Utah Immigration Law Signed By Governor Gary Herbert

SALT LAKE CITY (Reuters) - Utah's governor on Tuesday signed a package of immigration laws including one that would allow a police crackdown on illegal immigrants similar to Arizona's attempt last year.

The laws, approved by Utah's Republican-controlled legislature earlier this month, also would attempt to create a guest worker program.

Opponents of the bills rallied last week in downtown Salt Lake City in an effort to prevent their passage. Chanting and carrying signs that read "Don't Let Utah Become Another Arizona" and "Keep Families Together" the protesters urged lawmakers and the governor to stop the legislation.

"Utah did the right thing. We did the hard thing," Governor Gary Herbert said in signing the laws, which he called "the Utah solution."

The United States is struggling with 12 million illegal immigrants, many of them from Latin America, and growing anger among voters about the jobs they take.

U.S. immigration enforcement has shifted over the years, with the Obama administration choosing to crack down on employers rather than illegal workers themselves.

Herbert called on the federal government to follow Utah's model and enact reform of immigration laws.

But immigration experts said the new Utah laws, except for enforcement, are more show than substance.

"The guest worker stuff is entirely meaningless. It is like a college creating a nuclear free zone. It's meaningless. A state cannot create a guest worker program," said Steven Camarota, research director of the pro-enforcement Center for Immigration Studies think-tank in Washington.

Analysts also are skeptical the package will influence policy in Washington, where Republicans who favor enforcement-only measures have control of the House of Representatives and a stronger hand in the Senate.

Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, said such laws put immigration back in focus.

"But the way forces are balanced in Washington, I don't think it's going to have any real effect on pushing through comprehensive immigration reform," he said.

Legal challenges are expected to a law requiring police to check the immigration status of people stopped for felonies.

That law is similar to one in Arizona that has been the target of a lawsuit by the administration of President Barack Obama.

Herbert hosted an immigration summit last year to lay the foundation for the forthcoming legislative session. The summit brought together religious, business, law enforcement and government leaders to tackle the issue.

"There are those who will say these bills may not be perfect but they are a step in the right direction and they are better than what we had," he said.

(Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles and Tim Gaynor in Phoenix)

Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters. Click for Restrictions.

Comments

[Liberalperson]

09:07 PM on 04/14/2011

I am a lifelong Democrat and I am usually rather liberal. But we cannot accept illegal immigrants any longer. Only 3% of illegals work in agriculture, the rest work in construction and restaurants and make $12 to $25 an hour under the table. I know because I work with them. Deport them! They have participated in an illegal activity by coming here and do not deserve to be here. Most of the Democrats that I know ( I said MOST) agree with me.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

02:53 PM on 04/02/2011

If they had just rounded up the demonstrators, they would have reduced the illegal immigrant population in Utah immediately.

[ShellyintheWest]

01:36 PM on 04/02/2011

Anyone who supports illegal immigration supports modern day slavery. Don't even try to rationalize this one.

[AztecGold]

12:27 PM on 04/04/2011

You have no idea what slavery is, or even rationality.

[Robearbeach]

01:24 PM on 04/04/2011

I'm adamantly against illegal immigration but it isn't slavery. Did you ever take history? The slaves didn't come here voluntarily. They were captured in Africa by fellow tribes and sold to slave traders who threw them in the holds of ships and brought them here against their will (or they were descendants of those and born here). I am willing to venture that not a single slave voluntarily immigrated here from their country of origin to become a slave.

[SIMPLICIMUSS]

02:03 PM on 04/04/2011

Agreed !! Many Europeans were sold into indentured servitude, and did not necessarily come voluntarily. My Bro-in-Law`s father at the age of 12 was sold to a ship`s captain to provide food for his younger siblings As a young teen, fed up wiyh the abuse and ill treatment, he jumped ship in NYC . Initially an illegal, he sold hot dogs on a street corner. When he died 75 yrs later, he owned a chain of restaurants.

