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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2006 > March > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHispanics flood Capitol to protest immigration bill
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dozens of Hispanic immigrants flooded the halls of the state Capitol today to voice their concerns over a bill under debate in the Senate that seeks to crack down on undocumented workers in Georgia.
Organizers of a morning rally on the Capitol steps urged the crowd of about 100 – mostly Hispanic men – to go inside to urge legislators to vote against Senate Bill 529, known as the “Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act.”
About half of the crowd lingered outside, in part because a photo identification is required to enter the Capitol building.
Inside, many of the immigrants – some of them whom acknowledged they are undocumented – crowded hallways outside of the Senate chamber. Many of them wore blue jeans, t-shirts, stained painter’s pants, cowboy hats and ball caps, standing out from the suit-and-tie Capitol crowd that usually gathers in the halls.
Jerry Gonzalez of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials guided several men through a legislative phone-and-photo directory, helping them pick out certain legislators with whom to speak. Many busily filled out message forms for legislators in hopes of getting them to come out of the Senate to hear them out.
Gonzalez said some of the men in the crowd who speak English were helping the Spanish-speakers to communicate with legislators.
“We want to put a face with immigrants,” Gonzalez said. “Many of these immigrants live in their districts. Legislators should consider them their constituents.”
About 1 p.m., when debate over Sen. Chip Rogers’ (R-Woodstock) bill began, the majority of the immigrants moved up to the public gallery overlooking the floor of the Senate to watch the debate. Pablo Lopez, 28, of Gwinnett County, took a day off from his landscaping job to watch the debate in person.
Lopez, who acknowledged that he is an undocumented worker from Mexico, said he thought it was important to let legislators know immigrants are disturbed by the bill. Lopez noted that federal and state taxes are taken out of his paycheck every week. He wants to start his own landscaping business, but cannot do so because of his lack of legal status in the country.
“We work hard and I think it’s time they recognize the work we do,” Lopez said.
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By Lee
March 8, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
The second that the lawbreakers admitted to being illegal aliens, they should have been arrested and deportation proceedings begun. They are not “immigrants.” They are lawbreaker and invaders. Treat them as such.
By Just
March 8, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Lee, Do you really believe illegal immigrants are invaders? That’s a bit extreme. Yes, they are illegal and are breaking the law. That’s why we call them illegal immigrants. Arresting, then deporting them isn’t the answer either. Everyone needs to think about the effects of not having illegal immigrants here. Illegal immigrants are the majority of labor workers. It’s not a cut and dry issue. There’s a gray area that we all need to think about. It’s a give a little, take a little situation. Now with that being said, I do strongly believe illegal immigrants should start the process to become legal. Then they all wouldn’t have to rally on the capital steps.
By Syed
March 8, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Just I agree with you, some pepple are too techinacl. Yes, illegal broke a law. Hey, I got 3 speed tickets, I broke the law too. The economy depends on those labor. Atlanta is the fastest growing city with very low housing , and that happened for reason. Many people have some kind of grudge over these illegals , I can’t see why. Everyone is being helped by them, assuming everyone owns/rents house
By George smith
March 9, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
This is so bogus , they should all be arrested and deported, This country got along fine without millions of these invaders , We don’t need them dragging this country down to 3d world sewer level like mexico ,
By Just
March 9, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
George, Not all illegal immigrants are Mexican. So don’t stereotype. Also, calling illegal immigrants invaders…Come on, that’s harsh. Most illegal immigrants come to the United States for a better life. They essentially want the same thing I want. To live the American Dream. I would much rather my tax dollars be spent on law enforcement arresting murders, child molesters, rapist and getting drugs off the streets. Not tracking down, arresting and deporting illegal immigrants.
By De
March 15, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
I ave nothing against the Hispanics wanting a better life,but what about the Cubans that want a better life. Look at what happens when they try to come here!
By CAM
March 15, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Just, I don’t agree with you. (Big surprise huh) When many of the hispanics come here they want all the rights and privilages of being an American citizen but none of the responsibilities.