurance and go to the costly emergency room for care.

The Economy - If illegals would stop taking Americans' jobs and go home, unemployment would be around 4.5 percent rather than today's 7 percent. And homeowners would not get laid off and would be better able to pay their mortgages. And the finance melt down would likely not have occurred.

Craig | 12:11 p.m. Dec. 20, 2008

It is an idiot type approach. We do not need it now. Lets do away with murder laws everytime we have a time period with out one. Laws are not always for just presnt problems but to have on the books for future needs.

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