Reader comments
Poll: Most Utahns back tough immigration bill

Ronald A.Young | 3:56 a.m. June 26, 2008

Are the 25% that are not in favor of the Bill, either not legal themselves, using illegal labor, married or living with illegalï¿½s, or is there some strange and magic reason that they would want illegalï¿½s here. Why can't the Bill be even tougher. Illegalï¿½s are Breaking The Law, if you Harbor, Employ, House, Aid, Cohabit, or even know about the presence of an illegal and you do not report it. Then you are also Breaking the law. I thing it should be a Felony to be an Illegal and in most cases if you are convicted of a Felony you can't enter the United State through the front door. I not only do not want them here, and because they broke the law in coming, I don't want them back. Any Illegal, of any Race, Creed, Color, or National Origin. This is an issue that is so past Mexican/Asian. The future of this Nation depends in large part on getting Illegalï¿½s out of America. Also giving Birth should not be a reason to be allowed to stay. Even if the Father is a Citizen. However if I had any compassion it would be in those cases.

Tom in SW Wyoming | 5:36 a.m. June 26, 2008

Immigrant's rights? What rights would those be? Isn't that like thief's rights or burglar's rights? They take publicly-funded resources they have no right to and shout to those who've applied legally (to come to the US) that they're more important. Give me a break!

Migra man | 5:41 a.m. June 26, 2008

Mano dura contra los ilegales. Tough enforcement up front, mercy afterwards if needed.

Comments continue below

Build the Fence | 6:25 a.m. June 26, 2008

Build the fence! Give orders to shoot to kill. Enough Said.

Jim | 6:38 a.m. June 26, 2008

These illegal immigrants are here illegaly and are not entitled to any rights or benefits and should not be able to get jobs.

Swordmaiden | 7:01 a.m. June 26, 2008

My hypothesis is that this was intentionally delayed in a attempt to satisfy the Voters until after the November Elections, while many participants intend to pull their support once Elected. It is obvious that our current Governor will Veto anything anti-Immigration with teeth in it, as he has threatened to do so several times. Therefore, we need to support ALL Candidates who adamantly support the enactment of this Bill. Be aware that there will be hidden support for Candidates opposing the Bill, and against Candidates supporting it coming from the other side! Do your research and once satisfied that your Candidate truly favors taking back control of our own country Stand by your Man! Ignore the innuendos and rhetoric that are thrown at them! It is highly possible that we have just seen the first two victims of the Pro-Illegal Lobby go down in defeat. Be very careful of the Challengers! They are untried and often untrue. Don't buy a "Pig in a Poke". Verify! Verify! Verify! Oh, and one pore caution: Don't let some radio host from another District or Another State make up YOUR mind for you!

curley sue | 7:37 a.m. June 26, 2008

And when the next depression comes (probably soon) what will happen with this large group of people? Think they will stay peaceful and hungry? Do you think we are going to have mob riots?

Sanity | 7:40 a.m. June 26, 2008

The fence is a big waste of cash. If the opportunity is here and it is expensive or difficult to immigrate legally they will find a way to come.... Wall or no Wall.
We should fix the laws so that we can send them back easily and quickly but we also need immigration reform to help these folks who want to participate in the American Dream do so easily and affordably.
They should learn english and go through the proper channels. Currently it is very difficult and quite expensive for a Mexican citizen to immigrate to our country. We should make it easier for them. If our industries are going to survive we need the labor force.... unless we want to always be beholden to China.

Paul | 7:52 a.m. June 26, 2008

Utah can't solve the US' illegal problem, but we can solve our corner of it. I'm still surprised Yapias is saying anything, because SB81 is a fairly worthless law. It doesn't go after any private employers at all, so the biggest use of illegal labor gets away free. Yapias needs to keep reminding us that we need to attack the whole problem.

jr | 7:51 a.m. June 26, 2008

These people are not immigrants they have stolen into the country and are Illegal Aliens, they have not applied to be here therefore they have not immigrated - time to sort that out -- those that support it are using cheap labor or getting more members in their flock to fleece them that 10%

priorities | 7:51 a.m. June 26, 2008

Do you people really believe that "illegal immigrants" are the source of all this countries problems.
Its like complaining about the man asking you for a dollar while the banker cleans out your account.
We give away billions of dollars to millionaires.
We are turning our food into inefficent fuel.
Those who are meant to represent us, and fix things, are too busy taking bribes, and pointing at each other like children, to do anything.
Historically whenever things get tough, the first thing people tend to do is blaim immigrants for all of their problems.

