[AAACE-NLA] language and labels

Jo Ann Bamdas jbamdas at yahoo.com
Wed Sep 26 13:22:55 EDT 2007


Hello Andrea,
  I've been a lurker on this listserve for a little while and have been enjoying the discussions, but because I am a graduate student, I've been reticent to join in.  However, I just want to say that your response here reminds me of why I like and recommend Kettering Foundation's "National Issues Forums" so much. ( http://www.nifi.org/ ).  With a moderator/or co-moderators "facilitating" the issue with a programmed discussion, and the concept of "deliberative democracy," these issues get addressed in a "town hall" type meeting where everyone can have their say.  I recommend the training highly and that more of these be instituted in libraries, classrooms (I've done several of them in and since my undergrad days), etc.  
  Hope you don't mind a novice putting in her two cents' worth.
  Jo Ann Bamdas
  Doctoral Candidate
  Educational Leadership, Adult & Community Education
  Florida Atlantic University
  Boca Raton Florida 

Andrea Wilder <andreawilder at comcast.net> wrote:
  This discussion is very helpful to me, and a great learning exercise. 
The big problem I see in a face to face discussion on heated issues 
like this one is repeated interruptions where no one gets a chance to 
say what they mean nor to be listened to by others in the 
conversation.

Andrea

On Sep 25, 2007, at 5:12 PM, Debbie Yoho wrote:

> You and I agree (miracle of mircles) that  the challenge in 
> "negotiating the tensions" is where the rubber meets the road.  I 
> believe, however, that even if a "loaded mesage" is accurate, it is 
> better to "unload" it and in the process it can become more 
> convincing. 
>  
> This exchange has been instructive.  Let's do some more of it.  I'm 
> going to do my best to avoid loaded language as I continue:
>  
> Today, I came across the following, published in the Nov. 05 issue of 
> Legal  Basics,  a local newsletter published by the SC Bar.
>  
> "Many undocumented workers receive their wages through regular payroll 
> checks from which FICA is withheld thus federal taxes and state taxes 
> are withheld.  The Social Security Administration reports that $7 
> billion is paid to a 'suspense file' when social security numbers 
> don't matchup...many undocumented workers file their federal and state 
> taxes with the IRS and their state Department of Revenue every 
> year...according to the IRS, in 2001 530,000 Forms 1040 were filed by 
> taxpayers using the ITIN only issued to taxpayers who do not qualify 
> for a Social Security card."
>  
> Kearney, you state that the federal government doesn't enforce the 
> immigration laws on the books now.  At first glance, this is true.  
> But the part of the federal government charged with enforcing 
> immigration law does deport illegals (enforcing the law) when they 
> know about them.  It is other parts of the federal government (IRS, 
> Social Security, etc.) who do not enforce the immigration laws because 
> they are not charged to do so.  Now here we have a list of 530,000 
> people who are employed and paying taxes, and presummably have 
> addresses from which to mail a tax form--yet are undocumented--oh, all 
> right, "illegal".  I assume you expect the IRS, in this case, to give 
> that list to the INS so all these people can be deported.  Can we at 
> least agree that such an undertaking would be impossible to execute?  
>  At the very least, how would you pay to transport a half million 
> people?  Suppose each illegal is expected to pay their own way out of 
> here.  What if they don't or can't?  Where would you lock up 530,000 
> people?  Even if deportation were possible, can we agree that the 
> employers of 530,000 people would be left without a labor force and 
> this would affect many,many others who ARE legal citizens?
>  
> Here is another case, a true story.   We have a German adult learner 
> who was married to a US career military man, a citizen, for 25 years. 
> All her children, grown now with children of their own, were born here 
> and live here.   The couple divorced.  Her legal status is now in 
> question, because the legality of her marriage has somehow been 
> questionned (I think the military man was married before and the 
> dissolution of the first marriage is unclear.)  This came up when she 
> applied for veterans' benefits as a military widow. She is presently 
> "undocumented".  (She is not yet "illegal" because her case has not 
> yet been adjudicated.) She cannot work, and her children are 
> supporting her.    She is facing deportation to Germany, where she 
> knows no one. 
