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David Stanley Ford

Last-minute battle targets restrictions
•Legal front: Sanctuary status sought
Last-minute battle targets restrictions

By Devona Walker    Comments Comment on this article67
Published: October 30, 2007

In the final hours of October, the fight to block House Bill 1804 rages on.

On Wednesday, the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders will meet with U.S. District Judge James Payne to argue for a temporary injunction against HB 1804, largely considered one of the toughest immigration enforcement bills in the nation.

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If they are unable to stop it, they have planned a silent protest for Thursday — the day the bulk of the bill will go into effect. Immediately after it goes into effect, the national coalition plans to request sanctuary status for Hispanic churches and homes, to stop what they perceive has been a legislative assault against their community.

The group also has asked for support from the White House. It seeks a moratorium on raids, arrests and deportation until "Congress assumes responsibility for immigration,” said the coalition's state coordinator, Victor Orta of Tulsa.

Hispanic community leaders, state Rep. Al Lindley, an immigration attorney and a Catholic priest held a news conference Monday announcing the planned protest of the pending implementation of HB 1804. They also spoke of the reasons they oppose the law.

Orta says thousands of children are caught crossing the border illegally and are deported. About 20 percent of those children have no adult supervision when they attempt to cross into the United States. Illegal crossings have opened those children up to a number of exploitations — including rape, murder and separation from their families.

However, he thinks enforcement is only a part of immigration reform.

"There are millions of lives that are on hold,” Orta said, adding that the U.S. Congress has failed the public and sparked statewide immigration enforcement efforts.

"Can you imagine if they were to obey this law literally, there would be thousands, running around without homes, aimlessly,” he added.

The National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders filed suit in federal court against HB 1804, naming Gov. Brad Henry and Attorney General Drew Edmondson in the complaint. The judge originally threw the suit out.

But late last week, he accepted the complaint and granted a Wednesday afternoon hearing. The full merits of the complaint will not be heard until after Thursday, but the judge likely will decide immediately whether to grant the restraining order and stop HB 1804 from becoming law temporarily.

What's in the law?
HB 1804 makes it illegal harbor, hire, transport or conceal illegal immigrants. It primarily targets immigrants, their landlords and employers, but has broad implication, said Terrill, R-Moore.

Hispanics across the state, both U.S. citizens and legal residents, are speaking out about the tone of immigration enforcement. While illegal immigration is a problem, many say enforcement should not happen in a vacuum. They also say the government should also look at repairing the costly and complicated visa application process.

"This law is going to affect every aspect of the Hispanic community,” said Mauro Yanez, of Oklahoma City, who is the lead instructor of technical Spanish and a program coordinator at Oklahoma State University. The Venezuelan native and U.S. resident said it has been difficult to assimilate in the U.S. He also says it has been a struggle to remain here legally, and to withstand the visa application process.

"It's a privilege to be here, but at the same time it is a challenge,” Yanez said. "I see so much prejudice here.”

Lindley, too, said legal Oklahoma residents have been forced to live in fear directly because of the legislation.

Loan officers at First Commercial Bank on Oklahoma City's south side say there has been about a 10 percent increase in account closures they think is related to the panic by some people.

"Regardless of how they might want to dress it up, this bill targets Hispanics,” said immigration attorney Steven Langer. "But the impact on this city will not only damage Hispanics.”

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David Stanley Ford





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Jeff & Ronald Please read this! Quote: Illegal Mexican Workers Could Receive Billions of Dollars from U.S. Social Security System

January 4, 2007 (Washington, DC) – After numerous refusals over three and a half years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has released the first known public copy of the U.S.-Mexico Social Security Totalization Agreement. The government made the disclosure in response to lawsuits filed under the Freedom of Information Act by TREA Senior Citizens League, a 1.2 million member nonpartisan seniors advocacy group.

The Totalization Agreement could allow millions of illegal Mexican workers to draw billions of dollars from the U.S. Social Security Trust Fund.

A loophole in current Social Security law could allow millions of today's Mexican workers to eventually collect billions of dollars worth of Social Security benefits for earnings under fraudulent or "non-work authorized" Social Security numbers, putting huge new pressures on the Social Security Trust Fund.

If an illegal worker working in the United States today gets a "work authorized" Social Security number through guest worker immigration legislation, the Totalization Agreement, or perhaps just over time, that worker could eventually apply for Social Security benefits once he or she has met eligibility requirements.

