Immigration round table: Reform 'at best a stopgap'
State legislators, municipal leaders and community advocates mostly agreed that the proposed state immigration reform is a Band-Aid for what is truly a federal issue during a round-table discussion Monday.
Video
State legislators, municipal leaders and community advocates spoke to The Post and Courier about immigration in an hourlong conversation. Watch »
The hour-long conversation at The Post and Courier was Webcast live at Charleston.net.
"Until we solve this on a national basis, it's not going to be solved," Sen. Bradley Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said. "So whatever we do is at best a stopgap."
The illegal immigration bill has been bandied between the Senate and House throughout this legislative session. In April, Senate and House members met in conference committee to work out a compromise, but that effort failed.
Last week, the House and Senate hit another deadlock. With only a few weeks left in session, legislators will come to the table again this week in a final attempt to get a bill passed.
The legislation is lengthy and broad, affecting businesses, law enforcement, health care and higher education. Employee verification and employer penalties for hiring illegal immigrants are among the most prominent sticking points in the Legislature.
"We're trying to solve on the state level those things that we can solve on the state level, which is on the employment side," Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-James Island, said. "It's a federal issue that we're not getting any help on."
Brad Nettles
The Post and Courier
North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt (right) makes a point Monday during an immigration reform round-table discussion as State Sen. Bradley Hutto (left) and State Rep. Wallace Scarborough (center) listen.
On a municipal level, North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt talked about the pressure he felt, although his department cannot enforce federal laws, including immigration violations.
"If I start pressuring people on immigration, which I don't have any latitude on anyway, they'll stop talking to me," Zumalt said. "My objective as police chief is to develop trust in the community."
Zumalt talked about illegal immigration as an almost intractable problem.
In 2007, Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported 279,912 people, he said. On any given day, 30,000 people are in holding cells for immigration, and an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants are in the United States, he said.
North Charleston Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome said that seemingly overnight the Hispanic population in her district jumped to between 4,000 and 5,000 people.
"I do a civic club monthly meeting where the Hispanics come," she said. "They can ask questions, we give them replies."
Among problems discussed were loss of tax dollars, money being sent abroad and the inability of law enforcement to identify illegal immigrants.
But immigrating to the United States legally is difficult, said Diana Salazar, president of the Latino Association of Charleston.
"They go (to the consulate) and they say 'no,' and they don't explain why," she said.
Rep. Chip Limehouse, R-Charleston, was optimistic a bill would be passed in the next few weeks. "Better a Band-Aid than nothing," he said.
Lydia Cotton, a liaison for the Hispanic community in North Charleston, said she doubts the legislation will have any effect.
"My people are tough" she said. "They are going to wait."
Noah Haglund contributed to this report.Reach Jill Coley at 937-5719 or jcoley@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
This article has 43 comment(s)
Posted by moonpie on May 20, 2008 at 6:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"So whatever we do is at best a stopgap."
SO STOPGAP IT AND SEND THEM TO NEIGHBORING STATES. THEN THEY WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. PRETTY SOON WE WILL HAVE PUSHED THEM FAR ENOUGH AWAY THAT IT WILL NOT BE AN ISSUE HERE.????
I love the argument that the illegals do jobs no one else will do. We have been successful creating the welfare state and now we enable it by giving jobs that Americans were doing to them.
Posted by grannyofsix on May 20, 2008 at 6:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the people would just try to be here legal it would be ok i think at least they would know what paying taxes is some not all are working under the table sort of speak. so it is easy for them, they are sending money back to their family. to help better them there. the latinos arent going to be here forever they just want a better life at home
I dont want them here and taking from our people either but what can we do.
as far as taking job our people wont do well i can tell you right now their ARE NO JOBS. I work in the field of giving people jobs and i dont have any to give. and they come to me saying the will work for min. wage. these are people who have been use to 8.9, 10 an hour. so dont give me that crap they wont work for low wages right now yes they will. and we cant blame what is happening now on the latinos . it an election year and this is by far the worst i have seen
Posted by Paul on May 20, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget their "stopgap" at election time.
