Immigration Crackdown Worries Local Hispanic Activist

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Congress failed to pass immigration reform this year, so President Bush has announced his own plans to crack down on illegal immigrants. The proposal, unveiled Friday, boosts border security and calls for state and local police officers to enforce immigration laws.

With the total crackdown they're going to do, it's going to break our families apart," says Tony Yapias, founder of the Utah Latino Project.

Yapias says many local Hispanics are disappointed that President Bush is calling for the enforcement crackdown rather than waiting for Congress to pass full reform. The crackdown also includes tougher scrutiny for employers who hire undocumented workers. Yapias says the changes will have serious consequences on immigrants already established in Utah and contributing to the local economy:

"If someone was just coming in new for the first time, the consequences of the crackdown may not be as severe as for someone who has a career, family, a job, a car payment and has established themselves in the community," says Yapias. "It will create all kinds of ripple effects."

Yapias says local immigration activists may organize a march or demonstration in the coming weeks to oppose the enforcement crackdown. Congress is unlikely to address comprehensive immigration reform again until after the 2008 election.

1. willingworker said:

Families are torn apart, loss of freedom, privileges, investments, etc. are consequences for breaking our laws. The solution for all illegal aliens is to sell what cannot be carried then gather their families and head back to their homeland! NOW, before its too late!!

2. Randy said:

Americans are fed up with Illegals is why! Don't you get it,where have you been the last 2 months ? We want them out they cost more than they contribute..Invaders get out

3. LadyM said:

If these Illegal's are so established in the community, why have they not sought to become LEGAL? Why do they continue to break our laws and then whine and complain when we decide it's time to enforce our immigration laws. If they had come here through legal channels and made lives for themselves, they wouldn't be worried about deportation now.

As for more demonstrations, let them march and wave their foreign flags. ICE should park buses at all strategic locations and round them up take them to the border and sort them out there.

If your Illegal, leave now! Sell all your possessions and take the money and GO HOME!

4. Mike Scott said:

Hopefully this is the beginning of the end of the pathology that supports the notion that once non-citizen aliens enter our country illegally, and then successfully evade our enforcement efforts, they somehow qualify for legal residence and eventual citizenship. For decades sleazy employers have found ways to circumvent our immigration laws by hiring from inexhaustible supplies of cheap illegal labor. Now that the age of American innocence with immigration has ended, they’ve got to do what any entrepreneur must do to remain in business, - by not relying upon Uncle Sam to bail-them-out through unfunded governmental mandates that subsidize millions of illegal aliens.

If the supply of foreign workers were to dry-up through ICE’s new enforcement programs, growers & employers would be forced to respond in two ways. First, they’d be forced to offer higher wages, increased benefits, and improved working conditions, in order to recruit and retain people from existing pools of legal workers. At the same time employers would look for ways to increase efficiencies. Ever hear of mechanization? The results would be a new equilibrium, with unskilled workers making somewhat better money, but each one of those workers being more productive. Can you imagine that, shifting many of the costs of doing business from unfunded mandate tax roles to the marketplace? Few in California will miss paying $10 billion annually to economically subsidize freeloading growers & sundry employers.

Let’s never forget that there are 23 million "less-educated" American working-age adults who do NOT have a job.”

Mike ScottGlendora, California

5. Ben said:

It's about time we rid the country of these parasites. I hope that these new laws are actually enforced. If they are it will be a great thing for america.

6. Lance Sjogren said:

I don't believe illegal immigration is a heinous act.

That's why I don't believe in punishing illegal aliens.

But I do believe in deporting them.

Deportation is not "punishment" any more than it is "punishment" to make a shoplifter return stolen merchandise.

7. teresita said:

Send 'em back. Let them "reunify" with their families there. Tony needs to head home too. Enough of his yapping. Let their children have the "immigrant" experience as they return to their homelands.

8. American K said:

Tony Yapais can cry about this all day long and fewer Americans are going to care. We're sick and tired of the invasion.

Deport Illegals!!Tancredo '08

9. whmcdonald said:

i would hope that the mentioned ripple effect would turn into a full scale tidal wave.

