California Initiative Would Allow One Million Illegal Workers to Live Freely
Supporters say the initiative could generate up to $325 million in new tax revenue
While many states in America are passing tough immigration laws,
California has introduced an initiative that would allow nearly one
million undocumented immigrants could live and work openly. The
initiative would allow the workers to live openly with little or no fear
of deportation.
The proposed initiative would apply to illegal immigrants who have lived in California for four years, have no felony convictions, are not suspected terrorists, pay a fee to administer the program, and can speak English or are learning it.
PrintThe proposal was filed last week with the state Attorney General's Office, marking a first step toward a drive to collect the 504,760 voter signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.
Fuentes says the measure is a "moderate, common-sense approach" necessitated by the federal government's inability to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
"I hope this shows Washington, D.C., that if they fail to act, California will take the lead on this critical issue," Fuentes said in a written statement.
In addition, supporters say that the initiative could generate up to $325 million in new tax revenue from undocumented workers that could assist education, public safety and other state programs.
However - even if the majority of Californians support such a measure, its implementation would depend solely upon the federal government agreeing not to prosecute participants.
Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, a Republican, blasted the proposal as an attempt to sidestep immigration law, predicting that it wouldn't have a "snowball's chance in hell" of winning voter approval.
"There's a proper process for coming to this country," Donnelly said. "Why don't you respect that?"
Some argue that if the initiative is passed, this would add to the nation's "patchwork of immigration laws" which illegal alien advocates often cite when complaining about states such as Arizona and Alabama which have passed their own anti-illegal immigration laws.
"It would be interesting to see if Obama would sue California for officially creating a sanctuary for those here illegally, the same way he has sued those states that have sought to protect themselves from illegal aliens," Columnist Dave Gibson says.
The proposed initiative would apply to illegal immigrants who have lived in California for four years, have no felony convictions, are not suspected terrorists, pay a fee to administer the program, and can speak English or are learning it.
Mike Madrid, former California Republican Party official, said a committee to stir support and seek donations will be created this week.
© 2011, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.
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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.
Keywords: Migration, illegals, California
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To All: I would like to think that Phlar did not go into detail on all that there was to say. We have not walked in his shoes and therefore, do not understand fully. We know we welcome aliens before they go to other churches...which some have. Then there is the issue of P. Priests. And he Is correct. I personally know it took a big chunk away.And a lot of that chunk is not coming back. In some cases, only a miracle will ever bring tormented diseased souls back to the church, who have been disfigured and disgraced by the loss of their purity and innocence by One they held in the Highest Esteem, who left behind Victims scarred for life...and not only their life, but whomever they marry, if they do, and if it lasts, and if they have children...that will never be brought up knowing God. This was a Big Devastation to our whole country...to our whole Church. Some, can of course be healed, because their betrayal etc, was Not as bad. But others...We must continue to pray always. I would like to think that what Diane means, is that she feels the need at this point in time, perhaps?to give to her own family who is in need at this interval. Maybe she is at the point where her family Needs her $ support so much, she must choose between them and the Church? Juls: Robert B:Rob Dec.6Jeffrey C: All good thought provoking posts. Rked: I Understand your post. It is now said that half of Mexico's population has gone over the border. This, even if it's not true, speaks volumes for the amt. already here. And no one can argue that what you said Is not true! And gets worse everyday, causing our own brothers and sisters here, to entertain, and sometimes do the same things for Need. This Need is reaching terrific proportions, depending what part of the country you live in. What was once only a "once and a while thing", is becoming, sadly, rather commonplace. And Yes, at the same time our Church must welcome them. This is a sad situation that needs not only prayer and fasting, but human action as well. And this I think, will only come from who we vote into office, and what measures we vote upon. It is a sad mess. In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary We Pray....
