Hispanic leaders praise HB 1804 blockage

Hispanic community leaders expressed their moral support and gratitude for a temporary injunction against House Bill 1804 on Monday at the state Capitol.

U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron last week temporarily reversed a requirement for businesses to verify the legal status of workers. This provision of HB 1804, the state's sweeping immigration law, was to take effect July 1. The judge's action has garnered support among Hispanics.

"Many people like me are here in America to pursue, not just the American dream, but also to pursue freedom,” said Mauro Yanez, a local Hispanic community leader who kicked off a Monday news conference at the Capitol. HB 1804 prevents many from achieving those dreams, Yanez said.

In the seven months since HB 1804 took effect, Hispanic families have been torn apart and agricultural and other industries across the state have seen a reduction in their ability to provide services, said Franco Cevallos, president of the Hispanic Action Coalition.

"These undocumented workers that were portrayed as criminals and takers ... are the energy behind the motor that sustains this economy,” Cevallos said.

Coalition members did not advocate illegal immigration, but they called for fewer obstacles to citizenship.