10. Ralph said:

Sorry about that Jose. YOU broke the law. You caused your family to br broke up if you are deported. The taxpayer will be stuck forever with the bills from your family's free medical, welfare for your American born children, free education,free school lunch and breakfast,reduced tuition for higher education which ever Utah's veterans don't get. You came like a thief in the night and want all the benifits of citizenship without paying your dues. Get to the back of the line where you belong and do it the right way.A question for Mr Yapias. What other criminals to you advocate for?

11. Dave said:

Tony Yapias has it wrong.

The time for illegals to start worrying about having their families "torn apart" is the moment they illegally set foot on American soil. No one but these illegals are responsible for the trauma visited upon their children and other family members because of their decision to break our laws.

Dave GorakExecutive DirectorMidwest Coalition to Reduce ImmigrationLaValle, WI

12. Fermin said:

One word, ignorants:Ben look up the word parasite in the dictionary, it does not apply to people cleaning offices, maintaining yards, building homes, or working people, Mike Scott how is it possible that there is 23 million American citizens out of work, people that speak the language, when an immigrant legal or not who just got here not speaking a word of English finds a job?, lady M you think that this people feel better by staying in a status quo, being chased rather than fixing their status? they can't unless there is an immigration reform, and that's what they are praying for, Randy and willingworker, xenophobes, get your facts straight people, of all the people that are here illegally, 5% are criminals, those people don't deserve to be here, i agree we need to secure our borders, but i don't agree with people that charge against defenseless people that just want to make this great country greater, they contribute more to this country than they claim in benefits, do you guys know how many billions the IRS has that has not been claimed, i guess i don't need to tell you where that money is coming from, we need to get this people out of the shadows, only then we will be safer, knowing who your neighbor is, god bless AMERICA and everybody who loves and fight for freedom.Sincerely a fair and just American

13. Brad Kipby said:

Bye Bye! Children inherit their parents sin, Bye Bye!

14. Donald Cho said:

Thank God George Bush has heard the will of the Amwerican peiople and is doing something to protect this nation and its people from these foreign invaders. Once the new crackdown rules on things like bogus social security numbers is aggresively enforced we will see the illegals returning to their homelands through self- deportation. It may take several years but all 12 to 20 million illegal aliens can and will be removed from this nation. This guy Yapias should be deported along with his people for aiding and abetting criminal behavior. I don't care how long they've been here, deport them all. We don't need or wan't them

15. Linda Noon said:

I coun't fine a website for the group founded by Tony Yapias "Utah Latino Project" I wonder if it is registered with the state as a non-profit? I wonder if Yapias earns a wage from this organization? If not from that source, what does he do for a living? I would be interesting follow his earning trail. Can't count on the news media do any investigation. They just blindly accept what is handed to them.

16. Keanolo said:

Fermin that rhymes with vermin which is what your "Latino" people are. And don't dare god bless America while in the same breath defending these illegal aliens who lie, cheat, steal and murder all the while living in this country. If you hate America so much why don't you leave with your hermanos and hermana.

17. Darren said:

I would prefer to see Tony Yapias publicly denounce the authorites in Newark for failing to arrest and deport his fellow peruvian countryman Jose Carranza before he could brutally murder 4 innocent college students.

Perhaps we could rid ourselves of this type of low-life through immigration law enforcement. As far as the argument that we can't enforce laws because it might seperate family members, I hope that doesn't become our policy. Families are routinely split apart when a criminal goes to prison, that should be a deterrent to not commit crimes...

18. willingworker said:

Fermin - Definition for par·a·site: 2. a person who receives support, advantage, or the like, from another or others without giving any useful or proper return, as one who lives on the hospitality of others. (Works for me!)

I agree with status quo is not acceptable so let's repatriate the illegal alien invaders!

I also agree with bringing the illegal alien invaders out of the shadows and sending them to their homelands!

If I'm xenophobic what are you, a socialist, communist, Marxist or just a plain old fashioned open border leftist that owns a landscaping, construction or some other service oriented business?