>  
> Kearney, do you see this woman as a lawbreaker who needs to be 
> immediately thrown out of the country?
>  
> The laws themselves are the source of our struggles, since in this 
> case there is no differentiation between her and someone who sneaked 
> over the Rio Grande last night.    In my humble opinion, that is why 
> we need comprehensive immigration reform, not just enforcement of the 
> current laws.  This is also why "securing our borders", (although I 
> agree we need to do a better job of this)  isn't the whole answer.
>  
> Deborah W. Yoho
> director, Turning Pages
> (formerly the Greater Columbia Literacy Council)
> a community service of Volunteers of America Carolinas
> 803-765-255S
> PO Box 1447 Columbia, SC 29202
> yohogclc at earthlink.net
>  
>  
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Kearney Lykins
>> To: aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
>> Sent: 9/25/2007 9:31:03 AM
>> Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] language and labels
>>
>>
>> Deborah,
>>
>> Thanks for publicly acknowledging my point. You have in fact 
>> motivated me to try to use less loaded language myself.  Of course, 
>> the trick in explaining (or persuading or motivating) comes in 
>> negotiating the tensions between messages that are "accurate" and 
>> ones that are "loaded." Sometimes the loaded message is the most 
>> accurate; sometimes it's not.
>>
>> Kearney
>>  
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----
>> From: "aaace-nla-request at lists.literacytent.org" 
>> 
>> To: aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
>> Sent: Monday, September 24, 2007 12:21:21 PM
>> Subject: AAACE-NLA Digest, Vol 52, Issue 27
>>
>> Send AAACE-NLA mailing list submissions to
>>     aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
>>
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>>
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>>
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of AAACE-NLA digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>>    1..  language and labels (Debbie Yoho)
>>    2.  Far reaching consequences of Aiken County Ordinance.
>>       (Debbie Yoho)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:45:47 -0400
>> From: "Debbie Yoho" 
>> Subject: [AAACE-NLA] language and labels
>> To: "aaace-nla" 
>> Message-ID: <380-220079124154547734 at earthlink.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
>>
>> Kearney's point about the term "anti-immigrant" has me 
>> thinking.  Perhaps
>> we can all agree that here the struggle to dialog is rooted in 
>> vocabulary,
>> as he pointed out.
>> Truly polarization of opinions to safe "corners" is aggravated by 
>> simple
>> language.
>>
>> I wonder what would happen if somehow everyone strived to avoid 
>> "loaded"
>> words?  Would we then  discuss immigration issues with less heat and 
>> more
>> light?  Or would it only be a veneer that obfuscates true meaning?
>>
>> Unfortunate, it seems like almost every term or label these days is 
>> loaded
>> to the gills.  This morning I have been reveiwing a guide on English 
>> usage
>> that I am editing to include in our tutor training manual.  I came 
>> across
>> the following (keep in mind the author's purpose was to encourage 
>> precision
>> in writing):
>>
>> "CONSERVATIVE  Strictly speaking, conservative-- a word taken into 
>> general
>> use from politics--means opposed to change. Hence, a conservative 
>> estimate
>> is not necessarily a low one, but one that will probably not have to 
>> be
>> changed.  Conservative should not be used loosely for moderate, safe, 
>> low,
>> etc.  Example:  A safe (NOT conservative) estimate is $5.00."
>>
>> I used to think a political conservative was someone in favor of the 
>> status
>> quo, as opposed to reform.  Yet certainly that cannot be applied to 
>> many
>> who call themselves conservative today.  
>>
>> Deborah W. Yoho
>> director, Turning Pages
>>      (formerly the Greater Columbia Literacy Council)
>> a community service of Volunteers of America Carolinas
>> 803-765-255S
>> PO Box 1447  Columbia, SC  29202
>> yohogclc at earthlink.net
>>
>>
>> > [Original Message]
>> > From: Andrea Wilder 
>> > To: National Literacy Advocacy List sponsored by AAACE
>> 
>> > Date: 9/24/2007 7:42:41 AM
>> > Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] FW: Re:  Local Anti-Immigrant Laws
>> >
>> > Well, hmmm I guess that was rather a lot to lay on David, sorry, 
>> David.
