Texas Immigration Proposal Draws Protest
Aug 26 8:02 PM US/Eastern
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By ANABELLE GARAY
Associated Press Writer
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas
Clutching American flags and signs that read "America was formed by immigrants," more than 300 protesters on Saturday denounced a city proposal that would prohibit landlords from leasing to illegal immigrants.
About two dozen counter-protesters staged a demonstration nearby.
The proposal by City Councilman Tim O'Hare would also make it tougher for illegal immigrants to work in the Dallas suburb, penalize businesses that employ undocumented workers and make English the city's official language.
Protesters branded the proposal a racist initiative that would single out Hispanics, who make up about 37 percent of the city's population, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures from 2000.
"If we're of a certain color, they're going to point their finger at us," said Jose Gomez, a 42-year-old naturalized citizen.
Organizers of the rally emphasized that immigrants, regardless of status, pay taxes when they shop, rent or buy a home in Farmers Branch.
Families with children and college students rallied in temperatures topping 100 degrees.
O'Hare, who was not seen at the rally, and a city spokesman did not immediately return calls to The Associated Press.
Counter-protesters carried signs reading "I place all persons in the USA illegally under citizen's arrest" and "Como se Dice illegal en Espanol?", which translates to "How do you say illegal in Spanish?"
Supporters of the proposal said the measure would address problems with health care, education and crime in the city.
"They're taking our jobs, our homes," said Debbie Rawlins, 48. "There's unemployment partly because of the Hispanics. The lady that took my job is Hispanic and she's bilingual."
City Council members heard from constituents earlier this week on whether Farmers Branch should approve the measures, but no decision was made.
2006-08-27 13:29:22 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
to "smack" if you are SO "embarrassed to be an American", then feel free to LEAVE!!!!
2006-08-27 13:37:29 · update #1
(raises glass) WOOHOO !!!!!! I want the same in my town!!! I want my children to grow up and be able to at least HAVE a job!!! Please don't get me wrong if they want to BECOME an American Great!!! Land of oppurtunity right? BUT I can't get over the fact that they are here illegally, living 10 - 20 in single dwelling units, then sending their earnings "back home", thats why they say they have to live so many in a home, so that they can send their money back. (they claim that in Mexico they can live in WEALTH on what an average American makes a year) I know a guy who (dislikes me now because he doesn't like my offered opinion of his job) anyway him and a man who owns a car dealership and a LOT of rental property (he's a slum lord) and mind you the one guy (Dave) is a legal Mexican Immigrant BUT he gets between $500 and $1000 dollars a pop to help sneak the illegal mexican's in, they THEN set them up with a car, apartment AND a job because they work HARDER for minimum wage and even HARDER for less under the table!!! So why are American's losing their jobs? Why do YOU think? So some of your more irreputable business owners are getting RICHER even. I say if they can't become Legal GET RID OF EM!!!! Let American's claim what is RIGHTFULLY ours. Do you think if we went to another country ILLEGALLY they would be so hospitable? HELL NO!!!
2006-08-27 15:12:09 · answer #1 · answered by Angel B 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all, this idea that O'Hare has will begin racial profiling. Not all Mexicans are illegal. Second, the lady that was quoted is seriously an idiot.
"They're taking our jobs, our homes," said Debbie Rawlins, 48. "There's unemployment partly because of the Hispanics. The lady that took my job is Hispanic and she's bilingual." "
hahaha! I'm bilingual and I'm also Mexican-American. The employer is going to choose the better candidate. Knowing two languages is a great thing.
What most of you people want is a little tight knit community with NO diversity. Some of you just want to live amongst yourselves and dislike anyone that is not like you.
Well wake up!!!
you live in the United States of America!!
Yes, illegal immigration is illegal, but this is quickly turning into a race issue...!
Learn to appreciate others and their cultures instead of trying to make laws that discriminate against them.
Well, if you raise your kids right and they they get an education, getting a job won't be an issue ;)
The whole issue "they're taking our jobs" is pretty much like Mexicans saying this was their (our) land before.....
2006-08-27 14:48:19 · answer #2 · answered by bubble toes 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Many illegals pay federal tax through fake tax IDs, the companies don't ask questions and neither does the govt.
2014-11-23 12:03:10 · answer #3 · answered by Moscow Mitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smack.. don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out of the country!
I would LOVE to see more Americans come together like this!
2006-08-27 13:55:44 · answer #4 · answered by mommato4boys 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
KUDOS to farmer's Branch. More towns should take the same stand. They claim they are not criminals. They broke the law, and became criminals, the instant they crossed the border illegally.
2006-08-27 13:36:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
STOP THE INVASION
STOP ANCHOR BABIES
STOP FREE LOADER
FINE FOR EMPLOYMENT PUT IN THE JAIL
ILLEGAL CANT RENT HOUSE
ENGLISH ONLY
SAVING OUR TAX INCOME AND PROPERTY TAX.
DEPORTATION
They only sucking us until dry and take over.
in canada no illegal their country look so wonderful how about in japan you re illegal they put u in the jail.
Tancredo 2008 , save America for our children and protect citizen first
2006-08-27 13:38:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
searRborders,
I want MY town to be exactly like this one!
And every patriotic American wants a town exactly like this one!
Together, we will recreate the Normal Rockwell America!
God Bless Patriots!
God Bless America!
God help the illegals on their way to their native countries!
God help those immigrants who do it right...to make the leap...and become one of us!
2006-08-27 13:34:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
every American.
2006-08-27 14:10:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
frickin sickening ...you make me embarrassed to be an American.
2006-08-27 13:34:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
THEY ARE NOT HERE TO STAY
2006-08-27 13:34:51 · answer #10 · answered by yars232c 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