Posted by PoliGadfly on May 20, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Zumalt is wrong and if he doesn't know it, he's not taken the time to explore what he can do. Both the U.S. Supreme Court and Federal legislation under the so-called "287 g" program permits local law enforcement to enforce federal criminal law including those immigration laws deemed "criminal" rather than "civil" in nature.
If he needs them to talk, all that is saying is that illegal aliens are involved in crime to the extent they are a valuable resource to him as informants.
According to the story about the walking ATM, victim's get rewarded with "special visas" for being victimized. You don't suppose that might encourage either false reporting, or maybe even a staged crime, do you?
The height of arrogance though is Cotton's comment:
Lydia Cotton, a liaison for the Hispanic community in North Charleston, said she doubts the legislation will have any effect.
"My people are tough" she said. "They are going to wait."
Their "liasion" is pretty clear. They will not obey the immigration law and voluntarily deport, they are just going to continue their unlawful status and pursuits here. That about sums it up,--- we don't need no stinking permission to be in your country, gringo.
Posted by Tomahawk on May 20, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So immigration is difficult, Ms.Salazar? So is the pursuit of anything worthwhile,isn't it. Why do you believe their is some "entitlement" to shortcuts for illegal aliens, particularly those of hispanic origin, who become federal criminals by ignoring the process? Just become a federal criminal for which no consequences are likely, have a baby born here, or allege "victim of crime" status. What's difficult about that?
Posted by CNN_10 on May 20, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The problem comes down to their origin of country not providing them the jobs they need and so these illegal immigrants are sneaking in here to work.
As for having tougher laws on illegal immigration it will be tough to enforce especially the so called 12 million that is here now. Plus what do you do with the 12 million you cannot just pick them up and deport very impossible.
Finally we keep complaining that the politicians are not doing there job, but this is a very hard issue to deal with because some place do not have the money or resources to even round up illegal immigrants.
Posted by grannyofsix on May 20, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
first and foremost i am not for illegals but all that are here are not from mexico some are further down hundorus places like that. you have to give them some credit they know they can get a better life here for their family.
but enough is enough our home is being drained dry as well were do we go for jobs Canada? I have a family memeber that has been out of work since nov and he even tried getting a job at a fastfood resurant and he is 55 years young, there is nothing. not even under the table constuction work
Posted by 512c on May 20, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope they are careful with our freedom. I believe we need to be very careful with this issue. Our federation is out of proportion with human needs. To give into pressure to reinforce a silly border is to give into stupidity. We are all becoming wise enough to escape redundant dependency of states on D.C.
Posted by Popeye on May 20, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I could not help but notice that the hispanic representatives were very adamant about THEIR community. NOTHING about what is best for AMERICA, but just THEIR ceetezans. They were given a large part of the discussion time also. The Charleston Police Chief is a total JOKE. Arizona and various communities in Virginia have proven that his statements about hispanics not communicating with the police if they enforce immigration laws in instances like traffic stops, etc. Did U folks know that if an illegal alien helps the police solve a crime that there is a special Federal program that puts them on the fast track for legal status? There is. The video conference was a JOKE on the citizens of South Carolina. JMO.
Posted by Chief_SittingBull on May 20, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now that they have sat at the round table, hopefully they put some words into action…that’s a concept.
…and Grannyof6now7:
Don’t waste your time going to Canada to find jobs, they are coming here too and have been coming. Do you know: Avril Lavigne, Pam Anderson, Shania Twain, Nelly Furtado, Keanu Reeves, Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Peter North, Bryan Adams, Neil Young, Jim Carey, Natasha Hestridge, Jennifer Tilly, Sara McLachalan, Leonard Cohen… and many times they “make it big” in OUR country before they commit to becoming citizens.
Posted by amylrod on May 20, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In order to vote them out of office, there has to be fresh voices with the stamina,resolve and fortitude to do what is best for our state without being drawn into good ol' boy politics. Are there any out there willing to take on the system? Do any of you feel you have what it takes to run for office, and show you are civil, intelligent,have common sense and believe what you do is for the people and not for personal glory? To serve the people, to be the voice of the people is more important than a person seeking to make a name for him/herself by getting corrupted by the system.
Posted by Larz13 on May 20, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...