>> >   And Andres, you are definitely not chopped liver.
>> >
>> > Discussion around this topic gets heated, and instead of taking 
>> others'
>> > positions into account and figuring out if we can get any 
>> consensus--or
>> > agreement on the dimensions of the problem, for example the dairy 
>> farm
>> > in Vermont, the guy who owns  house and pays taxes in Boston--we 
>> back
>> > into our respective corners, mostly, and...get nowhere.
>> >
>> > Andrea
>> >
>> > On Sep 22, 2007, at 11:36 PM, andresmuro at aol.com wrote:
>> >
>> > > What do you think about the rest of us? Unbalanced, 
>> Uncompacionate?
>> > >
>> > >  Andres
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >  -----Original Message-----
>> > >  From: Andrea Wilder 
>> > >  To: National Literacy Advocacy List sponsored by AAACE
>> > > 
>> > >  Sent: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 7:35 pm
>> > >  Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] FW: Re: Local Anti-Immigrant Laws
>> > >
>> > > David,
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > If you were the ones making the rules, what wold they be?  I 
>> think of
>> > >
>> > > you as both balanced and compassionate.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Andrea
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > On Sep 22, 2007, at 7:30 AM, David Rosen wrote:
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > > Andrea and others,
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > > Immigration status often is not as simple as illegal vs. legal. 
>> Take,
>> > >
>> > > > for example, Liberians who are in the U.S. legally under 
>> Temporary
>> > >
>> > > > Protective Status (TPS).  As victims of a long, debilitating 
>> civil
>> > >
>> > > > war, many Liberian refugees were granted temporary legal status 
>> in
>> > >
>> > > > the U.S. Most have jobs, are settled here, and send money back 
>> to
>> > >
>> > > > Liberia to help those at home who cannot find jobs. As a result 
>> of
>> > >
>> > > > the war, the country's infrastructure -- electricity, water,
>> > >
>> > > > sanitation, mail, health care, schools -- was destroyed -- and
>> > >
>> > > > unemployment still runs about 80%.
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > > Now that the war is over in Liberia, the Administration wants 
>> to end
>> > >
>> > > > TPS for Liberians in the U.S..  This would mean returning 
>> people who
>> > >
>> > > > work and pay taxes here, who often do jobs no one else will do, 
>> and
>> > >
>> > > > who send money home to help out their families in Liberia, to
>> > >
>> > > > unemployment and poverty there.  Of course, if they stayed in 
>> the
>> > >
>> > > > U.S. they would have lost their status and would be 
>> "illegal".  Each
>> > >
>> > > > year Liberians and their families under TPS go through this,
>> > >
>> > > > wondering if this is the year they will lose their status. 
>> Today they
>> > >
>> > > > are legal, hard-working, law-abiding citizens helping their 
>> families
>> > >
>> > > > here and at home.  Tomorrow they may be deported to poverty and
>> > >
>> > > > unemployment. In the meantime they live in uncertainty.
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > > David J. Rosen
>> > >
>> > > > DJRosen at theworld.com
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > > On Sep 21, 2007, at 11:08 PM, Andrea Wilder wrote:
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > >>  I am so confused about this issue I don't know what to think.
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > >
>> > > >>  There was a story this week in the boston Globe about a guy
>> > >
>> > > >> (illegal) form Colombia who had bought  a house in the Boston 
>> area,
>> > >
>> > > >> raised 2 children ,sent them to school (and to college?) paid 
>> his
>> > >
>> > > >> taxes, his bills,and may buy another house by selling some 
>> property
>> > >
>> > > >> back home....
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > >
>> > > >>  Didn't someone say this was an excellent form ( and cheap) of
>> > >
>> > > >> foreign aid?
