LOUD AND CLEAR

Immigration Issue in Utah a Mirror for the Rest of the West

By Headwaters News, 4-11-06

The recent attempts to revise the nation’s immigration policy, which like all good democratic movements seems to have bubbled all the way from the farms, cities and factories to Congress, is on hold again while that same Congress enjoys a two-week break. But the momentum of the movement hasn’t subsided, for the immigrants, their supporters, their detractors, and everyone else in between.

In the Rocky Mountain West, the issue primarily concerns Mexican and other Latin Americans who make their way into this country and silently try to assimilate into U.S. culture, landing jobs and buying homes. (It’s worth remembering, though, that nationally the issue involves many other people from other cultures who want to live in the country for myriad reasons.)

Most immigrants in the West work for minimum wage or less, doing jobs that Americans supposedly won’t, at least for the pay that employers can get away with offering. Some of the illegal immigrants are able to eventually score legal documentation, and some have found a way into a middle class life. Most, though, are ecstatic to have a chance at a better life than they’d find in their home countries.

For the first time, many such immigrants are speaking up to support legislation that makes it easier for them and others to either gain citizenship, or at least remain here for some time to work and enjoy what this country can offer them. Huge rallies that took place around the country yesterday and this past weekend in cities and small towns alike show that. Latinos marched in Denver, Phoenix, Grand Junction, Boise, Salt Lake City and Park City, among other places.

But the issue has many people conflicted and many groups divided. That split is evident in Utah, where the Salt Lake Tribune has been covering the rallies and the reactions.

Yesterday the Tribune reported on one business owner who said he was happy to hire and support illegal immigrant workers because he says they work hard, are honest and need the job as much as he needs them.

The unidentified businessman was quoted as saying "They're well-established, not living on the fringes. They have car payments and house payments.” He went on to add that the work he needs done is entry level, and the people he hires are OK with that; they’re not expecting a raise and a promotion. But they are paid $8 an hour and are given health care and retirement benefits.

As well, in Park City, Utah, an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 illegal immigrants work in the ski town, and town leaders are unabashed in their support of those workers. One recent local newspaper editorial suggested Congress be deported while an outreach worker said Summit County's congressional representative wasn't in tune with his constituency.

The recent marches in downtown Salt Lake were the city’s largest ever. Organizers are hoping the momentum from the rallies will carry through to November for the elections.

But some state and federal lawmakers said they won’t be swayed. Last December, Utah’s three House members — Reps. Chris Cannon, Rob Bishop and Jim Matheson — voted for a House immigration bill that would increase border security and enforcement and make being an illegal immigrant a felony. Republican state Sen. Curtis Bramble said he believes many people feel compassion for the immigrants, but silently aren’t willing to grant them “amnesty” and want tighter borders and more security.

The huge number of protestors is surely sending a message though, that this group can and will rally and organize, and that if they can do that, they can mobilize on election day. But what will happen in the interim, when Congress comes back from its break?

Nothing — or at least that’s what Rev. Robert Bussen from Park City said he’s worried will happen. Instead of real reform, he told the Tribune, he’s concerned the whole thing will turn into a big political event with no meaningful legislation.

"We can look forward to the status quo," he told the Tribune. "With heightened awareness and heightened antipathy.

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