[ShellyintheWest]

02:28 PM on 04/04/2011

Re-read "modern day slavery"...you know the part about not paying a livable wage and exploiting an individuals race.

[lcole3]

02:16 PM on 03/28/2011

Whose responsibility is it to enforce our immigration laws? The Fed or individual states?

http://survey.matterofopinion.com/survey.jsp?surveyid=135



www.matterofopinion.com

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

02:54 PM on 04/02/2011

THe Fed has shirked it's responsibility.

[Eliud Gautier]

08:06 AM on 04/17/2011

The have not stopped enforcing immigration laws - on the contrary Obama and Napolitano have deported more immigrants since 2009 then Buch during his last term in office. So, if you are going to post comments about this subject get it straight. December 2010 – The Obama Administration reaches an all time record of deportation

[Robearbeach]

01:26 PM on 04/04/2011

How would you feel if the federal government stopped enforcing a law that you liked, gun laws for example?

[rameyes]

06:54 PM on 03/26/2011

the job takers thing is a joke a big funny joke i go to work every week and all i hear and see is i wanna go home,and people jumping up and down when they offer days off etc.there are jobs to be filled and companies dont want light weights they want people who show up and work bottom line,so if thats not your style..well dont play the blame game.

[truly moderate]

01:32 PM on 03/20/2011

This is a topic I usually don't like to touch on too much because its one area I can honestly say I am more conservative on. With that being said, I disagree with both AZ and UT laws because immigration enforcement is a FEDERAL issue, not a state one.

I highly support the US government conducting raids on employeers that hire 100s of illegals. I also highly support the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants. While I do feel all immigrantion laws should be enforced, I totally agree with DHS and its child agencies that with a limited budget, the priority should strictly be set towards worksite enforcement, drug cartels, and criminal alien aprehensions (to include gangs).

I have little sympathy for the far left ideology of amenesty and this ideal that we the tax payers should pay to education them and take care of their health.

I am however, open to the idea of immigration reform. President Bush tried to get the ball rolling on this and failed. President Obama also could not get the dream act passed. Immigration reform is definately needed because its obviously not an attractive option if so many are jumping the fence. One area that needs reform is the overall cost to become a US citizen. Easing the cost burden should be the first step to immigration reform.

[spytheweb]

03:07 AM on 03/22/2011

"the far left ideology of amnesty" (Like Ronald Reagan signed in 1986?)  Do you really know what democrats think? I'am a democrat and support AZ law. I believe every illegal IDed should be deported. That the 14th amendment should be changed changed to, "to be born a US citizen you must have at least one parent a US citizen." E-Verify everyone. No driver licenses for illegals and no free schooling for foreign students without proper paperwork, which federal law states they must carry at all times.

No more ITIN for illegals to file taxes. If illegal they should not be working inside the country anyway. Jail time for employers of illegal aliens.

[truly moderate]

07:01 AM on 03/22/2011

Well sir you do have a point. At certain points, some GOPers that were more moderate on domestic policy supported immigration reform (Such as Bush II) but primarily, the ideal of actual "amnesty" has always been a liberal one. Most Democrats are opposed to Amnesty, but support immigration reform. Personally I support a *limited* immigration reform, but mostly that it should have a reduced cost for those that wish to come here legally. Make it a more attractive option by making it affordable. That way when people are rounded up and deemed to be illegal, there can be no excuse like "ohhhh I couldn't afford it".

This includes reducing the price or nullifying the price of green cards as well. Green cards are good for many years and theres no logical reason a person should illegally come into this country and not receive one.

[gunrunner99]

11:12 AM on 03/27/2011

Wow,I agree with a democrat,well said sir,and faved. Thank you and,I apoligize for thinking that all liberals wanted all the illegals here.

[windecinde]

10:53 PM on 04/02/2011

The laws are the laws. If the federal government won't do anything, what are we to do? Just let everybody and their brother overrun us? The dream act had nothing to do with immigration. It was yet another transparent attempt by this administration to garner votes by preying on the emotions of immigrants and this highly charged debate. It should't be an issue. We need to enforce our immigration laws (as they relate to employers, enforcers of the laws, and immigrants) just like any other country would. It's sickening how both sides use this issue to try to gain political points.

