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Task force on migrants is killed off

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Migra man | 5:30 a.m. March 7, 2008
More of the same incompetency and do-nothingness from our elected leaders on illegal immigration matters. Get some backbone and make the tough decisions that the public demands. Mano dura contra los ilegales!
Steven J. | 6:28 a.m. March 7, 2008
What a bunch of clowns. They know what the majority of Utahns want and they still find a way to lick the boots of special interest groups. This legislature has taught me one thing; we are lost, the future is doomed. Thanks a lot elected officials.
Anonymous | 6:46 a.m. March 7, 2008
Good!
There are too many nasty people out there just dying to play gestapo and round "the undesirables" up.
Cooler heads must prevail.
Comments continue below
Rubber Boots Necessary | 6:42 a.m. March 7, 2008
"The governor feels like it's important to understand what the federal government is going to do"

Isn't that obvious? At this point we know what they're going to do. That's why we have to control the flow of illegals into Utah ourselves. We don't need another study to figure that out.
Et Langi | 7:12 a.m. March 7, 2008
I think we could solve this immigration problem once for all like this:
Let the whole population of Mexico have a national vote to have the WHOLE COUNTRY OF MEXICO turns into one of the United States' state. And we will name it Mexicana State.
Can't cut | 7:11 a.m. March 7, 2008
They were told to measure twice and cut once. Well, the pols decided not to measure this year, so now they won't have to cut. Maybe next year we'll approve measuring. Then if we're lucky, they'll measure a second time in 2010. Then in 2011 we can cut, but it won't take effect until 2012.
My, it takes a long time to accomplish anything in this state.
Paul | 7:24 a.m. March 7, 2008
I'd much rather we put teeth back into SB81, set that in motion, and then study the results. That would, at least, be a worthwhile use of our time and money.
Pat | 7:33 a.m. March 7, 2008
Through all the "clutter", it will hopefully be concluded that "the needs of the state" (ANY STATE) will never depart from the "law of the land".
How on earth can we claim to be a nation of laws (brag-brag to the world) and CONTINUE to willfully break our nations` LAWS? Immigration laws are ignored, skirted and cheated on as if they do not even exist! We are raising generations of "confused",cheating people? Do NOT wonder why!
why study | 7:53 a.m. March 7, 2008
If they studied something, then they would get the facts, which might inadvertently cause the legislature to do something right. And we can't have that happening.
Ben | 7:56 a.m. March 7, 2008
I'm grateful we're doing nothing about the illegals. I was an all-American kinda guy until Church leaders let me know about compassion.

Now, if I see an illegal breaking into a car, which I actually witnessed two nights ago, I think to myself, "He's my brother. I have compassion for him." And I feel good inside. I don't call the police and, since they also have compassion, they don't respond anyway.

As I drive to and from work, I used to see graffiti and think, "Scumbags." Now, with compassion, I see unusual letters and designs--probably written in reformed Egyptian. Art.

As I, with compassion, see sections of the valley becoming all Latin, I now, with tears and a heart full of joy, realize this isn't my home anymore. It's their home.

Thank goodness we've all been awakened to a higher living. Yes, joy and compassion, reaching out to our new brothers and sisters, as they reach into our pockets.

This Was The Place.
Anonymous | 8:11 a.m. March 7, 2008
Progressive righteousness has trumped conservative selfishness.
WatchDog | 8:23 a.m. March 7, 2008
A couple of years ago, the Repuplican party, at the urging of UFIRE folks, passed a resolution asking every legislator, along with the Gov., to determine what illegal immigration costs our state.

ONLY ONE PERSON, Sen. Margaret Dayton, honored that request. She, as the education committee chairman, found that illegal immigration costs, just in the education area, probably costs our state upwards of $86 million per year.

NONE of the rest bothered to make ANY efforts whatsoever.

We don't need a study!

