Can Atlanta Survive One Day with out Hispanics?

This is interesting what's happening in Atlanta. I posted two news stories to let those form their own opinions. But, my opinion is: Hey! I have no problem with immigrants working in the States, what I do have a problem with is those coming illegally, working illegally, and using government social services to live illegally funded by those who do live here and work here legally. So what if businesses check their employees, a lot of business put us looking for work through background checks and drug tests. What I like about this bill is the wiring money home. Whine, so they have to pay taxes now. Maybe it will force them to go through the documentation paperwork like every other immigrant entering our country. *I used to work for gov't benefit programs, oh wait still do, and I sat across illegal aliens lying to me straight face about their husband's income, just to get more money for food. Yet, I wasn't' allowed to call immigration to state...Hey I've got the addresses of more than a dozen undocumented aliens who are allowed to gain access to the EBT cards. Alright I'm done with my soapbox, now you can read for yourselves.

House Passes Immigration Bill

Reported By: Denis O'Hayer
Web Editor: Michael King
Last Modified: 3/24/2006 6:16:38 AM

The battle over illegal immigration is at its hottest point yet. Late on Thursday afternoon, the state House passed a bill to crack down on people who came to Georgia from other countries without going through legal channels.The debate reflected the tensions inside and outside the Capitol. House leaders scheduled the vote suddenly, thus avoiding a scene like two weeks ago, when hundreds of undocumented workers showed up to watch the Senate vote.Now, many of them say they won't show up for their jobs on Friday -- no shopping, either.One of the bill's chief opponents, Senator Sam Zamarripa (D-Atlanta) says they are responding to a climate of fear created by the bill.The House voted overwhelmingly to approve the bill. It requires state contractors to check workers’ status. Other employers just have to keep copies of their documents. Employers could not take tax deductions for wages paid to illegals, and the bill denies some state services to adults who are not in the U.S. legally.The House bill does one more thing -- undocumented workers who want to wire money home would have to pay a five percent surcharge on the transaction. The Senate will have to decide whether to accept that.

Latino Community Calls For Boycott

Reported By: Jerry Carnes
Web Editor: Michael King
Last Modified: 3/24/2006 10:32:50 AM

Latino restaurants and markets could be among businesses that close on Friday in protest of the immigration bill just passed by the House.Some business owners in Atlanta’s Latin community have called for a one-day boycott of work and spending. Luis Covarrubias says that Friday’s planned boycott will show the sort of economic muscle that Latinos have in Metro Atlanta.“They’ll see what type of effect it would have on the economy if they would take us all, like they say, ship us to Mexico or Guatemala or El Salvador," Covarrubias said.Community leaders say it's a way to force Metro Atlanta to recognize the importance of Latin workers.Business leaders have organized, and are encouraging Latin immigrants living in Metro Atlanta to spend their Friday without spending at all. Many plan to go without shopping or working, all in protest of a bill under consideration in the Legislature that would give the state some muscle in dealing with illegal immigrants.Some in Atlanta's Latin community say the bill has created an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Some children have stopped going to school out of fear they'll be detained and deported. Still, two state lawmakers who oppose the immigration bill say they're also against any type of boycott or work stoppage. They're proposing a day of prayer.“I arise this morning to oppose any walkout for tomorrow. We have to keep the economy of Georgia moving,” said State Representative Medro Martin (D-Gwinnett County).Covarrubias says his American dream can take a day off to take part in his Latin-American dream.The sponsor of the immigration bill says if Friday’s planned protest does occur, anyone who participates by skipping work would only be hurting themselves.