[kengault]

01:21 PM on 03/19/2011

If someone broke into your home, would you treat him as an invited guest? Would you allow him to move in his family? Would you pay for their food, medical care, and education?

That's what we've been doing with illegal aliens in America.

[Soule23]

11:13 AM on 03/20/2011

I've never had an illegal immigrant break into my home with his family, ant take up residence etc. etc.

What you're really asking is would I be ok if a Latino family moved into my neighborhood. Yes, I would be comfortable with that, your patentlyabsurd ananlogy aside.

[spytheweb]

03:20 AM on 03/22/2011

No one said "Latino family". But your mind focused on  a Latino family, why? We are talking about illegal aliens, who are from everywhere. But it just so happens that most are from south of the border, at least 85%.

American has all races living here, race is not a problem, being legal is.

If someone moved into your backyard or your basement, people who had no right to be in the country, would you be happy?

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

02:55 PM on 04/02/2011

America is our home. And, stop with the latino race card. If they were Irish or English or Swedish they should all be sent back.

[mrpotatohead]

06:31 PM on 03/21/2011

I'm not sure what I would do, but I have a feeling I know what Jesus would do.

[windecinde]

10:56 PM on 04/02/2011

Jesus told his followers that they should obey those in authority, and abide by the laws of the land.

[AlxAlxdr]

06:27 PM on 03/18/2011

From the Salt Lake Tribune: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51338575-76/arrests-arrested-utah-operation.html.csp

[AlxAlxdr]

06:02 PM on 03/18/2011

There are millions of illegals in America....I would love to see how that would work deporting them all. Letting them be able to work towards becoming a citizen and taxing them at the same time is a win win situation. Illegal immigrants have bills just like Americans let them work so they can pay what they owe and not raise the price of stuff on the rest of us.

[windecinde]

11:00 PM on 04/02/2011

They should have ID cards, be fingerprinted and required to have their papers on them at all times. They should only be allowed to have a job if the employer makes an attempt to hire Americans first. Then they should be allowed to work for a certain length of time. They should only be able to bring immediate family with them (spouse and children). If they can't get a job within a certain amount of time, then they have to return to their home country. If they don't have papers, they must return to their home country. . . no matter how many there are right now, it should be done. . . right now.

[treeshack]

12:11 AM on 03/18/2011

Anyone who is sympathetic to illegal immigrants because "they do jobs Americans refuse to do," should watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y34U07CxVm0

[mrpotatohead]

06:32 PM on 03/21/2011

I'm sympathetic because, like me, they're trying to find a way to better themselves. Unlike me, however, they have fewer choices.

[treeshack]

10:07 PM on 03/21/2011

I'm more sympathetic to the millions of American citizens in this country who can't find a job. If you watch the video, you'll see that there are plenty of them to take the jobs that the illegal immigrants have.

[gunrunner99]

11:21 AM on 03/27/2011

THANK YOU!!! Already Fanned,faved again!

[Danilo Gurovich]

12:04 PM on 03/17/2011

Don't let Utah become another Arizona?

Utah is far, far ahead of Arizona in the "Big Tree" department -- their population is just so homogeneous that it doesn't stick out so much. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a slogan-chanting, lockstep-marching, Teabagger. Maybe they could rename it TeaBagistan, or Teabaggia, or North Teabagga... or....

[AlxAlxdr]

06:10 PM on 03/18/2011

I don't even think you read the article. Utah is the reddest state in the nation and I applaud my state for at least trying to come to a middle road. The law will only deport violent criminals. Allowing law abiding guest to have driver's licenses and jobs to pay their bills and pay taxes. There are millions of them here can you come up with a better way of dealing with the situation? Deporting criminals is probably far more cheaper then putting them in the system.