Re:Build the fence | 8:29 a.m. June 26, 2008

"Shoot to kill?" You've got to be kidding me!! The vast majority of these people are trying to take care of their families and you want to kill them for it? Shame on you.

What are all of you afraid of? This country has been continually built and rebuilt by immigrants, illegal and legal. It's the fact that they are able to come and assimilate that makes the country dynamic and ever moving forward.

If we let fear motivate our legislation we will stagnate. Again what are you afraid of?

Ken Goddard | 8:33 a.m. June 26, 2008

Here is the history on illegals. President Ike sent them home (5 million) and was the last president to do anything constructive. They kept coming and were further encouraged when Pres Reagan gave amnesty to 5-6 million. And they still kept coming. Per the News there were about 5-6 million more in the mid 90's. That figure has grown to at least 20 million now. They can track cows carrying the brain disease but have no accurate accounting of illegals. The republicons have been in a political position to solve this problem since the time of Pres Reagan but nothng was done. It is now insolvable.

Listen Up! | 8:38 a.m. June 26, 2008

Those of you who may be elected officials, at any level of government, had better listen up or plan on an extended absence from office. The people are fed up with this and want action and results not just lip service during an election year!!! Stop illegal immigration, deport those who have already broken the law, (including there born in the U.S. children) and fix this!!! Constitutional rights are designed for Citizens of this country. Not illegal law breakers that ignor our laws to begin with!

jdegaston | 8:45 a.m. June 26, 2008

I am 50% Hispanic, but my relatives came here legally. Our expanding illegal population is bringing more problems, including increased needs for education monies when we could be okay in that area, overutilization of ER hospital facilities, etc.

I believe we need to increase quotas for people to come here legally from all over the world if we actually need more workers. With the illegals we get whoever comes through, terrorists & drug smuuglers and all.

And the fence, why the double-speak from Bush & company? that fence should have been there a long time ago. Jason Chaffetz election is at least partly because of our frustration that our elected officials have no built the fence but instead want Comprehensive reform which includes amnesty.

The Republicans have spoken, and they have chosen a more conservative man to represent their wishes, not someone who has been so tied to the Bush double-speak & other career politicians.

And why does Bush so desperately not want a border fence? May he have yet another hidden agenda that we might reject if he told us now?

Politics is very confusing now. Maybe we are not being told the whole truth by our leaders.

softened? | 8:58 a.m. June 26, 2008

I can't believe Tony Yappyass wants to soften SB81 any more than it already was. After the calls for "compassion" last year by the business community and church leaders, most of the meaningful provisions were taken out.

For example, the original bill made it a crime for an employer to transport illegal aliens to a job site. That was changed to it's only a crime for a smuggler to transport illegal aliens through the state on their way to another location.

Anyone who continues to propose amnesty and other benefits for illegal aliens is in danger of becoming the next Chris Cannon. His sound defeat is a clear message on immigration.

Don't count me here | 9:00 a.m. June 26, 2008

Re: Ronald: I'm not in favor of the new legislation or tougher measures until comprehensive reform is accomplished. And no, I'm not illegal or Hispanic in any way (nor married to one). I'm also a Republican who has never voted otherwise.

You need to have some compassion and turn immigration into a more sensible process, allowing people to come legally, more freely. Destroying the lives of 13 million desperate (mostly honest and hardworking) people isn't the right approach.

And yes, I sadly realize I'm in the minority in this state.

Bryan Kingsford | 9:11 a.m. June 26, 2008

How would you feel about denying people who drive a few miles over the speed limit, the ability to work? To me, crossing our borders illegally is more like speeding than more serious crimes.

Our federal immigration policy is broken and should be fixed -- in the mean time, Utah should welcome all who are otherwise people of good will.

Utah should not put barriers in place to prevent people from gaining an education and contributing to society. Allowing the government to determine who can work and who can't is a serious threat to liberty.

to Sanity | 9:16 a.m. June 26, 2008

Perhaps they should go home and enjoy the Mexican dream. If they are not capable of fixing their own problems we do not want them here.