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > >
>> > > >> Andrea
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > >
>> > > >> On Sep 21, 2007, at 3:50 PM, Debbie Yoho wrote:
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > >
>> > > >>> To: aaace-nla
>> > >
>> > > >>>> Sent: 9/20/2007 6:53:45 PM
>> > >
>> > > >>>> Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] Local Anti-Immigrant Laws
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>> I am grateful for Kearney's rebuttal of my chacterization of 
>> the
>> > >
>> > > >>>> Aiken SC law as "anti-immigrant" because I don't often have 
>> the
>> > >
>> > > >>>> chance to dialog meaningfully with someone representing the
>> > >
>> > > >>>> right.   I mean this sincerely, and I offer the following in 
>> an
>> > >
>> > > >>>> honest effort to gain further understanding of a complex 
>> issue.
>> > >
>> > > >>>> However, the purpose of this list is not to debate the pros 
>> and
>> > >
>> > > >>>> cons of the immigration issue, but to encourage and 
>> facilitate
>> > >
>> > > >>>> advocacy for AELS programs.  I will therefore try to frame 
>> this
>> > >
>> > > >>>> response from that perspective.  I shall leave it to our
>> > >
>> > > >>>> moderator to judge if we are getting away from the list's
>> > >
>> > > >>>> purpose.  So here goes:
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>> Kearney, I take your point that one can be a full-scale 
>> supporter
>> > >
>> > > >>>> of legal immigration and at the same time support a law such 
>> as
>> > >
>> > > >>>> the Aiken example.  I hope you would agree that I can also be
>> > >
>> > > >>>> opposed to this law and at the same time support reasonable
>> > >
>> > > >>>> efforts to secure our borders.  I believe there is much 
>> common
>> > >
>> > > >>>> ground here where we might meet, and I wish the two "sides" 
>> of
>> > >
>> > > >>>> this issue would attempt to find that common ground.  If you 
>> feel
>> > >
>> > > >>>> personally insulted to be characterized as "anti-
>> > >
>> > > >>>> immigrant" (assuming you support the Aiken law), I 
>> apologize, and
>> > >
>> > > >>>> I agree that irritating people is counter-productive.  I 
>> doubt
>> > >
>> > > >>>> that you are either "simplistic" or "xenophobic" and would 
>> ask
>> > >
>> > > >>>> that you not put words in my mouth--I am a member of the 
>> left but
>> > >
>> > > >>>> I would not "love to paint" you or anyone else this way. So 
>> we
>> > >
>> > > >>>> are both irritated, I think.  I'd call the score even.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>> As we all know, the real heart of this issue is what to do 
>> about
>> > >
>> > > >>>> the 12 million illegal immigrants who are among us.  Andres 
>> Muro
>> > >
>> > > >>>> offered testimony here about the suffering that occurs when 
>> laws
>> > >
>> > > >>>> like the Aiken measure are enforced, and I believe 
>> him.  Some of
>> > >
>> > > >>>> this suffering happens to adult learners I work with.  As 
>> their
>> > >
>> > > >>>> teacher, I am unconcerned about their legal status, but very
>> > >
>> > > >>>> concerned when they suffer because this affects their 
>> learning.
>> > >
>> > > >>>> Perhaps you feel that I shouldn't be teaching them to begin 
>> with,
>> > >
>> > > >>>> and perhaps this is where we cannot agree.  I feel it is 
>> morally
>> > >
>> > > >>>> wrong for a teacher to reject an opportunity to teach 
>> someone, in
>> > >
>> > > >>>> the same way that it is immoral for a doctor to refuse to 
>> treat a
>> > >
>> > > >>>> sick person.  This is why I characterize the Aiken law as 
>> "anti-
>> > >
>> > > >>>> immigrant".  Perhaps a better term would be "anti-human." or 
>> more
>> > >
>> > > >>>> grammatically "inhumane".  (The law is certainly not "a 
>> rational
>> > >
>> > > >>>> reaction" as the enforcement of it raises as many problems 
>> as it
>> > >
>> > > >>>> attempts to solve.).