In addition, that worker could be able to claim credits for work performed while in the U.S. illegally. The SSA maintains an "earnings suspense file," which tracks wages that cannot be posted to individual workers' records because there is no match for a name and Social Security number. Once an immigrant gains access to a work authorized Social Security number – whether a legal citizen or not – wages earned while in the U.S. unlawfully could be reinstated to the worker's new Social Security account.

The Congressional Research Service reports the earnings suspense file currently stands at approximately $520 billion. According to the congressional testimony of SSA Inspector General Patrick P. O'Carroll in February 2006, "We believe the chief cause of wage items being posted to the earnings suspense file instead of an individual's earning record is unauthorized work by non citizens."

The agreement between the U.S. and Mexico was signed in June 2004, and is awaiting President Bush's signature. Once President Bush approves the agreement, which would be done without Congressional vote, either House of Congress would have 60 days to disapprove the agreement by voting to reject it.

"The Social Security Administration itself warns that Social Security is within decades of bankruptcy – yet, they seem to have no problem making agreements that hasten its demise," said Ralph McCutchen, Chairman of the TREA Senior Citizens League. "Our 1.2 million elderly members didn't sacrifice through difficult times so we could fund millions of workers who crossed the border and decided to work here illegally."

Dave, Blue Rapids - Oct 31, 2007 at 11:30 am
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Jeff & Ronald, that smells like amnesty to me.The line for American Citizenship for Mexicans and the rest starts at our Southern border.They need to go home and apply like everyone else.They got here without our help,they can go home the same way.
Dave, Blue Rapids - Oct 31, 2007 at 7:11 am
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I think the State Of Oklahoma should stay out of the immigration business. This is a Federal issue and should be left up to the Federal Government. Congress needs to revise this country's immigration policies and allow those that are here illegally to apply for permanent status. Those that are criminals should be jailed or sent back. Then they need to decide how to strengthen the boarders. The treatment these people get is shameless. The only act they committed is wanting to provide for their families. The Federal Government should have done more to prevent illegals from coming here under our current laws, but apparently its not top priority. So why should Oklahoma try to clean up. This just puts more stress on our law enforcement officers. Oklahoma should be ashamed that such a law was passed in this state, especially during our 100th year celebration as a state.
RONALD, OKLAHOMA CITY - Oct 31, 2007 at 12:02 am
Teresa, I never said they should be able to cut in front of anyone. Maybe we should look at granting temporary status to the ones that would qualify and then require them to work toward citizenship like everyone else, which would include paying taxes. The Reality is that our local, state, and Federal Government has had their heads in the sand for years and now because of their policy businesses that have hired these people with what appeared to be legal documentation under the current system will be punished. Deporting millions is just not a realistic option in my opinion. Anyone who disrespects the flag and is not here legally should pay the price. I have no sympathy for those people whatsoever. There are idiots that are an embarrassment and a part of multiple races in this country.
Jeff, Norman - Oct 30, 2007 at 10:03 pm
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If some of us complaint about illegal aliens then we're called racist.But the facts are that illegal aliens do come here illegally and get jobs with stolen Social Security numbers.They then sent 25 billion dollars a year back to Mexico, at the same time holding out their hand for public assistance. It costs the American tax payer around 50 billion dollars a year to pay for their Free medical care,Rent assistance,Food stamps,Translators for their children in our public schools and Free lunches. American cities along the border provide free emergency medical care for Mexican citizens, and what do the pregnant Mexican women do in return? They come across the border to have their babies ( American Citizens).How about Elvira Arellano and her child,she was deported came back,had the child and return to work with a stolen Social Security number,she also had been in our country for 10 years,but had to have a translator at her news conference! Earlier this year illegal aliens demonstrated in the streets of our cities demanding amnesty by flying the American flag upside down below the Mexican flag and carrying signs saying "this land is ours Gringo" I would ask the supporters of illegal aliens what do you tell the millions of immigrants waiting in other countries that want to come here legally? Just because we share a common border that they can wade across to get here,does not give them the automatic right to American Citizenship Its worth more than that! "