Posted by 512c on May 20, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is no such thing as MY or YOUR People! Are we all only conveniently racist, or has our current society geared us all to subconsciously be teamsters? I think you all know the answer.... Go Blue team go!
Posted by Larz13 on May 20, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The unanticipated expense comes as county officials wrangle over budget shortfalls, tax increases and the additional costs of tighter immigration enforcement by its police department, which, like the jail, has a partnership with ICE through a program known as 287(g).
Under the federal program, participating jurisdictions can deputize local law enforcement officials to receive training and assist ICE in processing illegal immigrants. The local officers investigate suspects who they think are illegal immigrants, working with the federal agency to increase arrests and expedite the deportation process.
The program has become popular with elected officials whose constituents have been demanding tougher action on illegal immigration. Since 2005, the number of state and local agencies participating in 287(g) nationwide has increased from four to 47, including the Prince William jail and the police departments in Prince William, Manassas and Herndon.
Posted by singleroni on May 20, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
whats with the nochas city council want to put signs up on ashley phosphate to help the illegals cross the road. who is going to pay for this. lat Latino association. i say increase the speed limit on ashley freeway. pay for it
Posted by carolinadude on May 20, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good morning all:
There's a resounding theme here that I certainly agree with entirely. If there's an incumbent with a challenger in the June 10th primary, I'll vote for the challenger. The "professional politician" is a huge part of the problem, and apparently "the cash is flowing" in the halls of our SC General Assembly. VOTE THE RASCALS OUT ON JUNE 10TH.
Posted by heehaw2008 on May 20, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone else care about all the money(cash) being sent out of the country by all the Illegal Aliens in Goose Creek? Go to Redbank Rd. and sit outside of one of the Spanish or Brazilian western unions and you will see hundreds of migrants a day sending money out of the United States to Mexico and who knows where else. Money they most likely have not paid taxes on. It does not make me happy and I`m sure if more people knew about it they would not be happy either. I`m busting my butt to make ends meet and they pull up in a new Ford F-150 or construction van with 12 Illegal Aliens inside and go send tax free money back home to their families. If they were here legally and paid taxes it would not bother me but I see this every day as I work nearby a very busy Spanish western union. I wonder how many more of these stores there are in South Carolina and across the U.S.? And in case you are wondering how I know they are most likely illegal,hardly any of them speak English. They normally have one out of ten that speaks in broken English to keep the rest out of trouble or informed as to how to survive in America I assume. If I.C.E were really concerned about removing Illegals all they would have to do is sit outside and let the Illegals come to them. Or go to the corner of Ashley Phosphate and Stall Road at 5:30 in the morning and pick up the ones looking for daily (cash)work with construction crews or landscaping. And I`m sure there are plenty of other places where the same thing is happening. Am I the only one who sees this? I hope not. But something needs to be done about it and thats my two cents worth.
Posted by southerner on May 20, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the federal government is going to run this state, then why do we need to have politicians that can't do anything? THIS IS A STATE, WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE AND PASS LAWS THAT PROTECT THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS NO CONTROL OVER THIS STATE. WHEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN NOT PERFORM IT'S FUNCTION (BOARDER SECURITY) THEN IT'S TIME TO REPLACE IT WITH PEOPLE THAT CAN. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO THE STATE POLITICIANS. HOW IN THE HELL CAN A GROUP OF POLITICIANS STAND BY AND WATCH THEIR STATE BEING TAKEN OVER AND PUT INTO DEBT BY ILLEGAL'S, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE IDIOTS, ARE THEY GETTING SO MUCH GRAFT THAT THEY DON'T CARE? WHAT IDIOTS, LOOK AT CALIFORNIA, OVER HALF OF THE TEENS ARE HISPANIC AND ILLEGAL. WE ARE ON THE WAY TO LOOSING A WONDERFUL WAY OF LIFE THAT MANY OF OUR PEOPLE DIED TO PROTECT. IMMIGRATION IS GOOD, AS LONG AS IT IS LEGAL.
Posted by singleroni on May 20, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
is the money leaving the company by money orders and etc. taxed? wouldn't this be a good idea?