Proof in the Pudding | 9:19 a.m. June 26, 2008

These 20 million plus illlegals sure are helping the economy right? I mean free education, health care, food, housing, attorney fees, court/jail system, pay no taxes etc... Even a simple man like me knows America can't keep this up. The illegals may not be the only source of the economy woes but they sure are a big portion. So good riddance and to you politicians that support illegals, good riddance to you as well!

big % of problem solved. | 9:30 a.m. June 26, 2008

The federal government needs to solve this Utah can only do so much. Change one law, just one, and a big percentage of the problem would be solved. Only allow children born to US citizen parents to be citizens. Stop making a child born to illegal aliens in this country a citizen. This law would take away the incentive to be here. It also takes away the benefits. Illegal immigrants don't get government benefits, but their children do. It is the biggest scam in this process. Take away the incentive and you wouldn't even need to build a fence. There is another group to deal with and that is the illegal immigrant criminal, terrorist and that group. The 1st group is the drain on the tax dollars, 1st problem solved. The 2nd group is a defense issue. Get tough on them. Do more than just deport them. Execute the ones who commit violent crimes, incarcerate the drug dealers and others in low cost, low maintanence, hard A-- facilities. 2nd problem mostly solved.

come on | 9:47 a.m. June 26, 2008

I know there are problems with illegals, but you need to look at what they bring to our country. First of all, very few Americans are willing to do the jobs these immigrants do with twice the effort of Americans. I get frustrated that they still our identity, live of the government, etc..., but they are good people. Are we not a land of immigrants? My mother was an illegal alien for a few years about 40 years ago. I would try to run to America every day if I was in their situation in Mexico. If they slam Utah with a major crackdown, our economy is going to be killed for many more years on top of the existing struggles. How many apartments & homes will be deserted. The list could go on, but I won't go any further. Just give these people the respect they deserve!!! I am sure many of you think I have Mexico blood in me, but I am don't. I am a pure caucasian white man. I do love people from other countries and backgrounds though.

Pat B | 9:48 a.m. June 26, 2008

KUTV news did a story last week that was supposed to determine the percentage of crime committed by illegal aliens. Since 5% of the state prison population is illegal, that seems to be their answer. But in keeping with MSM deceptions, they failed to report on the number of people in city and county jails, the number who were arrested and fled, and the number who were given penalties that did not include jail or prison time. Will someone who has access to these numbers be brave enough to share them with the public?

AH | 9:55 a.m. June 26, 2008

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907:

'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'

Forget political correctness and it's bs, we need to still abide by Roosevelt's theory.

If we deport them, they will come right back, we need to seal up the border and make it easier for those who are here to become legal, b/c more than likely they have had kids born here.

Weak Politicians | 10:01 a.m. June 26, 2008

One of the problems is that the LARGE majority of the politicians we want to be TOUGH and make these decisions are anything but tough. These are the same dorky kids in junior high and high school that were passing out suckers to get elected. Remember these kids? Did they ever strike you as being TOUGH? Let's get some Jerry Sloane types in the capitol and get rid of these geeks that hide behind laws and political nonsense. You folks on the hill should not call yourselves leaders, because you're everything but one. You go into battle with leaders I wouldn't go into Harmons with you folks!

corom34 | 10:08 a.m. June 26, 2008

I wish the word compassionate would be left out of this discussion. If someone robs a store he should face the penalty. If someone is here illegally, they should face the penalty. Both are breaking the law. We don't keep the drug dealer, robber or murderer out of jail because it may break up a family. If a citizen of the USA tries to work in other countries, it is a crime. Lets be honest and do the job you were elected to do.

re: priorities | 10:20 a.m. June 26, 2008

You're opinion is a bit distorted...Here's my rebuttal:

It's not the source of "all this country's problems" as you put it, but it's a big one regarding illegal immigrants. Also for the record, many of those millionaires you are talking about help supply thousands of jobs for people in the US, so don't be too critical on them, this is a capitalistic society, not a socialistic - although it's becoming more and more...You have a varry narrowed scope on things, you need to do research to broaden your horizon.

Did you know that in the 90's, the currency converter for the Mexican Peso to the US dollar was 1000 Pesos to $1.00 US dollar? Now it's 10.50 Pesos per $1 US dollar. Do you wonder why the cost of living has catapulted in our country?

what about the free market? | 11:07 a.m. June 26, 2008

Business leaders love to talk about the free market until market forces start to impact their bottom line. If a business can't survive without illegal immigrant labor, then is it really viable? Let's say they have to increase wages, and then the price of their product or service. The consumer will either pay the increased price, go somewhere else, or forego the purchase all together. The recent influx of illegal immigrant labor seems to be a market distortion. We didn't all fall apart before they arrived en masse this decade. I admit I'm less than a dilitante at economics, but I'd be curious to hear the experts' views on this.

