Posted on 02/12/2008 1:27:11 AM PST by VU4G10
HOUSTON -- Illegal immigrants are coming into Texas, but not from where one might think. The rush is coming from Arizona, Oklahoma and other states -- places that have recently passed tough new anti-illegal immigrant laws.
The two toughest measures are in Arizona and Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma statute, which took effect in November, makes it a crime to transport, harbor or hire illegal immigrants. Effective Jan. 1, the Arizona law suspends the business license of employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. On a second offense, the license is revoked.
Anecdotal information seems to indicate that illegal immigrants are leaving these states in growing numbers.
"They're really tightening the screws," said Mario Ortiz, an undocumented Mexican worker who came to Houston after leaving Phoenix last year. "There have been a lot coming -- it could be 100 a day."
In Tulsa, Okla., the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has estimated that 15,000 to 25,000 illegal immigrants have left the area. One builder estimated that 30 percent of the Hispanic work force left Tulsa.
"There's been a tremendous impact in Oklahoma City," said David Castillo, the executive director of the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "We've had several companies close shop and leave the state. Banks have called us and say they're closing 30 accounts per week."
Enrique Hubbard, Mexico's consul general in Dallas, said a dozen Mexican families from Oklahoma have applied for consular documents listing their new homes in the Dallas area. He expects more to arrive because jobs are available in north Texas.
Texas' reputation as a welcoming destination has experts predicting more immigrants will come to Houston and other cities in the state. Texas has not passed any statewide law targeting the employment of undocumented workers.
"Texas is still very much an entrepreneurial place, where you can find your place in this economy," said James Hollifield, a Southern Methodist University professor and migration expert. "It's not an immigrant's paradise, but if you work hard and keep your head down you can get ahead."
Ortiz, a native of southern Mexican state of Tabasco, said he left Phoenix eight months ago working 60 to 70 hours a week as a nursery worker. While now he can only pick up two to three days a week of yardwork and barely earns enough to send back to his family, he prefers to be in Texas.
"Here, they let you work. Over there, they won't. There is a lot of racism, but here there isn't -- it's better," Ortiz said of Houston.
there’s a lot that can be accomplished at the state level.
Since when did obeying the law make folks in Arizona racist?
a lot of people have brought up problems they have with hispanic culture that has nothing to do with legality.
Texas must be a torn state. With its ultraconservative areas pitted against the liberal big cities and border areas.
I’m also torn as I am against too much government coercion but at the same time I don’t want people to take advantage of govt resources.
It’s not bad enough that ya’ll got hit by the NO gang now you’re fixing to be hit with the from across the border gang.
Oh, I think Americans would call it law enforcement.
yitbos
the first step towards enforcement is the problem “oh he looks hispanic. Not sure if he’s illegal so I’ll be on the safe side and just not hire him.”
Ultraconservative Texans will end up occupying the re-fortified Alamo.
Call me racist?
Fine.
I don’t care to have this country become a craphole like third world central or South America nor Mexico.
It's become obvious that if Mexicans can't do as they please it's because of racism against them...just when I think I can't get any more Mexican'd out....
Yeah it's funny how hordes marching in the streets arrogantly making threats and demands when you are an illegal invader will turn public sentiment against you and your culture...NOT a way to make friends...
well making them enemies certainly won’t help solve the problem .
So the question may be in the future - will mexico accept illegal gringos should our economy go toes up?
they are also moving to NJ...corslime and the lib/dems are welcoming them with open checkbooks at the expense of the taxpayers....
compassionate liberalism.....welfare spending for votes with other peoples’ money!!!!
""They're really tightening the screws," said Mario Ortiz, an undocumented Mexican worker who came to Houston "
"There is a lot of racism, but here there isn't -- it's better," Ortiz said of Houston"
The guy left because he was an illegal alien. He says he left because of racism.
yitbos
To maximize US health, states should coordinate passage of anti-illegal laws. Done incorrectly, pockets of the US will become illegals fistulas and diverticulitis may result. OTOH, done properly, a healthy peristalic flow could result, pushing in waves these souls to the southern sphincter.
I don't feel sorry for any of these business owners. They never would have been in business and/or stayed in business if not for their unfair business practices and they made businesses that followed the law and did not hire low wage illegals, suffer.
What would those be?
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