Immigration Reform in High Demand

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Marc Giauque, KSL NewsradioThere was an emotional debate and a close vote this week on one of several immigration issues before the legislature. But so far the approach to possible laws in Utah has been far less vocal than when Congress took up the immigration issue early last year.

It's all in spite of a number of so-called message bills here on Capitol Hill and that controversial raid at the Swift plant in Hyrum.

Congressional debate over that wall on the border and immigration law changes prompted marches here and around the country. This year, activist Tony Yapias says it's a different approach.

Tony Yapias, Activist: "We got a lot of outcry from going to the streets, you know like ‘this is not your country', all kinds of hate emails and hate calls that we've received, so we have to balance it."

He believes the immigration raid here and others around the country have also had a chilling effect.

Tony Yapias, Activist: "People were scared. That's one of the main things is that people were concerned if they were gonna be next."

The latest action came Tuesday in Houston at a garbage processing plant. This month there've been what Immigration officials call targeted raids on specific people in Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California.

Tony Yapias, Activist: "Nationwide, these raids are going on every day. We're seeing a lot more raids and a lot more enforcement than we've ever seen before."

Many on the other side say that's good news, that the government is finally enforcing laws on the books. One thing many may agree on is that it's the federal government that has to act.

Representative Glenn Donnelson: "Hopefully we can send a strong message to Congress that we have to have some help…I've talked to Congressman Cannon, and he assured me that we will get some relief."

Donnelson, who sponsored the bill on tuition, expects it will happen. Yapias hopes the same. He says many immigrants simply hope to make it through this year, and that by next year there will be some movement in Washington.