The LuLac Political Letter #33, June 18th, 2006

PHOTO INDEX.......Ken Edwards of Wilkes Barre with his son Ian. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to guys like Kenny who insists on inflicting happiness on his sons Ian and Todd and to all dads everywhere. Other photos: Lou Barletta and his posse in color, in black and white, Pancho Villa and his posse.

THE IMMIGRATION ISSUE.........COMMENTARY.......

I am truly stumped on this immigration arguement. I have no ability to take sides on it. But here's what I think and feel, not necessarily know.
1. I don't think immigrants should have social security benefits unless they become full blown citizens who take a test just like others have to be meet citizen requirements. On the other hand, I don't believe they should all be sent back en masse. I think there should be a national ID card which can sort all of this out. How can the government be trusted to send back citizens in an orderly, timely and fair fashion with true justice for all when they screwed up hurricane relief in two states? We're going to trust them with this huge undertaking? It is impossible to imagine the federal government being able to do this.
2. The children of these immigrants must be educated but not at the expense of our own chiildren. By educating the children of immigrants, with English as the base language, by osmosis, the immigrant parents will learn the language. It has happened with many other generations of immigrants. The educational systems should lend a hand up, not out. The children should learn English as a working language in school. If they can't learn it, they don't advance grades in school, it's as simple as that.
3. The social net for immigrants should be the same as it is for citizens. No one should be left to fend for themselves. However, for some type of medical or social services help, there has to be some type of proof of residence.
4. Undocumented workers who habitually are without identifications should be detained until they get their documents, or be transported back home by border agents.
5. Huge fines should be given to businesses who knowingly employ the undocumentables.
6. Should English be mandated as the national language? Yes but those not knowing the language should not be discriminated against. Like my grandparents, they should be helped by the forces that be, other earlier immigrants and their own children. At the time of my grandfather's death in 1980, he had a very limited American vocabulary. I, conversely had a very limited Slovak vocabulary. But he became a citizen, worked in a union for over 50 years and raised 7 children who were fluent in English. Those children all became gainfully employed and their children (my generation) were the first to enter college. His children taught him, but the key here is that there were no crutches for his kids. They had to learn or did not earn. By imposing English as a national language, we are imposing something that does not encourage diversity that is the great American melting pot. That said, English is the "official unofficial" language of American business and commerce, the fulfillment of any immigrant's capitalistic dream, therefore it should be used as a ticket to success.
7. The political ramifications of this issue are dangerous. We can't go too far in jingoistic, unrealistic sloganeering that make us not the home of liberty we've been for years. We can't create one issue candidates rising to prominence on the fears of a population. But we must discuss the issue calmy. Both sides have done much though to inflame the debate. The undocumentables having protest rallies advocating rights that citizens have is certainly one sided and very presumptuous, if not downright unfair and in the words of Senator Santorum "wrong headed". The protests do nothing to further their cause. By the same token, polticians who prey on the worst fears and prejudices of the population do more dividing than uniting.
8. One must also look to the way the world is shaped today. Americans have more consumer goods than ever before, but there is an uneasiness among the people. Americans feel insecure because most are living paycheck to paycheck, prices have skyrocketed, personal debt has increased and moral certainty on issues (unwed mothers, abortion, personal values) has gone off the track in different directions. Because of this unease, there is a temptation to blame someone, whether it be rationally or irrationally, and the immigrants seem to be an easy target.
Again, I have no answers, the aforementioned is just a jumble of thoughts and feelings I, as a third generation American have on this matter. This blog will present all views. By doing so, we hope we can help you sort out your feelings on this issue.