The purpose of Sen. Jenkins SB97 was simply a delay tactic to hinder Sen. Hickman's bill from getting in the way of our despicable greedy employers who are benefiting from the hiring of illegal aliens - instead of our citizens.

Remember, the illegal alien invasion plan! It is to ignore our law, delay, delay, delay some more. Then, when further delaying is going to fail, then do only that which is necessary to minimize the damage to the invasion...nothing more.

The study was only a delay tactic. That's all.

The rest of us are expected for follow the law. But for these invaders, we are supposed to treat them with humanity and compassion! Right! Some con job!
Henry Smith | 8:33 a.m. March 7, 2008
We believe in law, but we also believe in our country; nobody can say that everyday the whole American people has been used the inmigrants to obtain service. Now, they are bad guys. We wil never see an American guy working in places like McDonald, Carl's Jr, KFC, etc. We will never see American people working like house-keepers in Marriot, Days In, Hilton, etc.
When the honorable senators and lawmakers need to eat a hamburger or to sleep in a hotel, are going to request do not to be assisted for an inmmigrant?
Think about it.
jr | 8:43 a.m. March 7, 2008
Well, the local jokesters won't do anything because they are in denial then the Washington clowns the represent Utah are asking for more Immigration officials to help with curbing the illegals and their crimes in Utah. Crimes in Utah by the illegals is that true? wow!
Kevin In Texas | 8:47 a.m. March 7, 2008
It is important to study the issue. Any legislator should be adequetley informed of the effects that any law has on the economy and on the people that it will affect. I hope the study continues.
The Raven | 8:52 a.m. March 7, 2008
The legislators could save themselves a lot of time and money by contacting The Federation for American Immigration Reform. They have conducted and published impact statements for the various states. They could also use common sense. No nation ever got rich importing another country's poverty! However, a few corrupt individuals can make money off it (greedy employers). Unfortunately, they've gotten what they want once again.
my two cents | 9:07 a.m. March 7, 2008
Any study done before the implementation of the law would be mere speculation at best and manipulative, agenda justifying guessing at worst.

Anyone who says there will be no one to flip our burgers or make our hotels beds is an agenda justifying alarmist, oblivious to the fact that not only are legal immigrants doing those jobs, but many other people as well. Not every hotel maid or short-order fry-cook is an illegal alien.
Brainwrap | 9:12 a.m. March 7, 2008
The task force trick is government's way of ignoring a problem instead of doing somehting about it. Utah Attorney General Shurtleff favors amnesty. Utah US Senator Bennett voted for it twice. Cannon will vote for it when he gets the chance. Hatch favors taxpayer funded college for the documentally challenged. When the Utah legislature showed signs of embrionic spine growth, the LDS church said it's OK to break those pesky little laws. Working stiffs, the deck is stacked against you. America, good night and good luck.
RE:BEN | 9:33 a.m. March 7, 2008
AWESOME COMMENTS!! The truth...you are a wise man!
Confused LDS | 9:31 a.m. March 7, 2008
Our 12th Article of Faith says that �We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, ruler, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.� The Confusion comes in when I feel like some leaders of the Church are telling us that it�s a good thing that these people are here because �For years we have been going to South America to find and teach them and now they are coming to us.� These people by their very presents are not �Obeying, Honoring, and Sustaining the LAW.� Not the Law of this land or the land they came from. Do we really get to chose which laws we �Obey, Honor and Sustain?�
Anonymous | 9:33 a.m. March 7, 2008
Torn between unbridled nationalistic selfishness and Christ-like righteousness, doing the right thing
prevailed (as it always should).
Accept it and move on conservatives.
To Ben | 9:37 a.m. March 7, 2008
Ben, did you know that legal immigrants also commit crimes like breaking into cars, or graffiti our road signs? So do naturlized citizens, and also born citizens. It is amazing in these posts how any crime being done is by an illegal, or anyone with a Spanish accent is illegal.
As I recall the Church's call for compassion wasn't to turn a blind eye to crime, or an appeal for amnesty. Compassion is to remember these people are human beings like you and I are. They have lives, love, fears and worries like we do. The church was calling for a humane solution, which is all it ever taught. We can still honor the law of the land and show these people compassion. Has anyone thought that maybe the compassionate thing to do would be amend the law to make it easier for these people to become legal residents?
My wife is a legal resident, and it was easier for me to obtain a security clearance with the government then for her to obtain her visa. Let's get our priorities straight.
crime on the rise | 9:44 a.m. March 7, 2008
It's telling that the letter from Utah's delegation asking for more ICE agents cites overcroweded jails and an increase in crime committed by illegal aliens. This paper, the Trib and others are falling over themselves trying to portray illegal aliens "immigrants" as hard-working family types. No doubt some are, but it requires willful ignorance to believe there isn't a large criminal element, and otherwise, other undesirables.

