UTAH Immigration Bills Poised to Influence National Debate

Republicans in State Legislature Driving the Discussion

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Alfonso Aguilar, executive director of the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, a leading voice for Latinos, issued the following statement praising the Utah legislature for its leadership in crafting a sensible solution to the immigration crisis.

"We are extremely excited to see Republicans in Utah address the issue of immigration in a sensible way.  Based on conservative principles, Utah Republicans, who control the state House and Senate by wide margins, are actively considering passing legislation that would provide undocumented immigrants a state permit to work and live in their state without the fear of being detained and removed from the country.  Republicans in the state are understandably upset that the federal government hasn't done anything to effectively address the immigration question and feel strongly that they have to take action to ensure that Utah continues to have a business-friendly environment that welcomes the foreign workers the state needs to continue growing its economy. 

"The Latino Partnership calls on all true conservatives in the Utah state legislature to support and vote for common sense immigration legislation that is consistent with the rule of law, but that also responds to the needs of Utah's economy.  As advocates of limited government and the free market, conservatives should champion measures that guarantee the public safety of our communities and keep state economies strong.

"We are very encouraged by the willingness of Utah Republicans to reclaim the immigration issue and propose uniquely conservative solutions.  They are giving an example to all the states and certainly to Washington.  

"The media has paid much attention to the efforts by Republicans in other states to push tougher immigration measures at the state level.  I hope they also report on the efforts by Republicans in Utah, one of the most conservative states in the nation, to pass immigration laws that are more constructive and welcoming of immigrants." 

The Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles promotes conservative values and ideals within the Latino community and works to integrate Latinos into fuller and more active participation and leadership in the conservative movement. It is an initiative of The American Principles Project, a 501(c)(3) organization.

SOURCE Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles