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City council members oppose federal immigration legislation

By Monica Heger

The San Jose City Council took a symbolic stand against the immigration legislation passed by House of Representatives, even though it failed in the Senate.

The council on March 28 unanimously opposed HR4437, which sought tougher penalties on illegal immigrants and penalties for anyone who provided aid to illegal immigrants.

Along with the council's opposition, members called for an immigration reform bill that is "fair, just and humane, and recognizes all immigrants for their contributions to our economic and social life."

Council members said the bill should prevent the criminalization of the 12 million illegal immigrants and community and faith-based organizations that provide assistance and services to this population. They also called for a path to permanent residency for undocumented workers and students.

"I'm proud to work side by side with people who think injustice is not acceptable," said Councilwoman Nora Campos.

"I can't imagine if people were to pursue each other and try to figure out who was a criminal," said Councilman Ken Yeager, who is running for a county supervisor seat. "It'd be a science fiction movie."

The council vote came the day after San Jose's downtown streets filled with protesters, including students who demonstrated by walking out of their classrooms. The vote also followed Saturday's 3-mile march, which formed after an East San Jose rally protesting the immigration reforms.

Richard Konda, the executive director of the Asian Law Alliance who was present at the council meeting, spoke against HR4437, saying the criminalization of immigrants was not the answer. "We must protect the rights of all people," he said. "We must offer a path to legalization, a path to citizenship, a path to participation."

Another major concern was that the bill sought to turn city and government employees into immigration officers by making it an offense to assist illegal immigrants.

"City employees do not want to be turned into INS agents," said Erik Larsen, president of the Municipal Employees Federation. "We want the citizens of San Jose to know that we support you and will provide services to you no matter where you come from or your immigration status. We oppose the hateful legislation, the racist legislation."

While HR4437 had already been defeated in the Senate by the time the council met, the intent of the council's decision was to demonstrate San Jose's position on immigration laws.