Legislators 'Go After' Undocumented Immigrant Families in Oregon

Oregon republicans pursue numerous options to raise the stakes against families without legal documentation.

(SALEM, Ore.) - During a joint news conference at the State Capitol this morning, State Representative Linda Flores (R-Clackamas) and Representatives Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, Newberg, St. Paul) delivered a Call-To-Action on immigration reform.

"We’re asking Oregonians to pressure the Legislature and the Governor to take action on these important issues," said Flores. Oregonians for Immigration Reform hosted the event which also included chief petitioners for a new ballot measure.

Deadlines are fast approaching this month to draft bills for the February 2008 Emergency Legislative Session. However, these two say the key legislative committees on transportation, elections and judiciary show little interest in addressing critical areas such as drivers’ licenses, voter registration and law enforcement investigations.

"We hope the legislature does the right thing; if not, I’m sure we’ll be right back here a year from now talking about the ballot measure," explained Thatcher referring to Initiative #112 which was recently approved for signature collection.

Flores and Thatcher proposed more than a dozen bills during the 2007 Legislative Session related to immigration. Drivers’ license security gained the most attention; however, Flores pointed out Oregon needs "full compliance with the federal law to ensure we have the strongest possible safeguards against identity theft and to make sure only people with the proper legal status are getting drivers’ licenses."

"We have another critical election year around the corner and our democracy should not be compromised even by the chance that non-citizens are being allowed to vote," noted Flores. The pair wants elections officials to verify citizenship before allowing first time voters to register.

Representative Thatcher displayed a map of Oregon with over a thousand offenders marked in the counties where they were convicted. She said, “every prison bed occupied by an illegal immigrant offender is one less space available to incarcerate an offender here legally.” The map portrayed inmates in the state prison system. There are hundreds more in county jails.

Law enforcement agencies across Oregon have been frustrated by laws which hamper their ability to identify and investigate illegal immigrants. “So many other cases are out there where Oregonians have been victimized by someone who should have been deported the first time around, or the cops might have been able to tag them on a traffic stop and so on,” added Thatcher. She and Flores want current statutes modified to give police more flexibility in working with federal agencies in cracking down on criminal enterprises.

In 2007 Flores and Thatcher sponsored House Bill 2680 dealing with voter registration, House Bill 2686 addressed drivers’ licenses and House Bill 2682 related to police powers. There are many other areas of immigration reform, but Flores and Thatcher are focusing on these three for the 2008 Session.

They say they hope the public will contact their legislators and urge them to support stronger laws for drivers’ licenses, voter registration and police agencies. A recent national poll showed 77% of American voters wanted more protections for drivers’ licenses and 73% wanted better tools for law enforcement.
Source: Kim Thatcher news release

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RECONQUISTADOR February 15, 2009 11:10 pm (Pacific time)

==AZTLAN== -CALIFAS-California -ARIZA-Arizona -NEVAZTLAN-Nevada -UTAZTLAN-Utah -NUEVO MEXICO-New Mexico -TEJAS-Texas -COLORAZTLAN-Colorado -KANSAZTLAN-Kansas -OKLAS-Oklahoma

bringit January 22, 2008 3:55 pm (Pacific time)

" The border remains a military zone. We remain a hunted people. Now you think you have a destiny to fulfill in the land that historicallyas been ours for forty thousand years. And we are a Mestizo Nation. This is our homeland. We cannot-we will not- and we must not be made illegal in our own homeland. We are not immigrants that came from another country to another country. We are millions. We have an aging white America. THEY ARE NOT MAKING BABIES. They are dying. It's a matter of time. The explosion is in our population. THEY ARE s**tTING IN THEIR PANTS WITH FEAR. I LOVE IT! WE'VE GOT TO ELIMINATE THE GRINGO, AND WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IS, IF THE WORST COMES TO THE WORST, WE HAVE GOT TO KILL HIM!" -- Jose Angel GutierrezProfessor, Univeresity of Texas at Arlington, Founder of "La Raza Unida Party"

bringit January 22, 2008 3:52 pm (Pacific time)