Posted by heehaw2008 on May 20, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
definitely. A Good Idea! why didnt a politician think of that? it only took you five minutes. I`ll vote for YOU! Run for office now!lol
Posted by heehaw2008 on May 20, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
another thing that is very wrong is the use of spanish at the front door of family dollar and autozone etc... I was in Autozone in goose creek the other day and the cashier ,Spanish, carried on a conversation the whole time i`m waiting in line in ,guess what? spanish with the mexican ahead of me. I`m thinking is he legal? probably not because to be legal you have to be able to speak English correct? I saw an Army sticker on the bumper of an suv the other day that i assume said go Army but it was in spanish. all I recognized was the army emblem. Did my tax dollars pay for this bumber sticker or does mexico have a stake in our armed forces? When in Rome....
Posted by heehaw2008 on May 20, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks jane I will save the number to my cell right now. And so should everyone else. we have to start somewhere. maybe if we overwhelm ICE they will be forced to do something. thanks again.
Posted by grannyofsix on May 20, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chief_SittingBull these people came leagally didnt they? i am also thinking. what is going to happen when i retire i dont have but a very small pension and a little SS i guess i just need to try to keep my job if i can till i drop dead at my computer because that is the only way any of us will survive if we continue to let these so called goverment run our lives and let the illeagals in no matter where they come from. and we have some that are from across the pond that are here on expired visas as well. not saying that is true because i think i read it somewhere here in one of these foums before
Posted by lambuthmt on May 20, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am tired if local and state legislators passing the buck on this issue. When the federal government fails to uphold the law, we should not just sit back and say "oh, well!". The state and local governments need to step up and do everything in their power to protect their citizens from this menace.
Perhaps if state legislators had stepped up, the tragedy that recently happened in Bluffton would not have happened where an "undocumented worker" critically injured a local teen who had just finished driving friends home from prom parties. The teen had not been drinking, but the "worker" was 19, drunk, left the scene, had no license, no insurance, and supposedly is wanted for DUI in TX.
Enough is enough!!!!!
See the corresponding links:
http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/s...
http://npaper-wehaa.com/bluffton-today;s...
http://npaper-wehaa.com/bluffton-today;s...
Posted by Chief_SittingBull on May 20, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Granny, you hit the nail on the head coming legally and staying here legally are two different avenues aren’t they? I would venture to say that they came "legally."
I’m for going to places like Little China, Lil’ Italy, Lil Havana and checking to see who is ‘properly documented.’ The requirement for assimilation and documentation for some, but not others is out of touch with ridding ourselves of the problem IMO.
Posted by eyfigueroa on May 20, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. Salazar and Ms. Cotton: You are doing “your people” a disservice with your comments. You are only alienating the very people who would be HAPPY to help “your people” to become LEGAL citizens. Instead you are only too happy to push your agenda of helping illegals to disregard our laws.
For many of you out there, this fallacy of illegals TAKING ‘our’ jobs away from us is becoming the banner cry for many who oppose illegal immigration. But the simple truth is that jobs don’t belong to the employee but to the employer. No one can TAKE a job away from you but the employer that gave it to you to begin with.
Analogy: (not to equate human beings with rodents) but if you have a rodent problem in your home two things are happening. There’s an entry point and something in the home to sustain them, i.e. trash, food.
*Entry point - Our borders are porous (not just for Hispanics but for Asians, Canadians, Eastern Europeans, etc.).
*Sustenance – Employers who willingly hire undocumented workers in order to circumvent paying higher wages, taxes and insurances.
So many of you on this board rant and rage against the “Hispanic Horde” that you are allowing your racial prejudices cloud the REAL issues.
*Employers are unwilling to adhere to current Immigration Laws
*Politicians are unwilling to create additional or even strengthen the laws currently on the books
*Local municipalities are either unwilling or unable to financially support arresting and turning over to ICE illegal immigrants who are arrested/convicted of crimes
*Politicians are unwilling to enact laws restricting public services such as schools and monetary welfare payments to undocumented immigrants. (THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE FOR IT IS IMMORAL AS A NATION TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO DIE)
*Politicians are afraid to put to the voting public amending the Constitution in order to stop the automatic citizenship of children born to people who are here illegally
Frankly, I don’t blame many of the illegals for coming over here. Most are here to support families elsewhere. I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of our *esteemed* politicians who stand by and do nothing as our nation continues to become bankrupt by not receiving tax revenues from those who work under the table, paying out welfare benefits to non-citizens and most of all allowing our nation to be vulnerable to terrorists by not shoring up our VERY porous borders.