[Danilo Gurovich]

01:20 PM on 03/19/2011

My experience is from living and working in Utah, being an ex-mormon and having friends and family that still live there. The state is smug with their version of Jesus-- red-headed and celtic-faced, riding a dinosaur, choosing to heal only the rich, bandoliers across his chest, toting twin elephant-ivory 45s and shooting wolf puppies. He condemns public servants and bestows wealth upon the moneychangers while fomenting fear and loathing for anyone that doesn't think like him.

The dinosaur has dysentery, but since he can't see it, it doesn't exist.

[SaddieMcCall]

11:53 AM on 03/17/2011

There is something that has been overlooked in these political debates, our country has in the past encouraged (or if not exactly encouraged has been very permissive in the migration of undocumented workers for many years). It's not them vs us, in some families they have a mixture of legal and undocumented family members. Not simply by birth, but a lot of Americans have married undocumented immigrants. Their marriage does not make it so they can get a green card (if the person arrived in the US illegally). There is a pathway to citizenship if someone illegally overstayed their school or work VISAs, but not if they never had the VISA to begin with.

In the past, mortgages were easy to obtain - and many undocumented workers have purchased homes, some own their businesses. They have been living here for many years, raising families. To suddenly rounding up individuals for deportation will also affect their citizen family members, their ability to continue to pay on their homes, and their businesses.

Our country has been giving mixed messages to people for a long time. How is it possible that it has been legal for citizens and undocumented immigrants to marry, but then not expect them to live in the same country and have children together?

[SaddieMcCall]

12:22 PM on 03/17/2011

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695253342/Debate-resumes-over-illegal-immigrants-status-in-LDS-Church.html

The Mormon (LDS) church has not taken a hard line on undocumented immigrants. They can be baptised into the church, could get a temple recommend, (along with the temple recommend would come a temple marriage where a couple would be seal for eternity.)


Strange that the church would feel so strongly towards two gay American citizens being able to legally marry within their country, but have a lay back approach to permitting undocumented immigrants from entering their sacred temples for marriages.

I am neither a religious person nor someone who claims "family values" platform - but seriously I can't understand why those who do claim either religious values or family values could be in favor of breaking apart families who have been residing peacefully within our borders. If our laws permitted the marriage of a couple, then why would we break up their family years later?

[voyager48]

05:13 PM on 03/17/2011

the point is that our laws did not really permit them to do anything. The illegals come here and simply do what they please. They enter without permission, they drive without licenses or insurance. Anyone that is working has committed purjury in swearing an oath that they are legal to do so.

What part of any of any of this is in any way allowed by even one of our laws?

[windecinde]

11:09 PM on 04/02/2011

We don't break up their families. The entire family can return to their home country together. By not abiding by the laws we have set up for people to live and work in this country, they themselves risk the security of their families. There are plenty of people from other countries who work and live here legally, abiding by our immigration laws. Just like we would have to do if we went to their countries.

[kengault]

11:34 AM on 03/17/2011

Most voters continue to favor strong sanctions on employers who hire illegal immigrants and landlords who rent to them. Voters also feel strongly that police should check the immigration status of drivers during routine traffic stops. Sixty-three percent (63%) say border control should be the top immigration priority.

[Soule23]

01:16 PM on 03/20/2011

Then apparently the majority of voters are not aware of the rights conferred upon all people within the borders of this country by our Constitution. The Constitution protects all minorities from the tyrannyof bigotedmajorities.

[Kurfco]

08:44 PM on 03/21/2011

Can you point out where it confers these rights on people who have no legal right to be here in the first place?

The Constitution was written by and for Americans, not interlopers. The minorities among our citizenry are accorded Constitutional protections.

[windecinde]

11:11 PM on 04/02/2011

The majority in this instance are the American citizens and those people from other countries who have come here legally. The minority in this instance are people from other countries who have come here illegally. The constitution does not protect them if they are breaking the law.