STATEMENT OF MAYOR LOU BARLETTA AT HAZLETON COUNCIL MEETING....
First, let me thank everyone for coming tonight.This is certainly an important issue that will effect every Hazleton resident.I ask that your discussion tonight be serious and sincere but respectful and polite. Nothing good will come from vicious and personal attacks and they will not be tolerated.Let me begin by saying that I believe the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.People who are in this country have an incredible amount of opportunities and blessings. But some people have taken advantage of America’s openness and tolerance. Some come to this country and refuse to learn English, creating a language barrier for city employees.Others enter the county illegally and use government services by not paying taxes or by committing crime on our streets, further draining resources here in Hazleton.Illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospitals to fiscal hardship, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our overall quality of life.The city of Hazleton is empowered and mandated by the people of Hazleton to abate the nuisance of illegal immigration by aggressively prohibiting and punishing the acts, pollicies, people and businesses that aid and abet illegal aliens.That’s why I proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act.Part of this ordinance would punish companies that hire illegal immigrants by denying them permits, making it harder for them to renew permits and forcing their loss of city business.Another part would hold landlords accountable. Because people moving into the city naturally require a place to sleep, our landlords are our first line of defense. Landlords who rent to illegal immigrants – that is, who rent to people without checking their documentation – may be fined $1,000 for every illegal immigrant staying on their properties.The final part of this ordinance makes English the official language of Hazleton. All city documents will only be available in English.While our emergency services will never be denied to anyone because of a language barrier, every other aspect of city business will be conducted only in English.Let me be clear – this ordinance is intended to make Hazleton one of the most difficult places in the US for illegal immigrants.The Illegal Immigration Relief Act is intended to deter and punish any illegal immigrants in the City of Hazleton, whether they are from Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Far East.Requiring the use of English does not target any other language; it merely means that you can speak the language of your choice at home or in your business.Since I publicly proposed this measure earlier this week, some have accused me of proposing this measure as “window dressing,” or as a political ploy. Sadly, most of the people making those accusations are not from Hazleton. They do not live in or even near the city. They either do not understand or choose to ignore the problems that illegal immigration creates for this city.I will no longer sit back, waiting for someone else to fix this problem. We deal with illegal immigration every single day.Here in Hazleton, it is not some abstract debate about walls and amnesty, but it is a tangible, very real problem.Illegal immigration is a drain on Hazleton’s resources. Every domestic incident, every traffic accident, every noise complaint – each time we send our police department, fire department or code enforcement office to respond, it costs taxpayer dollars. We must dip into the city’s accounts to pay for illegal immigrants, while illegal immigrants do no pay their fair share of taxes, either to the city, the county, the state or the country.If the City does begin publishing official documents or conducting business in a second language, how would we respond when someone asks us to use a third or a fourth? Do we tell a person who speaks a different language they aren’t as important as do not merit documents in their own language?Recent crimes – the shooting on Chestnut Street, the discharge of firearms at the Pine Street Playground, high profile drug busts – have involved illegal immigrants. Our police department spent hundreds of hours – regular time and overtime – cracking these and other cases.Sadly, some of those allegedly involved in these crimes were detained by other law enforcement officials over the years, but were somehow allowed to remain in this country. They eventually migrated into Hazleton, where they helped create a sense of fear in the good, hardworking residents who are here legally.It is my goal that this ordinance will eventually deter crime in Hazleton. Deprived of as place to live and without family or friends who live and work in Hazleton legally, other illegal immigrants may choose to look elsewhere when choosing a place to commit a crime.This ordinance does not roll back the welcome mat to those who are legally in the United States. This country was built on the backs of legal immigrants. My own great-grandparents came to this country seeking a better life.Rather, this ordinance seeks to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into Hazleton. They are not welcome here.This ordinance also seeks to unify the city. Far too often, because of the language barrier that exists in this city, neighbors do not talk to each other. They do not understand each other’s cultures or habits. They cannot share their concerns and work out their problems.Instead, the language barrier divides us. It splits neighborhoods along ethnic lines, much in the way it did in Hazleton’s early years. The difference between then and now is that today, some choose not to even make an attempt to learn English. They willfully separate themselves from the community as a whole.I am proud of our diversity in Hazleton. Virtually all of us in this room are descended from immigrants. We all have cultures we embrace.But government cannot mandate diversity. Government cannot force diversity upon us. While we as individuals and as a community are free to celebrate our diversity, government must remain impartial, not favoring one culture or another. Government must work to assist everyone on a level playing field.To level that field, we must crack down on illegal immigrants who are draining our city’s resources and we must make English our official language.To the residents of Hazleton, I say thank you for your continued support. Hazleton is moving forward and becoming an even better place to live.To our recently arrived legal immigrants, I say welcome. I personally wish you all the best. With hard work and determination, the United States and Hazleton can be a place where your dreams come true.And to illegal immigrants and those who would hire or abet them in any way, I say your times is up. You are no longer welcome.Thank you, and God Bless America.