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200707/NAT20070703b.html Left-Wing Extremists Want to 'Reconquista' Southwest By Jeff Golimowski and Katherine Poythress CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer and Correspondent July 03, 2007 (CNSNews.com) - A webpage featuring pictures of Uncle Sam in a 15th century suit of armor with the words "I want you to come back to Europe!" is one of the worst nightmares of the anti-immigrant movement. "We're angry enough to say the problem is that Europeans forced their way into our continent, maybe they should go home," said Olin Tezcatlitoca, who runs the site. http://www.mexica-movement.org/ "This is outrageous for us who are indigenous people to be told we cannot migrate on our own land." Tezcatlitoca is the leader of a tiny group called the "Mexica Movement," which advocates on behalf of "indigenous Americans," or those people without European ancestry. "Kind of like the Jews wanted to take their land back after 2,000 years," said Tezcatlitoca. "We're saying we lost this land 150 years ago in a clearly unjust war, in a clearly racist war against our people." Groups like Tezcatlitoca's are taking fire from pro-immigrant groups such as the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and observers of the immigration debate. "It's a red herring, it's a logical fallacy," said Devin Burghart of the Chicago-based http://www.buildingdemocracy.org/ The BDI mission statement says the group "counters organized racism, anti-immigrant activity, and other forms of bigotry through strategic research, community organizing, education and training around the globe." It means addressing extremists on either side of the debate and debunking what the group calls myths. "Racist conspiracy theories permeate virtually entire anti-immigrant movements," said Burghart. He said groups like the Mexica Movement are so small and so far out on the fringe that they are not worth talking about. But another group, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA), does get talked about, often in the context of a conspiracy to "reconquista," or reconquer, the Southwestern United States. Born of left-wing radicalism in the 1960s, MEChA's refers to continuing "the struggle for the self-determination of the Chicano people for the purpose of liberating Aztlan." http://www.utpa.edu/orgs/MEChA/nt_const.html Aztlan refers to a legendary homeland for those of Mexican descent in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Other MEChA documents refer to plans for mobilizing Chicano youth for "self defense against the occupying forces of the oppressors." http://www.utpa.edu/orgs/MEChA/aztlan.html Yet, according to observers on the left and the right, the modern MEChA movement is run by college students and focuses mainly on encouraging Latino high school students to go to college and the retention of Latino students already enrolled in universities. Indeed, the group is so decentralized that Cybercast News Service could not even locate a national spokesperson. Several messages for campus organizers to comment on this article went unreturned.

Ray December 16, 2007 3:09 pm (Pacific time)

I am in this country for 13 years.Came here legally from Europe,and never left.We spent thousands of dollars to lawyers,trying to legalize ourselves,but problem is,that practicaly there is no legal way to obtain legal status for me and my family.All my friends solved this problem by marying an american citizen for 10-15 K,but to me it feels immoral.I would rather pay this money to goverment.But nobody wants my money! I do speak english,know american history ,love this country,and feel,like my family belong here.But technicaly we are illegals...because we're born in less fortunate place.

unknown November 21, 2007 3:34 pm (Pacific time)

I hope they realize that this wont stop hispanics to be here. I understand that some states have already denying driven licences,but what about the people that have been here for monre than 10yrs and the only ID they have is there driver licence.I just hope they realize what they are doing.Instead on focusing on other important issues than taking away drivver licences they could foucus on how we can help each other out.Yes i am MEXICAN and proud,that my parents brought me to this country for a better future that i am happy of, but we need to think about our kids future and realize hispanics are never goingto stop coming to this country and what ever opst icle you put in the way for them they will find a way to work things out, and to all my hispanic people were theres a way theres a wiil.Y ARIVA LA RAZA MEXICANA

Jefferson November 15, 2007 3:32 pm (Pacific time)

It appears to me that the "open border" people generally congregate in the so-called "Blue" urban areas and San Francisco (the "blue" city by the bay) has certainly demonstrated that they won't even try to fake it when it comes to following federal law, which states that if you encourage illegals to come or provide them with a means to stay you are breaking the law (think ID card! Think drivers license). Maybe in the not too distant future we will see the government start to enforce the laws on the books. I am a firm believer that simply by enforcing the "existing" laws a self-deportation process will begin, but if not, then may I suggest: (1) We drop the standards for getting into medical and dental schools, (2) build more prisons and (3) build more crematoriums and I will buy more ammo.