DMH | 11:56 a.m. June 26, 2008

I am with the people who want tougher immigration laws for illegals. My ancestors were immigrants, but they came here legally and became productive members of the American Society. My family members are all productive members society and my youngest sister is currently pregnent and she cannot get any government aid to help her and her husband pay for their out of pocket expenses to have their child, but an illegal immigrant can come into this country and have a baby and our tax dollars pick up the whole thing. I feel like this is a huge disservice to our own citizens and I do not mind paying my taxes when they are being used to help our own citizens, but I do mind when they are being used as handouts to help people that have no intention of becoming productive citizens of this country.

Anonymous | 12:15 p.m. June 26, 2008

I believe the single most important thing to do in resolving the illegal immigration crisis is to go after the employers who hire illegal aliens. SB81 should go further and require ALL employers to use it - not just the ones with government contracts. We keep hearing about ICE raids netting illegal aliens, but we don't hear much about huge fines and prison terms for the employers who are caught hiring these folks. I would love to see a list of these employers made public.

Until we make illegal immigration uncomfortable and unprofitable for employers AND illegal aliens, I am afraid it will continue. Nothing illegal (including illegal immigration) should ever be rewarded. Ever!

We must get control of this in order to survive as a sovereign nation. When that is done, I actually have no problem with an honestly-run temporary worker program that allows good people from various lands to come here and work TEMPORARILY. Those desiring to become US citizens should follow the appropriate legal path. It's worth it!

From California | 12:24 p.m. June 26, 2008

There is a problem in American when three members of the Mexican military invade Phoenix Arizona and conduct brutal murders.

There is a problem in America when more people are dying a year in a drug war on the Mexican boarder that are dying in Iraq.

There is a problem in America when the Mexican Consulate uses a Catholic Church in Saint George Utah to sell bogus ID cards and has to call on the local police to stop a riot of their own Mexican citizens.

There is a problem in a America when the ruling political parties embrace this behavior.

arc | 1:06 p.m. June 26, 2008

Tony Yapias? Why do they even bother to interview him. I don't know any Latino that listens to him either.

The feds need to require English to be the offical language of the US. (We all have believed it was anyway). That one thing causes more bad feelings that almost any onther.

The other thing is identity theft. Not all of that is related to immigration. Perhaps we can put all the ID theft people (drug related etc.) in a tent in a hot desert for 5 years the 1st time and increae that by 5 years per occurance.

I don't have heart burn with a temp worker visa, but I don't want any reward for someone that sneaks across the boarder in the 1st place. If they came here legally in the 1st place, lets talk (in English).

Farm laborer | 1:16 p.m. June 26, 2008

All denominations send "missionaries" to Mexico and other contries to "convert/save" their populations. (just do a little research)This exposes them to the American way of life. So why wouldn't they want to come here? Are they good enough to go to heaven but not live in your community?

The problem has historical roots that will not be solved overnight. In the 1970s (and before) I was part of the recruitment of Mexicans to do farm labor work so that agriculture in Utah, Idaho, Oregon could prosper. We worked our hind ends off and agriculture benefited greatly. It still does.

I went on to serve in the military, honorable discharge. Shooting is not an option for a nation that ascribes to Christianity. That is what Zimbabwe and similar countries do.

Last note, there are more US citizens in prison than there are illegals.

Swordmaiden | 2:09 p.m. June 26, 2008

Are you aware Utah is not a "Proof State", which means those applying for a Utah Driver License, the real one, are NOT required to prove they are Citizens of the United States like in all but three other states? The Legislature must change the requirements to receive a Driver License before the Division can change it. They also issue Driver Licenses in Spanish, as long as they have a Social Security Card, which you can get on any corner. Once they receive a real Driver License, which is used as Proof of Citizenship in Utah, they can apply for any job or benefit available for you or me. We passed a Bill making English the Official Language in Utah. It stated all State business was to be conducted in English only. But, they say its a Public Safety issue, and there is an exception for Public Safety under 63-13-1.5 in the Utah Code. 63-13-1.5 needs clarification to stop this loophole. Our Legislature needs to approve us for Homeland Security updates for Real ID. We spend far more tracking/incarcerating Criminal Illegals funneled here because we do not have it than it would cost to institute it.

really?? | 2:10 p.m. June 26, 2008

Most people in Utah are bigots?? I NEVER would have guessed!!