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 20, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JANE- Thank you so much for the resources!I'm going to give this ICE # to everyone I know!We should all ban together and spread these resources!Whats with that police chief?What a flipping joke.He basically said they could be good narcs so he doesnt wanna piss them off. PoliGadfly- excellent points made.Trust me I bet word is quickly spreading about the quicker route to legal status.Hey I'll shoot your foot if you shoot mine.If govt doesnt start doing something quickly people will start taking matters into their own hands and things could get ugly fast.Look at how theyre getting robbed and beat now.And about how they help our economy-thats ridiculous!That illegal the other day made $13 plus dollars an hour!They arent all out there doing unskilled labor jobs like tomato picking on Johns Island anymore!
Posted by grannyofsix on May 20, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i think i said the same thing earlier but i also said i work in the area of employment and there isnt? arent? anyway the jobs are scarce i am sitting here doing nothing but blogging here because i have no work to give anyone and so is my boss she also is just blogging its not all the illegals or leagals there just isnt any jobs . i also understand that the illegals get a lot of help that we pay for with our taxes. ok bad there but if there is no jobs then where do they go from here. stay and get welfare to send home. I know i am going back and forth on this but i am trying to see both sides here. what is going on is wrong but if your family were going hungry and the only way to feed them was to go illegally to another country to feed them would you? who knows. maybe this advocate for the Hispainics and latinos should have a class for the iilegals on our laws, traffic, or other wise have them figure a way to keep there money in a safer place then at home and there wont be so many home invations
Posted by SCPDBLUE on May 20, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I told you this thing was a joke. I agree with alot of you who say its time for imcumbants to cleanout their desks.So DO NOT VOTE FOR AN INCUMBANT OR A PERSON WHO IS ALL TALK AND NO ACTION. VOTE ,VOTE,VOTE. PEOPLE WE HAVE THE POWER... NOW THAT THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN,ITS TIME FOR THE PEOPLE TO ACT AND TO ACT IS BY VOTING THESE PC SOB's OUT OF OFFICE,PUT NEW BLOOD IN WHO SHARE OUR VIEWS. THOSE VIEWS ARE. "NO TO ILLEGAL ALIENS"... PEOPLE OF THE LOW COUNTRY I'll SAY IT AGAIN "PAY NOW OR PAY LATER THE CHOICE IS YOURS"..
Posted by grannyofsix on May 20, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so what your saying Jane is we are making them richer while we get poorer thanks to our goverment i guess i am more niave then i thought. i have my work cut out for me come this election a lot of research before i go to the voting booth.
Posted by crankyyankee on May 20, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You folks completely miss the point!
All of the incumbents will be re-elected come November! I promise.
If you think these interlopers want to be a citizen of the US of A you are wrong and grossly naive!
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on May 20, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey everyone remember the article the other day on Marcelino Eugenio Garcia ?The man who was a "victim" of robbery and got shot,that they gave legal work status to? Well according to my Dad(an avid talk radio junkie)Rocky D looked the guy up and he had been arrested TWICE before on drug charges!!If this is true...maybe thats why his butt got shot and robbed.Sounds more like he couldve owed someone money or it was a drug deal gone bad.I'm very curious and want to investigate further.We would never see this in the P&C.They like their bleeding heart tale better.
Posted by 512c on May 20, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ICE may be a well meaning group, but they're style of "investigation" scares me (a born citizen). They just round people up and lock em up at the fair ground...
Then stick them in private prisons, and beat, rape, mangle etc... We are breeding humans to be cruel by this kind of action, where ICE employees are encouraged to be mean.
Posted by 512c on May 20, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NEWS FLASH: more than 400 immigration police, troopers and federal agents are in the process of raiding Agriprocessors in Postville, Iowa. Helicopters are said to be circling the facility, which will presumably remain closed for an indefinite period of time....