Dave, Blue Rapids - Oct 30, 2007 at 8:22 pm
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Before The Hart-Celler Act of 1965 (Thank you Senator Kennedy)and the 1986 Amnesty Act ( Thank you Senator Kennedy) most Americans wanted population control in the US.Now we allow in around 2,000,000 legal immigrants a year plus their extended families,(Mother,Father,Sister ,Brother and their children.)That adds millions more.Then you have the 12-20 million illegal Aliens that Congress wants to give Amnesty to.If that's granted,then you have their extended families,which will add millions more.Then you have the 500,000 that still cross our southern border illegally each year.The US current population is 301,000,000,not to long ago we exported our surplus food,now we import half, 36 states have a water shortage,Some studies show the US population at 450,000,000 by the year 2050.Has anyone ask their Congressman and Senators what quality of life our Children and Grand Children will have? Social Security,in 1996 the Social Security Administration signed an agreement with Mexico that will give Social Security payments to the 12-20 million illegal aliens once they are granted amnesty, total cost over 50 billion dollars a year.This type information is at both the FAIR and the Heritage Foundation Web sites.Add the billions each year the American tax payer pays for illegal aliens free medical care,food stamps,rent assistance,translators at schools and we have a ticking time bomb.Amnesty for 12-20 million illegal aliens and endless immigration is not the answer.I encourage everyone to write their Congressman and Senators and ask them what the total cost to the American tax payer will be if they grant amnesty to those 12-20 million illegal aliens,after all you and I and our children will foot the bill for their decision! "
Dave, Blue Rapids - Oct 30, 2007 at 8:21 pm
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If some of us complaint about illegal aliens then we're called racist.But the facts are that illegal aliens do come here illegally and get jobs with stolen Social Security numbers.They then sent 25 billion dollars a year back to Mexico, at the same time holding out their hand for public assistance. It costs the American tax payer around 50 billion dollars a year to pay for their Free medical care,Rent assistance,Food stamps,Translators for their children in our public schools and Free lunches. American cities along the border provide free emergency medical care for Mexican citizens, and what do the pregnant Mexican women do in return? They come across the border to have their babies ( American Citizens).How about Elvira Arellano and her child,she was deported came back,had the child and return to work with a stolen Social Security number,she also had been in our country for 10 years,but had to have a translator at her news conference! Earlier this year illegal aliens demonstrated in the streets of our cities demanding amnesty by flying the American flag upside down below the Mexican flag and carrying signs saying "this land is ours Gringo" I would ask the supporters of illegal aliens what do you tell the millions of immigrants waiting in other countries that want to come here legally? Just because we share a common border that they can wade across to get here,does not give them the automatic right to American Citizenship Its worth more than that! "
Dave, Blue Rapids - Oct 30, 2007 at 8:15 pm
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Janice, there is a new story the AG Edmonson wants the new lawsuit thrown out. In my response to that article, I propose what you suggest. That is the sponsorship of helping people become citizens. I am not going to just run my mouth. Faith without works is dead. My works will be my physical action, not just pounding on this keyboard.
Harvey, Oklahoma City - Oct 30, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Helen that was very well stated & Peggy this isn't about hate !!!
Jimmy, Sandy Shores - Oct 30, 2007 at 3:14 pm
I hit the wrong key before. I obey all those laws and regulations because I am a USA citizen. My bible tells me to obey those in authority and the laws. It doesn't say just obey the ones you agree with or like. You don't get to pick & choose which laws to obey.