Delaware Bob, The reality is that, even if this qualifies for the California ballot, it will not likely pass and even if it passes, the Supreme Court will strike it down as it has other immigration ballot initiatives that were approved by California voters in the 1990's. However, contrary to your comments, as a California resident, I take a measure of pride that mercy and charity has actually entered the political process here and that what I find shameful is some of the rhetoric regarding the immigration issue at this website and on the news. As I mentioned before, I do not expect others to share my views, but these immigrants are human beings created in the image of God. We must never lose sight of that. And remember, God's law takes precednet over man's law.
Recognizing that I am clearly in the minority when I say that immigration laws are merely a means employed by the "have's" to keep out the "have not's", that the law of God will always trump man's law, I try to avoid debate on immigration issues which appears to do no more than reveal the demons inside of people whom I would normally consider to be "decent" Christians. Obviously, I do not expect everybody to share my views on immigration, but, regardless of our views, because they are human beings created by God, we are required to temper our views with charity. But I have tried for two days to understand Pylar as it is possible that I am misreading you. Are you saying that, because the Church does not share you and your family's hard line on immigration, your family has left the Church; that because the Church aids "those people" who are in need, you feel "abandonment"? If that is the case, perhaps it is best you left the Church because you will never be happy with the Church as the Church is more than this little domain that we call the United States; that there is nothing in the Bible or Catechism that says U.S. Churches will be populated by white English speakers. The Church needs Christians of goodwill who are willing to hold out their hand to all in need, not just "our own kind". I hope this does not come across as harsh, but Rob said it best when he said "our response to issues like this says volumes to nonbelievers". Peace.
"'You will not molest or oppress aliens"...NoBody is "oppessing", but we do Expect that these ILLEGAL invaders should respect our laws & not do everything they can to break the initial immigration law, then go onto ID Theft, Theft of services etc.!!!--And I expect more from the Catholic church than to Aid, Abett & Encourage these ILLEGAL activities, cuz thats what this article is doing...I do not care how you Try and Sugar-coat it...!!!
At all times these people are human beings, beloved son's and daughters of God. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ and should be treated as such. We shouldn't let our anger at our politicians failure to deal with the issues of illegal immigration impact our treatment of one another, particularly the poorest among us. There are things that need to be worked on, cleaned up etc, but we can't lose sight that they are human beings. I think our response to issues like this says volumes to nonbelievers. We have to be careful.
Exodus 22:20 'You will not molest or oppress aliens, for you yourselves were once aliens in Egypt. and Deut 10:19 says the same thing. Christ said the same thing when we do things to the least of our brothers and sister we do it for Him. How we treat people says alot about us as a Church and a country.
Pylar, I'm sure I'm misunderstanding you, but did you say you left the Catholic faith because your parish welcomed illegal immigrants? I guess I'm not seeing the issue? You left because now your parish has more hispanics? Can you clarify before I comment? Diane, maybe you are noticing an opportunity for you to begin a ministry? If you feel their is a population that isn't being served in your community, then maybe it's time to step up and get the wheels in motion to solve the problem. But I don't think you mean to imply that Mother Teresa is saying that we should turn our back to those in need just because we don't know them?
Response to Diane.
Have you read
Luke 11:9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find....."
Think again about your excuse not to give. God Bless.
To Pyler Barber- Yours is a very sad comment indeed and I'm sorry you and your family have had to go through all that. I know that in my parish there are many elderly low income people and not much is done for them. The priest has younger parishioners focused on helping people in the neighborhood and larger"community", Catholic or not. Why haven't Catholics been taught to care for their own first, in their own families and parishes. Many older Catholics have been taught only how to give, give, give to strangers all their lives and don't even seem to know how to ask for help. I'm not giving in the collection basket anymore because I've watched outsiders too many times come to the parish office and get their utilities etc get paid, while the needy parishioners themselves are ignored. Mother Teresa said"Love your own families first" and the parish is an extended family.
It is nothing but shameful what California is doing. What are they going to do when E-Verify becomes madatory in all states? Instead of fighting this illegal immigration, they are pandering to it. How shameful. I hope California does go completely bankrupt beacause of all the illegal aliens there.