Businesses and other special interests are concerned about the long-term consequences to tax payers or our communities in general.
DUH? whaz-up-folks? | 9:50 a.m. March 7, 2008
If people would live the law of the land we wouldn't have all this controversy going on. Too many BIMBOS and GEEKS out there are running this state. We need a new task force. If not than UTAH will destroy itself with it's own stupidity!
Government=Failure | 9:58 a.m. March 7, 2008
Our governement is a complete failure! Prsident bush is a joke on immigration. Huntsman is a joke on immigration. I will never vote for Huntsman or Cannon ever again. Our country need Indepenant Candidates, the ones we have now are useless. The best candidate was Ron Paul but the media never gave him any exposure.
Watch Dog | 10:00 a.m. March 7, 2008
I have never been in a State that has so much hatered and desire to put people in Jail

People in Jail and prosecuted wrongly come out with a real different attitude like yours
Full of hate and a lack of respect for the Judicial system
We have Tyrant Judges breaking the law and getting away with it
Box Elder County Utah
Anonymous | 10:22 a.m. March 7, 2008
I like the annex Mexico idea. We'd get some much nicer beaches. We already have the people here, we might as well enjoy the rest of the country as well.

Although Mexicana wouldn't be my choice for names....
Why do you fight progress? | 10:41 a.m. March 7, 2008
Dear conservatives,

Romney is out of the picture
The GOP is toast for at lease a decade or so
Conservatism is in a flux not knowing what they are for
You backed the wrong horse (Bush/Cheney)
Your leaders have acted and that's that.

Come, come, my conservative friend, wipe the dew off your spectacles, and see that the world is moving.
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Spanky | 12:06 p.m. March 7, 2008
I think we should just keep letting millions of illegals flood across our borders. That way we can keep wages artificially low for legal Americans. We should also keep giving them free health care and education paid for by legal Americans. And don't even bring up the problem of crime that they bring. Not a problem. They should also be allowed to drive without licenses or insurance, so in case of an accident, legal Americans can pay the cost of increased premiums. And while we're at it, let's give them the right to vote, protest, own homes. Hey, let's just be compassionate and give them the whole Southwest while we're at it.
Get ready for | 12:18 p.m. March 7, 2008
a whole new meth influx..as these guys aren't all about hard , honest work...they're about quick money and alot of them don't care how they make it. Utah is so suseptable to this potent disease and it is already happening in small rural areas. But it may be too late as this gives the adversary the much needed time to unwind!
Problem already here | 1:09 p.m. March 7, 2008
Excuse me but the meth problem (as well as other drugs) have been in existence in Utah way before the arrival of Mexicans.
I think you should find another example to scapegoat entire peoples with.
Recession | 1:23 p.m. March 7, 2008
is already here! Even Bush admits it now. So expect more of these people comming here..doesn't matter to them if it is illegal. Even showing any compassion is a welcome mat. The only ones getting richer are this population and the ones who hire them . Then who picks up the socio-eco tab? great call for foreigners over legals who don't seem to have no rigths when it comes to the fight for their country!
UR | 1:37 p.m. March 7, 2008
I'm for; fining employers, not giving driving privileges, etc. but to all you who say "it's the law; how about 45 MPH? (oh, I know that's different)
Hog-wash | 2:32 p.m. March 7, 2008
If there aren't some real changes in the Government and Church's in this state, y'all better plan a visit with the devil.. because he's a comen! This the latter days my good friends, so get your bodies in order! One for all and all for one or whatever!
Anonymous | 2:33 p.m. March 7, 2008
The task force would of brought Church and civiv leaders including business together. To try to patch it with legislature members would be futile.

