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Amanda Butterfield Reporting As one woman packs for the Mexican border to help immigrants, a former presidential candidate stops here to talk about immigration reform.
Both see a problem, but are going about solving it differently.
Alan Keyes was at the capitol, pushing for stricter border control and regulations. But activist Temma Martin, who also wants immigration reform, believes immigrants need help.
Baggies filled with crackers, applesauce, and granola bars. This is what Temma Martin will be taking on her trip to Mexico.
First she'll stay with Mexican families, learning more from them about immigration. Then she'll stay with a group of volunteers who provide food and water for immigrants crossing the border.
Temma Martin: "I do not feel like I'm aiding and abetting in this case." "This is preventing death. This is saving lives."
Her passion for this cause comes from a recent trip to Mexico. Since then she's earned a degree in Spanish and learned more about the forces that drive illegal immigration.
Temma Martin: "I'm not encouraging people to do this. I wish things were different, but in the meantime I don't want anyone to die coming into our country to work."
Coming here to work -- that's where outspoken conservative Alan Keyes will disagree.
Alan Keyes: "American people need to wake up and realize this."
Though not opposed to immigration, he says immigrants should not be allowed in only for economic reasons.
Alan Keyes: "I know people think peole come to our southern borders for a better life. I wish that were so."
They need to come with a hope of citizenship. Keyes also says immigrants must meet regulations if they are allowed in the country for potential citizenship.
Alan Keyes: "There are so many needy people in the world. They want to come to America. We can't handle that."
Temma Martin also sees a need for immigration reform. She's hoping after 10 days in Mexico, she'll have a better understanding of what can work.
Temma Martin: "When it comes down to a human level what needs to happen is the laws need to be changed so people can immigrate legally."
Two different perspectives on this issue. If you tend to agree with Temma, she recommends this book -- Devil's Highway. Its a pick in Mayor Rocky Anderson's book club.
If it's Keye's way of thinking you like, he will be talking at the Provo Library at 6:30 tonight.