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>  As a teacher, I must advocate for the learners I teach,
>> > >
>> > > >>>> especially for those who cannot or will not speak for
>> > >
>> > > >>>> themselves.  And so I have asked Andres for permission to 
>> use his
>> > >
>> > > >>>> experience in an advocacy letter to my newspaper.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>> Finally, Andres has also offered a quote from a message he
>> > >
>> > > >>>> received as a result of his previous post.  I leave it to 
>> you to
>> > >
>> > > >>>> judge the vocabulary and emotion this message represents. To 
>> me
>> > >
>> > > >>>> it is clearly "anti-immigrant" because hatred for 
>> both  Andres
>> > >
>> > > >>>> and illegal immigrants obviously comes through.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>> Deborah W. Yoho
>> > >
>> > > >>>> director, Turning Pages
>> > >
>> > > >>>> (formerly the Greater Columbia Literacy Council)
>> > >
>> > > >>>> a community service of Volunteers of America Carolinas
>> > >
>> > > >>>> 803-765-255S
>> > >
>> > > >>>> PO Box 1447 Columbia, SC 29202
>> > >
>> > > >>>> yohogclc at earthlink.net
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> From: Kearney Lykins
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> To: aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Sent: 9/20/2007 1:26:33 PM
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] Local Anti-Immigrant Laws
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> The spirit of the Aiken County, South Carolina law that 
>> Debbie
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Yoho describes is not, as she asserts, "anti-immigrant." It 
>> is,
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> however, "anti-illegal immigrant."  This misrepresentation 
>> is
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> another example of rhetorical line-drawing between imaginary
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> sides: pro-immigrant and anti-immigrant. However, as much 
>> as the
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> left would love to frame the argument this way, because it
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> paints its opposition as simplistic, xenophobic haters, one 
>> of
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> these two sides does not in fact exist (to a significant
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> degree), and hence there is no such battle.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> As we all know the real debate nationally and locally 
>> focuses
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> not on immigration, but on a particular type of it - the 
>> out of
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> control illegal sort.  The people of Aiken County are 
>> reacting
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> to the inability or the reluctance of the federal 
>> government to
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> enforce existing immigration law. The effects are felt 
>> locally.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> And the reactions are rational.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> The truly bad news is that the federal government has thus 
>> far
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> failed to honor its commitment to control immigration.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> / Kearney Lykins
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> ----- Original Message ----
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> From: "aaace-nla-request at lists.literacytent.org" >> > >
>> > > >>>>> request at lists.literacytent.org>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> To: aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2007 10:48:10 AM
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Subject: AAACE-NLA Digest, Vol 52, Issue 16
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Send AAACE-NLA mailing list submissions to
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>     aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>     http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>     aaace-nla-request at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>     aaace-nla-owner at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more
>> > > specific
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> than "Re: Contents of AAACE-NLA digest..."
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Message: 2
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:37:43 -0400
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> From: "Debbie Yoho" 
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Subject: [AAACE-NLA] Local Anti-Immigrant Laws
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> To: "aaace-nla" 
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Message-ID: <3849-220079319193743765 at earthlink.net>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Dear Friends:  By way of keeping our list informed, see 
>> below.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Another example of the craziness that is taking hold 
>> regarding
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> immigration, this time, I am sorry to say, from SC.  It will
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> interesting to see if this local ordinance is adjudicated.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Best, Debbie Yoho
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Deborah W. Yoho
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> director, Turning Pages
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> (formerly the Greater Columbia Literacy Council)
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> a community service of Volunteers of America Carolinas
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> 803-765-255S
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> PO Box 1447 Columbia, SC 29202
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> yohogclc at earthlink.net
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> From: Tammy Besherse
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> To: Hispanic Leadership Council;NLPOA;SCLN;Voto Hispano
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Sent: 9/19/2007 8:54:19 AM
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Subject: [HISPANIC_LEADERSHIP] Aiken County Council
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Hey everyone,
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> I have some bad news. Aiken County passed an anti-immigrant
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> ordinance last night.  This was despite our efforts, and the
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> work of MALDEF, the Farm Bureau, and the Chamber of 
>> Commerce, to
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> name a few.    If you hear of low income people being 
>> affected
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> by this ordinance, please let me know.  We have discussed
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> litigation with MALDEF.  It might be an avenue we pursue,
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> depending on plaintiffs, and how they are being affected.   
