News

October 21, 2009

Immigration forum set for Thursday

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – A pair of mayors will discuss the different approaches to immigration their cities are taking during a public forum at King’s College on Thursday.

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta and John DeStefano Jr., the mayor of New Haven, Conn., each will have 20 minutes to speak about the way their cities handle immigration issues, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Barletta has taken a staunch anti-illegal immigrant stance, arguing illegals put a strain on municipalities. He said they use social services, take jobs away from citizens, increase crime and affect budgets. He has become a national spokesman for the ills he believes illegal immigration causes.

DeStefano, who will appear live via a closed-circuit telecast from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, is on the opposite end of the spectrum.

In July 2007, New Haven began issuing identification cards to city residents, including illegal immigrants, allowing them to gain access to city services and bank accounts. Opponents considered the cards an enticement for illegal immigrants to move to New Haven, a city of 125,000 where DeStefano has served as mayor since 1994.

Barletta tried to crack down on illegal immigrants when he introduced, and the city council approved, the Illegal-Immigration Relief Act. That law sought to penalize landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and businesses that hire them. The act was declared unconstitutional. The city is appealing the ruling.

Barletta said he disagrees with DeStefano’s methods, but he looks forward to an open and honest discussion on the matter.

“Any time we could discuss illegal immigration in an intelligent way and without confusing legal immigration, it’s beneficial,” Barletta said.

George Schmitz, with the McGowan Hispanic Outreach Program at King’s, said the forum is “a way for them (the students) to see how government works” and gives different perspectives on the impact of illegal immigration on cities. He said having two high-profile mayors well-versed on the issue should make for an entertaining and informative session.

Barletta said he has never met DeStefano, but has read up on his fellow mayor’s positions and actions.

“I’m hoping we’ll find some common ground on Thursday,” Barletta said. He said he believes they already have one thing in common.

“We probably both agree that illegal immigration needs to be dealt with. We both disagree on how,” Barletta said.

Forum facts

WHAT: Forum on Immigration: Differing Approaches by Two Similar Cities

WHO: Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta and New Haven, Conn., Mayor John DeStefano Jr.

WHERE: Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center at King’s College

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday

COST: The forum is free, and free parking will be available at on-campus lots.

SPONSORS: Sponsored by the Hispanic Outreach Program at King’s College and the college’s Political Science Department, the forum is being held in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month.

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