Swordmaiden | 2:25 p.m. June 26, 2008

Motor Voter must be stopped!
Utah State Driver License Division is registering people to Vote without Proof of Citizenship. They ï¿½leave that part of it up to the Voter peopleï¿½. The decision to register them without proof of Citizenship was an Administrative Decision, Iï¿½m told. This is, I believe, against Federal Law.

I notified the House, Senate, and Governorï¿½s office about this before last fallï¿½s Election. SB81 is supposed to address our status as ï¿½No Proof Stateï¿½, and change it to require proof in Utah like the rest of the nation. We will have to see if they leave that in, but even so it wonï¿½t take effect until next February, after the November Election! They removed revocation of Driver Privilege Cards for Illegals from SB81, saying it was not causing any problem for the State.
So, if you have a problem with these issues, you better not only call your Legislators, but you had better pressure them to actually DO something! You had better remind them that they work for YOU, not the Lobbyists that wine and dine them and buy them gifts. (But, that is another issue, and I will have to save it for another day.)

Not amused in Orem | 2:41 p.m. June 26, 2008

If you would like a little insight when it comes to crime involving Hispanics just take a look at the City of Orem's website. There you will be able to read the crime blog and see the track record for yourself.

Son of BP | 3:53 p.m. June 26, 2008

I'm getting sick of people comparing immigration law violation to speeders. It is much more complicated that that. Even a first time illegal alien caught crossing the border can be jailed for up to 90 days. If someone re-enters after being previously deported for a crime, their action is a felony. Obviously this is far more serious than speeding.

The other problem is most illegal aliens get involved with identity theft, lying about their status to obtain a job, evading taxes, etc... And these are just to so-called "hard working law abiders".

There are plenty of hard-core criminals in the country illegally as well, responsible for brutal crimes involving drugs, prostitution and other issues. Just today, the police caught 4 Mexican military personnel who entered an Arizona home, brutally murdered the home-owner and were waiting to ambush the police, before they realized they were out of ammunition.

We are virtually at War with Mexico, but our politicians don't have to guts to do anything about it. There are more Americans dying at the hands of illegal aliens each year than Iraq, yet there is zero coverage and no action.

randy | 4:04 p.m. June 26, 2008

america has a 'legal' way to come into it's borders, legally ....
end of story ... any country any person ...
dont understand the discussion going on here
no different then you or i going to another country and wanting to stay ...
follow the rules and come on in ... otherwise wait your turn
tougher what ??? the policy and procedures already exist .. follow them

alan | 4:40 p.m. June 26, 2008

Find out where your State representative stands. If there is a remote possibility that they don't want to support the Bill - KICK THEM OUT!

trade illeagals for Oil | 4:54 p.m. June 26, 2008

I think Mike Savage had a good idea a few years a go, his idea was to charge Mexico a few hundred gallons of oil for every illegal that is in America per month and it could fix alot of problems.

CITIZEN | 4:58 p.m. June 26, 2008

To listen up; we need to march on washington D.C.and throw THE BUMS OUT!!!!

elisabeth | 5:42 p.m. June 26, 2008

How about a smarter policy rather than a tougher one? I mean, deporting illegal immigrants is not the solution to the problem, it is treating a symptom of a much wider problem of international labor policy and abject poverty. Stop trying to be tough on victims and maybe you would have more people on board.

Kaiser in Nevada | 6:11 p.m. June 26, 2008

It's about time somebody got serious about Illegality and what to do about it. My hat's off to my neighbors to the Northeast. Stick to your guns, folks. We're trying here to wake up Nevadans to the Illegal Alien trappings and what they cost us in taxpayer dollars.

Anonymous | 6:50 p.m. June 26, 2008

I like what grassroots said, "Many argue that these are good men and women simply here to make a better life for their family. Good intentions aside, good people do not break the law."

Why are they wanting to leave their country anyway? What's wrong with their government that their coming in droves to the states? Something's wrong with their government, that's all I can say!

tenx | 7:47 a.m. June 27, 2008

Jail time for CEO's who hire illegals. No fat-cat CEO nearing retirement with Zillions in stock options wants to spend his retirement in jail. It worked when Carter stopped American contractors from paying "agent money" during his tenure REAL FAST. Just 3 officials went to jail and the rest were cowering in fear. Next we need to vote out all politians who are honored by the racist organizations for helping their cause. Compassion? Send some donation/Christmas money to some of the real poor of the world - Sudan, Ethiopia, Myranmar, etc.

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