>> Feel
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> free to call me if you have questions.  Thanks.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Summary of Ordinance:
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> 1. Vendors hiring undocumented workers will lose their
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> licenses.  Note the ordinance does not  have due process 
>> rights
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> for vendors, nor tell them how to determine if someone is
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> authorized to work in the country.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> 2. Police will have to check everyone's legal status they
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> arrest.  Note, again, no information was put in place 
>> advising
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> the police how to do this.  The reality is only the feds 
>> can do
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> this, unless local police are properly trained.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> 3. English only laws unless for "civil rights" and 
>> "emergencies".
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> 4. Anyone trying to receive "benefits" from agencies that 
>> get
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> "discretionary funding" from Aiken County must determine
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> someone's legal status.  Again, no rules set in place for 
>> how to
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> determine the legal status.  Also, we can not locate 
>> anywhere
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> who gets "discretionary funding".
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> We believe this ordinance is going to be enforced too 
>> broadly,
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> cause racial profiling, and other constitutional law 
>> violations.
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> V: (803) 779-1113 x103
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> _
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>
>> > >
>> > > >>>>>  Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on 
>> Yahoo!
>> > >
>> > > >>>>> Travel._______________________________________________
>> > >
>> > > >>> AAACE-NLA mailing list: AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >>> http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>> > >
>> > > >>> LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for 
>> literacy
>> > >
>> > > >>> http://literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >> _______________________________________________
>> > >
>> > > >> AAACE-NLA mailing list: AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >> http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>> > >
>> > > >> LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for 
>> literacy
>> > >
>> > > >> http://literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > > _______________________________________________
>> > >
>> > > > AAACE-NLA mailing list: AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > > http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>> > >
>> > > > LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for 
>> literacy
>> > >
>> > > > http://literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > >
>> > > AAACE-NLA mailing list: AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > > http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>> > >
>> > > LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for 
>> literacy
>> > >
>> > > http://literacytent.org
>> > >
>> > >  Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL 
>> Mail!
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > AAACE-NLA mailing list: AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
>> > > http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>> > > LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for 
>> literacy
>> > > http://literacytent.org
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:56:55 -0400
>> From: "Debbie Yoho" 
>> Subject: [AAACE-NLA] Far reaching consequences of Aiken County
>>     Ordinance.
>> To: "aaace-nla" 
>> Message-ID: <3889-220079124155655312 at earthlink.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Here's a followup on the story in Aiken, SC about the new illegal 
>> immigration law.  My comment on this and many issues about 
>> immigration is simple;  "The devil is in the details!"
>>
>> Deborah W. Yoho
>> director, Turning Pages
>> (formerly the Greater Columbia Literacy Council)
>> a community service of Volunteers of America Carolinas
>> 803-765-255S
>> PO Box 1447 Columbia, SC 29202
>> yohogclc at earthlink.net
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Tammy Besherse
>> To: Hispanic Leadership Council;NLPOA;SCLN;Voto Hispano
>> Cc: ccruz at coalitionfnsc.org; lisalopez-snyder at coalitionfnsc.org
>> Sent: 9/24/2007 8:33:30 AM
>> Subject: [HISPANIC_LEADERSHIP] Far reaching consequences of Aiken 
>> County Ordinance.
>>
>>
>> Please contact me if you know of people being affected.  This article 
>> implies that public schools will lose money for providing education 
>> to undocumented kids - as required to by federal law.  (803) 779-1113 
>> ext 103
>>
>>
>>
>> Aiken's anti-immigrant law carries wide reach
>> By Sandi Martin| South Carolina Bureau Chief
>> Saturday, September 22, 2007
>> 14 commentsPRINTEMAIL
>> AIKEN - Had Aiken County's new illegal immigration law been in place 
>> a couple of years ago, Silver Bluff High School could have waved 
>> goodbye to any extra cash from the county.