Anonymous November 15, 2007 12:49 pm (Pacific time)

So they think because they deny drivers licenses to illegals that they are gonna stop driving? They are more stupid than I thought. As a long time conservative independent, I am sad that people like this run around thinking you are wise conservatives. AAA has extensive reports on how Unlicensed drivers are almost five times more likely to be in a fatal crash than are validly licensed drivers. This seems like a threat to public safety to me. Is it now that the nativist crowd wants Oregon families to be at risk on Oregon's roads as well? Figures. More brain dead policies from the mind of those blinded by their own hatred. The fact that the anti-immigrant loons think that if undocs can't get licenses, they will self deport. That is not the case at all. There are extensive reports on that as well. For one, the non-partisan policy org, StateAction, found that driver's license restrictions have not deterred illegal immigration. Nor have they encouraged existing immigrants to return to their homelands. I think it is high time the black and white thinkers on this issue wake up. Their plan of dealing with illegals is not working and it is a threat to public safety.

Henry Ruark November 15, 2007 12:37 pm (Pacific time)

Jefferson et al: Dunno how you can possibly tie NEA into citizen irresponsibilities and voter apathies generating longtime border neglect. IF you point finger at same level into Congress, then you are closer to target. Anti-ed. propaganda one more weapon well-used by GOP Noise Machine; will document for you in depth if you ID to editor.

Jefferson November 15, 2007 11:23 am (Pacific time)

That's just great what San Fancisco has done to help ameliorate the difficulties that illegals have been experiencing securing government-sponsored identification. This will be, no doubt, where the National Education Association (and other fine public educational unions) can demonstrate the "zenith" of what their public educational methodologies have promulgated in terms of developing the leaders of the city by the bay.

Henry Ruark November 15, 2007 6:40 am (Pacific time)

To all: Here's late-word re item I just included, above; insert here is to extend credibility of realistic difficulties for anything but Congressional action, since no single state could ever accomplish steps as outlined in dialog here. (From www.nytimes.com) November 15, 2007 ID Cards for Residents Pass a Vote in California By JESSE McKINLEY SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 — The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has given preliminary approval to an ordinance allowing municipal identification cards to be issued to anyone living in the city, regardless of their legal status. The proposal passed the first of two required votes on Tuesday night, putting San Francisco, with a population of 725,000, on track to become the largest city in the nation to issue identification cards to anyone who requests one and proves residence. In June, New Haven, Conn., passed a similar measure, believed to be the first in the nation. Since then, several other cities, including New York, have floated the idea. In San Francisco, supporters said that the ordinance was intended to make life easier for the large number of illegal immigrants working in the city, many of whom cannot get access to services because they have no formal identification. The city already has a “sanctuary” policy forbidding local law enforcement or other officials to assist with immigration enforcement.

Henry Ruark November 15, 2007 6:04 am (Pacific time)

UnID et al: That Dream now well upset by long-continued perversion via those paying illegals low wages(but better than NO WAGES in home country; thus building attraction, themselves often breaking law in many other ways,driven by simple greed. Do we "export those also guilty", too ? Where ? Who will take THEM ? WHY should they allow us to so-act to their sure detriment ? Neal Plan strong, even some wise points, but collapses in action-demands: SF, NY other cities alread issuing or planning ID-cards to ease use of resources, backed by heavy employers. How overcome that kind of opposition ? Like it or not, properly planned amnesty MAY (repeat MAY !) be best way to go, since impossible without forcing full Congressional actions, surely badly needed now and essential for any national reform. We allowed manipulation of border management by voter neglect nationally;let's clear out and clean up the neo-con nasties permitting many such insidious "insider" attacks on the Constitution and the American Dream.

unidentified November 14, 2007 11:20 pm (Pacific time)

It's about time. ETH, enforce the law. Give the American Dream back to the Americans and legal Immigrants. They sure got my vote.

Henry Ruark November 14, 2007 3:51 pm (Pacific time)

Neal: Yr emotion reciprocated; but still must ask: What if Mexico won't take them ? and WHO MAKES them GO ? Since I doubt they will leave voluntarily; What proof do you have this will occur so painlessly ? and Can you guarantee SUPREMES won't intercede and stall yr "voluntary exit" ?; and WHO PAYS for all unforeseen, unexampled and unknowable "contingencies", such as several million civil suits filed for fabulous list of reasons, all demanding civil time and court costs. OR do we deny every one of them Constitutional rights accorded to all in Bill of Rights ? Don't think my "retention reaction" here deliberate, but might be...surely no other effect apparent, yet.