[Icouldbeeillegal01]

11:51 AM on 04/28/2011

No Immigration should not be the 1st priority,.. Gangs ann Drug busts should be!! Im pretty sure you would find many of them doing that!! Pulling someone over cuz they have a light out or something people are just going to start running,.. more ann more chases ann people are going to get hurt cuz they are scared and dont know what else to do!! they only come here for a better life!! Why cant you people understand that??

[CenaW]

10:11 AM on 03/17/2011

Pure political nonsense.
If there is no penalty for hiring illegal immigrants, they will be hired.
The Utah Gov knows this, he is only trolling for hate votes.
He will not reduce the illegal immigrant workers by a dozen in Utah.

[the serpents seed]

08:52 AM on 03/17/2011

Heres the solution. End the nanny state. You think immigrants come here just to steal jobs? Most do, but there is that "costly few" that come here for social programs. End nanny state, make immigration easier, attract hard-working, law abiding immigrants, de-incentivize entitlements... Boomming country, without suppressing working wages. If someone can work and get welfare, it cause wages to drop. End of story..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eyJIbSgdSE

[CenaW]

10:09 AM on 03/17/2011

Yes, the K0chs want labor camps, and want to import only workers and keep them isolated from the general population and since they are not citizens they can be exploited at will.
There will be two choices. Work for thin soup and a thinner blanket on a bare floor or starve.
That is what you are advocating for.

[the serpents seed]

11:40 AM on 03/17/2011

That made absolutely no sense. What Im saying is our government needs customers(welfare recipients) so we attract the law breakers, along with some of the hard workers. If we had no nanny state, we'd have the Butt-kickers(hard workers, law abiding) only. No society suckers would be attracted. Pre 1914, there was no immigration policy(and very little if any welfare), and we had a boom. But of course the constitution hater, Wilson over-saw some changes... About the lefts Koch bros obsession... Man are you being mislead. A couple of oil guys arent your enemy. The ones that they suckle up to, are the enemy. Its not only the GOP, its the GOVT. Get off your corporate media fascination. Theyre wrong! All welfare is wrong(corporate and non, alike) it gives more govt jobs and more govt money, that we dont have. Get your head out of the Comcast clouds.

[the serpents seed]

11:50 AM on 03/17/2011

Here's some truth about what your buddies in govt wanna do. You wanna talk about labor camps, concentrat­ion camps, FEMA camps, Political Correctnes­s camps? Youre not too far off, but it isnt by the Koch bros. These are the guys you are siding with. Always look whos at your side!
http://www­.youtube.c­om/watch?v­=h_Q8rcUD5­Ds

[KaAp]

01:52 PM on 03/17/2011

When are the members of the Idiocracy going to realize a youtube with a title surrounding a discredited economist not the same thing as hard research using the academic juried journal process. Want to give me proof, do a search in your area university library for a respected research journal on the topic ... show the study (hint hint --- not from ideological laden institutes) ... facts and veracity are what is needed in a conversation or a debate ... and unless you have facts you just have more silly season.

[the serpents seed]

02:22 PM on 03/17/2011

AH, so now your checkin my other comments. Lets dance buddy. You seem scared. Did you, discredit this economist? How was he discredited? Please back your "facts" up. I bet you cant. I didnt know the glorious, educated establishment of HP was the home of scholar thought. Just because you say things, doesnt mean theyre true.

[KaAp]

03:31 PM on 03/17/2011

During the Financial crisis of 2007–2010, economists f.e. James Galbraith and Joseph Stiglitz blamed the free market philosophy of Friedman and the Chicago school for the economic turmoil. Even one of the rights boys (libertarian economist).Murray Rothbard criticized Friedman's efforts to make the government more efficient as detrimental to individual liberty. As well as David Stockman (Reagan's boy), and then there was Greenspan who issued an apology for being wrong. Then there are also the cogent critiques via Klein and Krugman. Go to a library look for juried research databases, only use juried research. There are thousands of articles on this. I gave you just a few.
I can go on and on ... I am not checking your comments I am amused by there lack of informed critical analysis. FEMA camps? Really? Do you know what the word hegemony means? The Koch brothers do not have your material social and economic interests at heart.