>>
>>
>>
>> Annette M. Drowlette/Staff
>> Lopez Negrete
>> Click photo for options
>> Griselda Lopez Negrete attended Silver Bluff while fighting 
>> immigration officials' efforts to deport her after they learned that 
>> she had been brought to the United States illegally as a small child.
>> The county law passed this week says that any agency getting 
>> discretionary funds risks losing that aid if it provides assistance 
>> to an unauthorized alien. However, it can provide assistance in 
>> emergency situations or to protect civil liberties.
>> Silver Bluff is on a long list of agencies, clubs, civic 
>> organizations, churches and fire departments that must abide by the 
>> rule.
>> If the timing were different, Ms. Lopez Negrete's attendance at 
>> Silver Bluff would have disqualified the school from receiving county 
>> money.
>> In such situations, County Administrator Clay Killian said, council 
>> members would have to decide whether an entire organization would 
>> then pay for the violation, or just one group.
>> "The law doesn't discriminate or allow for exceptions," he said.
>> Passed Tuesday night, the law had been revised a number of times 
>> since it was introduced several weeks ago. The final version added 
>> penalties to businesses and agencies that violate it. They cannot be 
>> hired by the county or receive county money for three years.
>> Businesses have to certify to the county when registering that they 
>> don't hire or recruit illegal immigrants. Agencies are ordered not to 
>> hire or provide assistance to them, "except to protect civil 
>> liberties or provide emergency services."
>> A key word in the law says they cannot do this "knowingly."
>> During debate over the law, some council members said the county 
>> should not prohibit churches or other organizations from providing 
>> services such as meals.
>> One draft of the law allowed for "humanitarian assistance," but that 
>> wording was removed before the final vote.
>> Council members who support the law say they are taking a stand 
>> against an issue the federal government won't solve.
>> "I don't think taxpayers want their tax dollars benefiting illegal 
>> immigrants," Councilwoman Kathy Rawls said this week.
>> Dozens of agencies in Aiken County - ranging from fire departments to 
>> churches to clubs and civic groups - receive financial aid from the 
>> county, all in varying amounts, according to a list provided by staff 
>> on Friday.
>> Some receive direct funding, others accommodations tax money or 
>> contingency funds.
>> There is an appeals process if a company or agency is found to be in 
>> violation, but it might be difficult for the county to prove the 
>> accusations.
>> Employment records often wouldn't be open to scrutiny from the 
>> county, and Mr. Killian conceded that there are other records that 
>> would also probably be off limits.
>> Many immigrants working illegally have false or pilfered Social 
>> Security numbers, and companies might balk at handing over that 
>> information.
>> "If there are things protected by privacy acts that we can't get our 
>> hands on, then we can't get our hands on it," Mr. Killian said.
>> Reach Sandi Martin at (803) 648-1395, ext. 111, or 
>> sandi.martin at augustachronicle.com.
>>
>> Tammy Besherse
>> Staff Attorney - SCALJC
>> P.O. Box 7187
>> Columbia, SC  29202
>> V: (803) 779-1113 x103
>> F: (803) 779-5951
>>
>> South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center is dedicated to 
>> advocacy for low income people in South Carolina to effect systemic 
>> change by acting in and through the courts, legislature, 
>> administrative agencies, community and the media, and helping others 
>> do the same through education, training and co-counseling.   
>> www.scjustice.org
>>
>> This electronic message, together with any attachments, contains 
>> information from South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center that 
>> may be privileged and confidential.  The information is intended to 
>> be for the use of the addressee only and may contain information that 
>> is legally privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure.  If 
>> you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any 
>> disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message, 
>> or any attachment, is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this 
>> message in error, please notify the original sender by return e-mail 
>> and delete the message, along with any attachments, from your 
>> computer.
>>
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>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> AAACE-NLA mailing list
>> AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
>> http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
>>
>>
>> End of AAACE-NLA Digest, Vol 52, Issue 27
>> *****************************************
>>
>>
>> Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! 
>> Travel._______________________________________________
> AAACE-NLA mailing list: AAACE-NLA at lists.literacytent.org
> http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/aaace-nla
> LiteracyTent: web hosting, news, community and goodies for literacy
> http://literacytent.org
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