Despite calls for compassion, some lawmakers pushing for tougher laws

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Paul Nelson and Richard Piatt reportingLawmakers and citizens groups are talking about the need for tougher laws on illegal immigration. Two bills would make it tougher for immigrants to get services if they're not permitted to be in the country.

Several conservative Republicans called a news conference to re-enforce the argument that something needs to be done.

There are a lot of immigration bills this year. The issue is complex enough that most of them are not being rushed through, but there are plenty of Legislators who are pushing hard for something to pass.

The strong emotion surrounding immigration might be the one thing most people can agree upon. But a group of conservative lawmakers--flanked by members of the American Legion, Utah Minuteman members, and others--say they're doing what the public wants, working to pass an assortment of immigration bills.

Rep. Glenn Donnelson, of North Ogden, says, "Until we get a handle on this, we're going to have a problem. We welcome everybody here, do it legally. We can use you, do it legally, by the rule of law."

Even with stressing the "rule of law" in their argument, they're also using another guideline: compassion. Several Legislators quoted church officials, and LDS Church Historian Elder Marlin K. Jensen in particular, saying the Church, while politically neutral, wants to insure lawmakers do the right thing.

Elder Marlin K. Jensen, LDS Church Historian, has said, "We should step back and take a thoughtful and compassionate look and not rush to judgment."

Rep. Chris Herrod says talk about compassion toward illegal immigrants shows a lack of compassion to people who came here legally. "I think sometimes we've left out how legal immigrants feel about illegal immigration," he said.

Hispanic Caucus leader Tony Yapias says a rush to judgment is exactly what's happening. "They want to be compassionate, but they're targeting the wrong people here. They're targeting human beings," he said.

So far the Senate has passed a sweeping bill affecting employment and living options, as well as law enforcement powers to the House. Bills affecting drivers' privilege cards, college tuition, deportation and more are on hold, but maybe not for long.

Rep. Mike Noel, of Kanab, said, "We do need to abide by the rule of law in this state and in this country."

Rep. Stephen Sandstrom says there's one thing he needs to emphasize about illegal immigration: the word. "We've got to remember that it's illegal, and in that very essence we have to uphold the rule of law," he said.

Sandstrom says 76 percent of his constituents want a crackdown on illegal immigration.

Those lawmakers with strong feelings about the immigration issue are hoping their bills pass with a veto-proof majority, since they're not sure what Governor Huntsman will do.