No amnesty, no social benefits, no anchor babies - simply enforce and tighten immigration laws. Thank you!

19. BurningAtlanta said:

I'm glad most of you have a clue and don't fall for the boo-hoo BS of the whining pro-illegal bunch.Don't fall for all this "We're REALLY going to get serious about enforcement" talk coming from the politicians. Remember, these are the same people that lied in every possible way and pulled every stunt they could to try and pass another amnesty, and failed. Do NOT trust them. They're already trying to sneak thru a couple of mini-amnesties, the Dream Act and the AgJobs Bill.

20. JZ said:

The legal immigrants like the Indians that are taking IY jobs cost the taxpayer a ton too..They bring their old parents and they are on Medicaid, same with their wives...My wife works in an OB office and the number of Indian women on Medicaid getting a free lunch is unbelievable!

Shut the floodgates on ALL immigration!

21. Carlitos said:

Fermin:A Parasite is an organism that lives off another organism. Those who make a living in jobs they are not legally entitled to do, are already criminals from the moment they cross the border, overstay their visas, or apply for a visa under false pretense. All those are federal crimes. The jobs that Illegals take are usually at lower wages because the employer knows they can get away with it if they don't scrutinize the fraudulent paperwork presented by their "prized workers". Americans may have been spoiled into expecting a living and fair wage, fringe benefits and a safe work environment, while illegals may not be used to these "luxuries". Considering that the US absorbs about 2 million legal immigrants every year, it certainly seems that illegals made a choice because they won't wait, won't pay the fees for the process or know that they won't qualify for a visa. According to a recent survey, most illegals don't want to make this country "great", but to make money to send back home. Considering thet these jobs would be fraudulently held, their endeavor could be clasified as "sacking and pillaging". The billions in unclaimed taxes is a hollow argument as any benefit it represents is offset by the displacement of legitimate worers and the suppresion of wage increases they create. We already have a system to help these folks come out of the shadows, For us to know who our neighbor is, and that path starts at the door of the US consulate in their country of origin. Those who want to play by the rules, do; Those who don't trample the border, buy fraudulent papers and steal jobs that pay scab wages. Your arguments are almost as hollow as your head. If immigration enforcemnt was such a bad thing, Mexico would not be so stringent in the enforcement of similar laws.

Yapias is an irrelevant hack who rose to prominence as an aide of the Governor. Beyond that, he's no more important than the average day-laborer,and his organization is aiding and enabling in the commision of a criminal enterprise.

22. American K said:

vermin, what do you mean illegal aliens are in the shadows? they're anything BUT in the shadows. remember the sea of mexican rags in our streets? what about thugs loitering in home depot parking lots? ever been to a outdoor flea market? why is wal mart filled with spanish speaking people? if they don't speak english, they're most likely illegal aliens and they definitely are not hiding in the shadows. they're IN AMERICA'S FACE each and every day demanding the same rights that legal citizens have. i say NO WAY! the ignorant one is you. Taxes? when they work under the table, they don't pay taxes. those that do pay into the system stole someone's social security number, therefore they are thieves. above all else they're criminals, but apparently sneaking into this country isn't a crime in your eyes. well it is in mine. also, every time they get behind the wheel they're driving without a license or insurance. that is a CRIME! Deport each and every one of these illegal invaders and be sure they take their anchor babies with them.

Tancredo '08

23. what's next? said:

What is their march route? From the Taco Bell to the Dollar Store?

24. American Kid said:

All the people that were born on America are American, right? Right! that include all that are born on South America and Central America and offcurse North American there fore ALL EUROPEANS ARE ILLEGAL ALIENS, GO HOME TO EUROPE WHERE YOU BELONG!!!