EDITORIAL OF TIMES LEADER RESPONDING TO BARLETTA'S PROPOSAL........

WE CAN UNDERSTAND Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta’s frustration about illegal immigrants.
But we think his ordinance aimed at punishing them goes too far.
Establishing English as the city’s official language -- meaning all city communication including signs and forms would only be in English – feels heavy-handed and dangerous to us.
This sensationalistic, short-sighted aspect of the ordinance makes us suspect that Barletta is looking for attention to bolster his political career. He seems to be in line with high-ranking Republicans who are politicizing illegal immigrants for political gain.
We can understand why the mayor is concerned about illegal immigrants. Hazleton’s population has spiked from 23,000 to 31,000 residents in the last six years because of the Hispanic influx. It’s not known how many new residents are illegals. And the federal government seems stymied on how to curb illegal immigration.
The proposed ordinance passed the first of three readings Thursday evening. We support the aspects that punish those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and rent property to them.
But we urge Barletta to get rid of the part that establishes English as the city’s official language. Certainly, immigrants should learn English as quickly as possible, but we fear that those who haven’t – and their children – will suffer if this ordinance is passed.
This sort of closed-minded thinking will also bolster the “us against them” atmosphere that’s already been brewing.
Does Hazleton want to be known as a city that excludes Spanish-speaking people?
A city that’s choosing to make the lives of immigrants – illegal or not -- more difficult?
A city where opportunity is denied?
We hope not.
Or in other words: Esperamos no.