Posted by CADguy on May 20, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Without the whole genocide activity, the Homeland Security needs a person in office with the resolution of Hitler, round them up and ship them out by train to the border and tell them have a nice day. Hitler may be a bit extreme and distasteful reference, but it is not going to get resolved.
Unfortunately it is all about and budgets. Here is a solution, everyone on government handouts that has the ability to work gets drafted by Homeland Security. When draftee has meet a qouta for illegals detained, they are released from service and given the option to continue working for Homeland Security or finding another job. The funds that pay for wages can come from welfare since thay are already receiving pay.
Posted by 512c on May 20, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yikes CADguy, KKKeep up the good work.
Posted by trod1 on May 20, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why they don't just drive up circle around the dirt lot behind the gas station of ashley phosphate and stall road.then round up at least 50 of these guys at a time ship them back across the border.put agents at hospitals arrest them as they come in.
raid around the taco wagons and bars and restaurants they go to its no secret where they are.no one will actually enforce the laws.
Posted by singleroni on May 20, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Called you, the citizens of South Carolina, "bigots" because you disagreed with him on his, Ted Kennedy's, and John McCain's Amnesty Bill. You believed we should enforce the law. He believed we should grant amnesty to 12 Million criminal trespassers in our country. He stood in front of LaRaza, one of the most racist organizations in the world, praised them lavishly, pandered to them, cried huge tears of despair for these poor immigrants (who BROKE THE LAW and CONTINUE TO BREAK THE LAW) and then told them, a room full of racist liberals, that you, South Carolinians, were the bigots!--- OUR BOY lindsey Graham - shut up south carolina!!
Posted by grannyofsix on May 20, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
these words need to be removed from the statue liberty people other countries are taking it literally
Posted by goodkarmasc on May 20, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Further evidence we need a strong central federal government. It's obvious that these state governments, at least THIS one, is incompetent.
Of course, it's obvious that the federal government is just as bad, but at least there aren't as many of them!
Posted by nenna_45 on May 20, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
amylrod;
Can't say Canada has no talent!...lol
Posted by JohnS on May 20, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bottom line they talk about doing something as they know it's the right thing. Too many developers paying out big to lawmakers. Developers would not make any money if they had to pay for the labor jobs above board. Nothing is going to be done.
In the meantime while these folks are still here do something to keep these Mexicans from being run over at Stall Road.
Posted by SCPDBLUE on May 21, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That interview was just political BS.Chief Zumalt does not want to offend the ILLEGALS because he is worried about being labeled a racist by the NAAHP and the NAACP.Instead of taking the bull by the horns and contacting other chiefs and sheriff's across the country and asking them how did they start up their programs,he (Zumalt) sicks his head in the sand and hopes this will pass,In the mean time the crime rate in North Charleston soars in areas like Stall and Ashley Phos.and the honest working people will move out leaving it a haven for illegal aliens and black males who pray upon illegals to control that part of the city just like when section 8 people move into an area honest tax paying people move out because property values go down crime go's up.also turning it into gang central,thus turning that part of the city into a war zone and like cancer it will grow to other parts of the city and he (zumalt) will still have his head in the sand UNTILL one of the Mayors,city counsel members or a politicians friends or family gets killed by a drunk driving illegal or shot by a gang member and then tells chief to "handle the problem" and by then it will be too late because he (zumalt) will be overwelmed by the NAAHP,NAACP,ACLU and disheartend LE personel that any action taken will look politcally motivated and will fail.Thus turning the city over to the likes of the NAAHP,NAACP,ACLU who will make the policies for North Charleston when it comes to dealing with illegals.As for the elected officals REPS like the cheap labor,The DEMS like that they are making it easier to use your tax paying money for food,housing,mediacl care and anyother project for the illagals.In the end North Charleston and its honest tax paying people will suffer.Busseness will move out do to lack of sales and high crime.MS-13 will be taking on the black gangs and the police will be caught in the middle along with the honest citizen who was just out shopping. Who will you have to thank for this the Mayor of North Chas,the police chief of North Chas.,City counsel and your politicians on both sides..Its not too late the choice is yours,Good luck people of North Chas.the future is in your hands,Start looking for a candidate who hears you and will act not blow smoke.You want action not words.The choice is yours,pay now or pay later.