Helen, Moore - Oct 30, 2007 at 3:05 pm
We shouldn't even need HB#1804. We already have immigration laws. They are just ignored by a whole lot of immigrants and other people. I have a very dear friend who is Hispanic and has followed all the laws & regulations. She learned the English language and everything else she needed to know in order to take the test for citizenship in the USA. She a legal USA citizen now. She obeyed the law! It's just that simple! You want all the advantages of living in America - You follow the rules and obey the laws. You obey ALL the laws not just the ones you decide you like or think are fair. I don't like the tax laws but I follow them & I pay my taxes. There are other laws & regulations I don't completely agree with or like. Does that mean I ignore them & don't follow them? NO!
Helen, Moore - Oct 30, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Jeff, you say the illegals should have to become legal, but shouldn't they have to go wait in line with all the other people of other countries who are trying to immigrate here? If we let them become citizens before the ones waiting, aren't we awarding illegal behavior? What would you say to those waiting? Sorry, you have to wait longer, this spot goes to the guy who cut in line front of you? They should go home and then come here legally.
Teresa, oklahoma city - Oct 30, 2007 at 2:43 pm
I think Terrill just wants his name in the paper and on TV doesn't matter who he has to hurt to get there. By the way he is now speaking out of both sides of his mouth.
sue, seminole - Oct 30, 2007 at 2:39 pm
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Myra, I do not wish harm to anyone legal or illegal & anything worth having takes hard work & sometimes it takes longer than we want it to. As far as the children go I know that American born means American citizen, but the children need to be with the parent& if those parent's are illegal then they go back & come in the right way. I for one would like to see every American family that really does not mind if these illegals go back & come in the front door, help get some kind of program going to raise the funds for these families to do just that . Myra, I believe in the law without it we would be a lawless nation & nobody want's to live like that.
Jimmy, Sandy Shores - Oct 30, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Sharon not all people who speak spanish are all illegals, don't be ignorant. If you were well informed you'd know that an illegal can not enlist!
myra, OKC - Oct 30, 2007 at 1:59 pm
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Since the Army is doing their commercials in Spanish, will they be fined if they let an illegal enlist?
K, Oklahoma City - Oct 30, 2007 at 1:50 pm
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Robin, Jeff has a point in what he says, just as everyone else who either agrees or disagrees. You are right about coming here legally. This has been an ongoing problem across the border, to begin with taking care of these issues starts with securing the borders. Let's be realistic about things. Do you really think that the way to do it is getting rid of the millions of "illegals" that are already here, be realistic. Open your eyes. I guarantee you about 60% are employed by McDonalds and other restaurants and the vast majority from hard construction jobs that others won't do. What will happen then. Like I said something needs to be done to stop the influx if illegal immigration, but trying to run them all out...sorry that's not going to work. These "illegals" like you call them are people just like you and me whether you like it or not, they just aren't lucky to have legal status. Correcting this problem needs to be done another way. Can you blame those that came here illegaly by their parents as young children for being here illegally, I know many of them that fall in this catergory and it is not easy!! before you talk look to see how hard it is for them to attain legal status. Not as easy as you think.
myra, OKC - Oct 30, 2007 at 1:50 pm
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Kevin - Mary Fallin is now on the boat for Mexico? Wow!! What a change since the election. She was so against illegal immigrants of any kind!! Nice to know a few months in Washington and she is already a sellout. Funny thing..there is an ARMY Nat'l Guard commercial on TV right now...IN ESPANOL!!
K, Oklahoma City - Oct 30, 2007 at 1:49 pm
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Jeff, You & I agree on almost everything you have stated but the problem is that these people are pretty much not trying to get legal, If they were I might feel differently & Lord know's most have had plenty of time to do it in. Jeff I think these businesses that you are talking about built that business on sand , my oldest son & his father employ these illegals & I do not want their business to fail but it isnt like they dont know that the documentation is illegal, so if their business fails then it's their fault for exploiting these people in the first place !
Jimmy, Sandy Shores - Oct 30, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Robin, I am telling you I have found out for myself firsthand. I have advocated shutting the border down and requiring all of these people already in the country to become citizens within a certain period of time. For the employers to find out on November 1st that all of the documentation they have for these people is fake and for the government to tell them to bad hit the road is not fair to businesses that count on these people. And if you think these people are easily replaced then you are kidding yourself. Like other people have said in this debate, the vast majority of people do not want these jobs.
Jeff, Norman - Oct 30, 2007 at 1:04 pm
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Ivan, I definitely do not support the illegals but there is no need to name call anyone on here as they have the right to their opinion the same as you & I.
Jimmy, Sandy Shores - Oct 30, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Ivan, I definitely do not support the illegals but there is no need to name call anyone on here as they have the right to their opinion the same as you & I.
Jimmy, Sandy Shores - Oct 30, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Has anyone out there heard anything about how much money is being offered or accepted to get H.B. 1804 kicked out?
Glenna, Oklahoma City - Oct 30, 2007 at 12:44 pm
In the meantime, the Bush administration is working to offer Mexico $1.4 billion dollars for their "domestic problems", when in fact the Mexican gov't encourages their citizens to enter the US illegally. What we taxpaying citizens think does not matter. We don't matter one iota to the federal gov't. I contacted Mary Fallin, and she supports the give away of $1.4 BILLION dollars to Mexico.....go figure.
Kevin, Shawnee - Oct 30, 2007 at 12:44 pm
ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS THE ILLEGALS ARE FRIGGIN IDIOTS.
UR MASTER, Del City - Oct 30, 2007 at 12:39 pm

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