25. White and upper middle class said:

All you anti-immigrant people really need these illegals because you know who's next to be f&#%ed over again. Yes you!!! You were deceived on Iraq and all that big Utopian conservative dream that didn't happened because it was never going to happen. Bush and Company deceived just as their brothers from Enron. Time and time again you're screwed, and in your denial, you blame illegals for everything. But guess what, it happened many times throughout history. Have some courage and read some. Do you know who for centuries was the strongest opposition to free slaves and maintain segregation of blacks? Slave owners? Rich? Noo.. it was poor whites, yep, for the reasons mentioned above. They could not imagine that freeing slaves would actually help them just like all of you. Why do I think it's poor whites here raising all hell? They complain about schools, health care, and local governments being drained. Rich guys could care less, it does not affect them a bit. On the contrary they benefit both from immigrants extraordinary work (the money) and stupid poor white electorate (power) to keep themselves fat and happy while keeping one income class divided. It's just brilliant!

26. Bernie said:

Bye, bye, illegal aliens and make sure you take all your anchor babies with you. Enough of illegal aliens killing our American citizens!! Enough of them taking our jobs, paying for their education, health care, welfare, etc. Go back to your own countries and demand your rights there!! We don't want you and we don't need you!!

27. shut said:

SHUT UP STUPED PEOPLE ,YOU DONT ANDERSTAND UNTIL IT WILL HIT YOU .yOU ARE GOING TWO PAY FOR BREAKING FAMILES APART

28. frank said:

Earth's is the Lord and the fullness thereof.It's easy to condemn and again call this folks all kind of name, but I'll suggest that anyone of you put yourself in their shoes. It's rather unfortunate that the few bad ones among them are making it hard for the 85% of them who came to America to seek a better life.

29. American Patriot said:

American kid must be an anchor baby due to his command of the English language. I will agree that illegal alien Irish and the like should leave with the Mexicans and south Americans.

30. W.Layer said:

The maximof the law is that the malefactor may not profit from his malfeasance. Illegal aliens are here illegally therefore they must be removed. Break up families/They should have thought of that first. The choice is clear, do we remain and English-Speaking Republic and culture or do we morph into another Latin slum where oppression, corruption, and disease are the rule of the day?

31. Midwest Mike said:

I never understand the logic behind what these guys are saying. If you decide to come here ILEGALLY and live then when you get caught you don't get to blame the govt for breaking up your family ITS YOUR OWN FAULT! Why don't the own up to being lawbreakers and them getting caught is because of their actions. are they really that dumb?

32. mark k said:

shut up people if you are not native American you have no right to send emigrants like your grandfather home

33. Jim said:

Hey, Mark.Did we invade America? Yup. Did we win? Yup. It's our country now. Are the Mexicans invading America? Yup. Will they win? If stupid people like you have anything to do with it.

34. Sonya S said:

I am shocked at the ignorance of all you so called Americans! You have such hatred for people, and you are so disgusted by the way our country has become. Well, Hello call your wonderful president and thank him. Illegal immigrants have nothing to do with it. And please tell me why their crime of entering OUR country is such a major crime, one punishable by lose of livelyhood, however the rapist, murderers, drug dealers, are able to pay a fine and join you once again on your lovely american soil. Does this make sense? NOT I would love to see all the immigrants take a week off and watch the effect on our country. Americans are out of work because they choose to, they want to do a job worth 10.00 and hour but be paid 20.00, because they are sooooo special. Not to mention the money paid into our screwed up social security by immigrants that will never be claimed. And free health care, where do you get these dumb ideas. Sounds like some really uneducated people, who are scared of being made to look like they truly are by a group of God fearing, family loving, hard working people!

35. Nope said:

Sonya, we'll fight YOU along with the illegals. Even better, you can join them in mexico...

36. Sonya S said:

Nope,your poor name says it all!!! LOL You are probably one of the poor americans who sit around and complain all day, because your too lazy to work. And your welfare check has already run out for the month!

37. Anonymous said:

Hey idots mexicans contribute more then they cost to this economy do your research, plus when do you see mexican bums? Are they not mostly whites? Or when do you see a chinease? Hmmmm...

38. John Bigler said:

Fermin: Your absolutely wrong. Immigrants who come into this country without a High school diploma (60% of mexicans don't) cost this country over their lifetime about $89,000 above and beyond the taxes they pay and that doesn't count the cost of educating their children. They will be a net drain. Not to mention the persistent cycle of poverty that their children will put into motion.