ORIGINAL STORY BY L.A. TARONE IN STANDARD SPEAKER..........By L. A. TARONE
English will be the official language of the city of Hazleton, landlords who rent to illegal aliens will be fined and firms which hire illegal aliens will be barred from doing business within and with the city for five years.That’s if City Council adopts a proposal from Mayor Lou Barletta.It is called the “Illegal Immigration Relief Act Ordinance.”City Council will consider it proposal Thursday night.The first three sections of the bill are declarations and definitions. The prohibitions are spelled out in Sections Four, Five and Six.Section Four reads, “Any for-profit entity…that aids and abets illegal aliens or illegal immigration shall be denied approval of a business permit, the renewal of a business permit, city contracts or grants for a period of not less that five years…”That section extends the punitive measures to include “acts committed by its parent company or subsidiary.” It defines aiding and abetting as, “the hiring or attempted hiring of illegal aliens, renting or leasing to illegal aliens, or funding or aiding in the establishment of a laborer center that does not verify legal work status.” It adds the prohibition on helping illegals means, “within the United States, not just within the city limits.”“It is broad in scope,” Barletta said. “It includes national companies. I do not want companies that hire illegals in Hazleton. Period.”Section Five bars both the renting of property by illegals as well as legal residents and/or citizens renting to illegals, “irrespective of such person’s intent, knowledge or negligence.”It fines violators $1,000 for each offense – presumably meaning that if a citizen rents to three illegals, that would constitute three violations, meaning fines of $3,000.Barletta said enforcement could come through the existing landlords’ ordinance and after-the-fact in the event of a crime.“If we apprehend an illegal in any crime or violation, we will check his address and check with the landlord to see that he was given some form of identification,” Barletta said. “Landlords needs to ask for IDs. Now, of course, if they were shown false identification, we won’t charge them. But landlords have to ask for ID. They have to get some sort of documentation. I don’t want people profiting from illegals.”Section Six declares English, “the official language of the city.”“This is America!,” Barletta said. “English is the language we speak. Everyone should have to play by the same rules. Hey, if I moved to France I’d have to learn French!”“Unless explicitly mandated by the federal government, the state of Pennsylvania or the city of Hazleton, all official city business, forms, documents, signage, telecommunications or electronic communication devices will be written in or utilize English only,” the proposal reads.“Our taxpayers should not have to foot the bill to train workers to make documents available in multiple languages,” Barletta said. “There’s no reason to spend money for new arrivals who have chosen not to learn English. This is a great country with great opportunities. But people who enjoy the benefits of it should learn and use English.”That section does not prevent a private business owner or any individual from putting up a sign in a language other than English, nor does it prevent any individual from speaking a foreign language. But it does mean that things such as copies of city laws, ordinances, licenses and permits will be printed in English only, except when ordered by a higher governmental entity.Federal and state documents are covered by laws from their respective jurisdictions. And many federal and some state documents are mandated to be available in several languages.The proposal is sure to be controversial and Barletta expects it. But he said the proposal is needed.“I want to make this city one of the most difficult places in the US for illegals,” Barletta said. “If you’re in the country illegally, maybe this isn’t the place to come.”Under Section Two, Findings and Declaration of Purpose,” the proposal reads that illegal immigration, “leads to higher crime, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospitals to fiscal hardship and legal residents to substandard quality of care, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our overall quality of life.”The extent of Hazleton’s illegal alien problem, obviously, isn’t know. But several have been arrested in high profile crimes within the last three months.Two men charged in the May murder of 29-year-old Derek Kichline, Pedro Cabrera and Joan Romero are in the country illegally from the Dominican Republic.Michael Brito, 19, whose street name is “Marko,” was the main target of a N. Wyoming Street drug raid in March. He is in the country illegally from the Dominican Republic.A few other illegals have also been picked up on lesser charges, including a 14-year-old male who was for shooting guns at Pine Street Playground in May.Barletta said he wouldn’t be surprised if someone tried to legally challenge the ordinance, but he believes it is legal and enforceable and that it would stand a challenge.“If somebody challenges it, so what,” Barletta said “Anybody can challenge anything. It is legal and enforceable. If you’re here illegally, you’re already committing a crime. And people shouldn’t defend someone who did something illegal.”Barletta said the proposal isn’t discriminatory because it prohibits renting to and hiring all illegal aliens, regardless of from where they hail, and that it stops the translation of city documents into all foreign languages. He added it was not aimed at stopping immigrants from coming to Hazleton, just illegal ones.“No, this is not anti-immigrant,” Barletta said. “It is not aimed at immigrants with proper documentation. This country was built on immigration – legal immigration! Legal immigrants are here; they’re a great and productive part of our community.”Barletta has kicked about illegals in Hazleton before. Oft times, he has urged the federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to open an office in Hazleton. Last year, he went to Washington to discuss illegal immigration, among other things, with federal officials.If passed, the ordinance will make Hazleton the second city in the state to adopt English as its official language. Allentown did so over a decade ago.Allentown’s proclamation was controversial at the time it was adopted and remains so, though it appears to have widespread support among citizens.But there, city councilman Tony Phillips, elected in 2005, wants to strip the proclamation from the city charter and replace it with, “Allentown is a city that celebrates the diversity of its residents.”But Phillips’ move has thus far anyway not generated much support.

ANECDOTAL STORIES OF PRIOR IMMIGRANTS......Many people say that prior generations were very quick in learning the language. Anecdotal evidence proves otherwise. They did not fully learn the language BUT they learned to deal with it and use it to their advantage. Here is a quick story about a previous generation, my mother in laws mother and how she learned or if not learned how to use the language.
My mom had school in English in the AM andPolish in the PM, or vice versa. Also, the library sent home announcements about getting library cards in various languages at the turn of the last century. This made sense since the kids were more likely to speak English before the parents, especially the parents who stayed at home (mom) to take care of the family. Kids and those who worked outside the home had to learn English at school or on the job.I t didn't happen overnight. But mom, at home with no one to speak the new language, didn't learn as quickly. Her children were her teachers in most instances.