Chronicle features JIFM-UH protesters....

Immigration hearing prompts dueling protests
By ROSANNA RUIZ, ANITA HASSAN and RHEA DAVIS
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Protesters from both sides of the immigration debate gathered this morning outside the Harris County Civil Courthouse where a congressional hearing on the issue was being conducted inside.U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, who has convened hearings about illegal immigration around the country, is in Houston today to hear from local leaders, law enforcement officers, and others about the contentious issue.Before the hearing, about 75 protesters gathered on the steps of the courthouse. The opposing sides waved U.S. flags, held banners, and chanted slogans. They were separated by waist-high steel fences and periodically tried to shout each other down."I am not a racist, I don't mind Hispanic people being here, but they need to come here legally,'' said Nancy Ward, who stood with the protesters calling for tighter controls on immigration.About two dozen people, some waving American flags and carrying signs that read "stop the invasion protect or borders,'' remained outside the courthouse once the hearing began. One side, which included members of U.S. Border Watch, called for greater enforcement of existing immigration laws and border security. The other group, which favors "comprehensive'' immigration reform, assailed the hearing as a one-sided sham."I'm here because I feel like we want all these people working here, but we don't want them to be legal,'' said Robert Wager, a member of The Metropolitan Organization, or TMO, a multi-denominational organization. "We want immigrants here, but we don't want to give them legal status, or maybe we just want to pay them a pittance.''Desmond Taylor, a member of the Texas chapter of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corp, said illegal immigration is a great expense for Americans."I'm objecting to illegal aliens costing us a fortune,'' said Taylor, a 64-year-old retired management consultant.Brian Kohl, who took time off work to attend the protest, said illegal immigration promotes gang violence and drug trafficking, but he supports those who come here legally."If they come to become American and become part of its tradition, then they are welcome with open arms,'' said the 33-year-old U.S. Border Watch member. "For any other reasons they are not.'' Macario Ramirez, an immigrant advocate, said: "This is a one-sided hearing done by a bunch of clowns...immigrants are here to work, they're not here to take.''Although the two groups remained peaceful, they often shouted at one another.Theresa Z. Padilla said she was saddened by the comments made by some people during the rally. She said she hated to hear people saying illegal immigrants cause an increase in crime and are a burden on the economy. "My parents were not criminals, they worked really hard and put a lot of money into this system, '' she said.

rosanna.ruiz@chron.com
rhea.davis@chron.com
anita.hassan@chron.com

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