Protesters target session for Mexican immigants.Byline: Jim Feehan The Register-Guard Anti-immigration activists rallied Saturday in Eugene to oppose providing state social services social services Noun, pl welfare services provided by local authorities or a state agency for people with particular social needs social services npl → servicios mpl sociales to noncitizens and to criticize the Mexican consulate for issuing identification cards to immigrants. The protest coincided with the presence of Mexican government representatives who were at the High School Equivalency Program building on the University of Oregon campus The University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Oregon has around 80 buildings and facilities, including athletics sites such as Hayward Field, which is the site for the 2008 Olympic Track and Field Trials, and McArthur Court, and off-campus sites such as nearby Autzen Stadium and the to assist people seeking a matricula consular - Mexico's identification card. The card is used to open bank accounts and to obtain a driver's license Noun 1. driver's license - a license authorizing the bearer to drive a motor vehicle driver's licence, driving licence, driving license license, permit, licence - a legal document giving official permission to do something . Spanish-speaking representatives from several state agencies joined Mexican officials to offer information about health care, food stamps, wage and hour provisions and other state services. Police lined the building one block east of Hayward Field For other uses of "Hayward", see Hayward (disambiguation). Hayward Field at University of Oregon is one of the most well-known historic track and field stadiums in the United States. It has been the home to the University of Oregon Track and Field teams since 1919. with yellow tape and barricades to ensure access for program participants. Five officers kept watch over the 40 protesters. "I don't think it's right for people to come here and step in front of line," said Daniel Miglavs of Sherwood, a spokesman for Oregonians for Immigration Reform Immigration reform is the common term used in political discussions regarding changes to immigration policy. In a certain sense, reform can be general enough to include promoted, expanded, or open immigration, but in reality discussions of reform often deal with the aspect of . The group, based in McMinnville, formed six years ago to call attention to the economic, social and environmental costs of uncontrolled immigration immigration, entrance of a person (an alien) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important. . But Angel Lopez, legal adviser for the Mexican consular, said he felt the protesters were interfering with the legitimate business affairs of a foreign government. He said the event deserved tighter security by federal marshals to ensure order. Lopez said protesters were intimidating applicants by filming them as they entered and left the building. "Their goal is to have a chilling effect so that nobody shows up," Lopez said. "(The protesters) message is: `We are better than you.' To discriminate is unfortunate and doesn't show the best of Oregon by any stretch of the imagination." Several of the protesters arrived from around the state in sport utility vehicles This page lists sports utility vehicles currently in production (as of April 2007), as well as past models. The list includes crossover SUVs, Mini SUVs, Compact SUVs and other similar vehicles. and trucks adorned with Republican candidate bumper stickers. "For the GOP, this has become a campaign issue and we want this to be an issue," said Miglavs, who works for a wholesale and distribution company. Miglavs said his group faces an uphill battle against business and farm groups seeking a steady flow of low-cost immigrant labor. The group intends to keep the issue on the front burner during the gubernatorial race, he said. "We want to bring publicity to this issue and force criminal aliens to take the walk of shame The walk of shame refers to any phenomenon in which a person has to take a walk in front of strangers or peers for an embarrassing reason before reaching a place of privacy. Most commonly, it occurs the morning after a night out at a bar or a dance club or a party. ," Miglavs said, referring to defendants walking to an arraignment A criminal proceeding at which the defendant is officially called before a court of competent jurisdiction, informed of the offense charged in the complaint, information, indictment, or other charging document, and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or as otherwise permitted in handcuffs hand·cuff n. A restraining device consisting of a pair of strong, connected hoops that can be tightened and locked about the wrists and used on one or both arms of a prisoner in custody; a manacle. Often used in the plural. tr.v. . In addition to carrying placards that read, "No borders no country," "Illegal immigration is a crime" and "Kulongoski fails Oregon here," protesters also filmed the proceedings to see if any participants are on the FBI Most Wanted List, or if any have outstanding arrest warrants, said Rick Hickey of Salem, who serves as vice president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform. "We can't allow everyone to come into this country. We can't have this melting pot turned into a chamber pot allowing in a criminal element," he said. "Why do they need government services?" Hickey said the state should not be extending services to illegal immigrants when the Oregon Department of Human Services has a $172 million budget deficit. Hickey said he resents opponents characterizing him as a racist. "We're not against immigrants," he said. "We're against illegal immigrants." Antonio Guzman of Salem said several Latinos came by to register for basic services basic services, n.pl frequently insurance companies split dental procedures into basic and major categories. Basic services usually consist of diagnostic, preventive, and routine restorative dental services. . While he disagreed with the anti-immigration faction, Guzman said they have a right to express their opinions. "We are all Americans and we support our community," he said. CAPTION(S): Daniel Miglavs (left) confronts several Hispanic counterprotesters on Saturday on the UO campus. |
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