Illegal immigration proposal meets Hispanic group's countermove
Associated Press
www.timesleader.com
Oct 11, 2006
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Instead of an ordinance calling for more active enforcement of immigration laws, a Hispanic group proposes one that would declare the city an illegal immigration sanctuary.
The ordinance proposed by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley would put the city on record in support of using the term "undocumented immigrant" rather than "illegal alien."
Like a measure passed May 8 in Cambridge, Mass., it would favor creating opportunities for immigrants to apply for legal permanent resident status.
"These are our huddled masses," said Lazaro Fuentes, chairman of the chamber.
The chamber's proposal was a response to a proposed ordinance by Councilman Louis Hershman, scheduled for discussion at an Oct. 18 City Council meeting, that would call for the city to take a more active role in enforcing federal immigration laws.
That proposal was forwarded to the City Council last Wednesday with a petition signed by 87 residents. If Hershman gets a second sponsor, the measure would be introduced at the Oct. 18 meeting, though it would not be voted on until November.
Fuentes forwarded the chamber's competing proposal to council members Martin Velazquez and Julio Guridy.
"We need to take the high ground and put forth another option to council that helps them to see another way for dealing with the situation," he said.
Fuentes said he wants the city to be seen as a place where immigrants are welcome and have full civil rights.
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