Convention panel stakes out interests on immigration

Published: 2008-08-26

DENVER (CNS) -- Reform, rather than enforcement of the broken U.S. immigration system, is the most viable way to address illegal immigration, a panel of speakers said during the first day of the Democratic National Convention Aug. 25. "We have to make sure that ... right-wing radicals like Rush Limbaugh and Lou Dobbs aren't tainting this debate," said Andres Ramirez, vice president of host organization NDN, formerly known as the New Democrat Network. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House immigration subcommittee, said one institutional problem in need of change is that there is no comprehensive computer system for immigration agencies. She also took to task the way Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, has been run, particularly under Julie Myers, its director since 2007. Janet Murguia, president of the National Council of La Raza, said some people's opposition to immigration reform is based in racism and bigotry. "(Opponents) are referring to our community in animallike terms," said Murguia, adding that hate speech "is being parroted by cable news shows every night."

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