The Governor and business backed this, and forced SB81 to be changed on this condition. (A task force in place).

The Governor is responsible for not making sure it went through, to think other wise would mean his alcohol bill was more imporatant that the workers of Utah. A special session Governor is needed, you know it, and I know it and so do the voters.
C. Jones | 2:53 p.m. March 7, 2008
Can we have a task force to study all the other laws the Chamber of Commerce, the churches, and any other special interests don't like? Let us use the following criteria:
1- Lots of people are breaking the law in question.
2- It might hurt the ability of business to exploit certain individuals to thier own gain if the law continues.
3- The people breaking the law don't agree with it.

Surely there are several other laws in this category that we can study with a task force. Better yet, why don't we just admit that enforcing immigration laws has the wide support of the majority in this state but doesn't quite gel with the hidden agenda of other special interest groups and leave it at that?
That is the reality of it all.

wallofvoodoo | 3:08 p.m. March 7, 2008
"Progressive rightousness has trumped conservative selfishness." Really?????? Seems like both sides are on the same page in this fight.
Donkey boy | 3:15 p.m. March 7, 2008
It's time people get off there lazy bean wagons and do something good work for this messed up state. The task force needed here is to get rid of all the four legged Hee-Hawing going on in the government--enough is enough! Time to brighten up "This Is The Place" with some intelligence-- boys and lady-gents!
put a cap | 3:58 p.m. March 7, 2008
on it somewhere please!
almost a graduate | 4:38 p.m. March 7, 2008
It is clear what the people are demanding from our polititians on this issue. Very clear. Why is it so difficult for our supposed political leaders to listen to what we want? You think they would have learned their lesson with the voucher issue when they didn't listen to us anyway and did their own thing. Remember the result? It was handily shot down. Listen to the people and stop wasting tax payer (my) money with year long delays, and task force creating. The data is out there already. Use it. The people want illegal immigration fixed to protect our state. You polititians have been elected to carry out our will, so DO YOUR JOB! If you have questions, look to Arizona and take notes. They have created some great things to help that state and it is working. The ever so popular cop out "it's the feds responsibility" is a joke. They can't do anything, they are worse than the state polititians at getting done what the people want. Now that you have a new building, don't spoil it's beauty by disrepecting those that paid for it!
coming unglued | 4:39 p.m. March 7, 2008
Hmmmm.

Some people appear to be coming unglued on this subject.
I'd offer some Eastern philosophy thoughts on non-attachment, but this requires an open mind and an understanding of the principle of letting go.
Raul | 11:31 p.m. March 7, 2008
I for one believe and agree that in some manner this study should be carried forward. The only real arguement is, who should pay for it? Along with the "sanctuary" driving privilege cards, there is the "tax id" number available here. So not only are "they" paying for car insurance "they" also pay their taxes(what a novel idea!). Why should Utah not question the fact it's managed to keep a higher employment rate then most of the country. How can we boast a number ONE! in fiscal responsability without asking how? Do the purchase of durable goods by "them" not help? Or property taxes, car loans,credit cards,lease agreement's, state and liquor tax,money transfer tax,tobacco tax,fuel tax...ect. let's not pass law's on fear and conjecture. knowledge good, assumption bad!
Raul Hernandez
illegal bagel | 5:18 a.m. March 8, 2008
I think, therefore I act.

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