Neal Feldman November 14, 2007 2:35 pm (Pacific time)

Henry - I love ya, man, but in this removal is required. Any families that will be broken up the blame is at THEIR feet for breaking the law. Don't round them up, no need. As my comment below said, toxify the US to illegals and they will leave (flee) on their own and they will stop coming illegally. See Oklahoma as an example. No jobs, no housing, no benefits, the candy store will be closed to them unless they are here legally. And above all NO AMNESTY. And anything that allows an illegal to stay in the US instead of returning to their country and getting at the BACK of the line for legal immigration IS AMNESTY. The open borders crowd hates my proposals because they know they will work and that scares the feces out of them. Ah well...

Henry Ruark November 14, 2007 11:34 am (Pacific time)

This is complex issue,brought on by longtime neglect of border security.

Solution will come only with complex actions best guided by our American Constitution.

With millions already here, some legally; and with family and many other human rights issues involved, it is both insensitive and irresponsible to simply demand removal.

Can you imagine the chaotic, expensive, deadly, desperate situations involved in anu such "clean-'em-out" action ? As well as cost, sensible consideration demands answers for Who will do that job ?

What will the world decide on our democracy and our own Constitutional protection for ALL persons ?

Action we must have, but carefully conceived and surely Congressionally-built. This is national problem, surely, best so handled.

The Editor November 14, 2007 9:03 am (Pacific time)

Rick Hickey who wrote earlier accusing us of running "the exact same article" word for word as the SJ - ever heard of a news release?

Go to the story and read the words "Source: Kim Thatcher news release" and your mystery will be solved. That was a nasty accusation, hope you can find somewhere else to vent your ignorant frustrations, this is a site for people who already have a clue.

Sue November 14, 2007 7:19 am (Pacific time)

Employers who hire undocumented workers are criminals. They wouldn't come if they didn't have the opportunity these employers provide.

Angelo Mancuso November 13, 2007 7:42 pm (Pacific time)

Politicians and Americans for that matter should take a look at "American Harvest." Its a non-partisan feature length documentary about immigration as it relates to agriculture. It presents the facts as they are without political bias. Every farmer I have spoken to wants to secure our borders. And they also want a workable solution to LEGAL immigration. Americans have to understand that we all need to appreciate and respect those people who grow and harvest our crops. The men and women that put food on our kitchen tables deserve no less. http://www.americanharvestmovie.com American Harvest Synopsis Anti-immigration sentiment sweeps across America. A journey from Florida to New York, including a trip to the Mexican border, reveals the lives and issues of legal and illegal migrants and farmers working toward a better life. Is the immigration system in America flawed? Immigrants are dying to feed America. American farmers and agriculture rely on immigrants to do jobs that Americans won't do or feel that are simply beneath them. Some only see the problems in the news from the perspective of those extreme points of view of the left and the right side of our political system. Discrimination of immigrants has existed in the United States since the English persecuted the Irish. It was once generally considered that if you were Greek or Southern Italian you were not white. American Harvest points out the inconsistencies of the current policy on immigration. See the changing face of immigrant America as it relates to Agriculture. Follow legal and illegal farm workers and the farmers caught in the middle of a flawed immigration policy.

Neal Feldman November 13, 2007 6:28 pm (Pacific time)

Illegals are criminals. Every second they remain in this country illegally they remain criminals. Thet are not going to line up for Kulongoski's "Hi. I'm an Illegal' driver's license. They need to be GONE. Employers and landlords need to be so severely fined (or imprisoned) for hiring/importing illegals, renting to them or in any other way harboring or supporting illegals that they will stop doing so. All government services (other than immediate lifesaving medical needs or emergency response) need to be denied to illegals. Only then, when the country is completely toxic to them and there are no enticements to attract them will they leave and not come back illegally. Then we can allow those who wish to immigrate LEGALLY into the country through a guest worker program etc... one that has them come in for a specific job... not come in to pick crops but a week later take a high paying construction job, and to leave again when not needed for the job they came to do. And as for voting the rolls should be vetted to make sure that ONLY living legal citizens are allowed to vote. I can hear the cries of racist already, but the fact is I treat all illegals the same. I do not care how old they are, what sex they are, what religion they are or what race they are. If they are illegals they need to be gone. Ah well...

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Legislators 'Go After' Undocumented Immigrant Families in Oregon

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