Anti-prejudice group comes together in Elgin

More than 45 people -- about half white and the rest a mix of Hispanics, blacks and Asians -- attended a meeting held Thursday night by an Elgin group that wants people to speak out against what it terms "racist" elements of the immigration debate.

Repeatedly calling the rhetoric of the Elgin-based Americans for Legal Americans racist, organizers of Speak Out Against Prejudice called for understanding, rational discussion and an appreciation for diversity in the city.

"Stigmatizing an entire race, as AFLA and others have, goes too far," said SOAP co-chair John Dalton. "They arrogantly offer themselves as leaders to prevent Elgin from being 'taken over' or 'overwhelmed.'"

The group has started a petition drive and could present the petitions as early as next month to Elgin city council members and local state representatives.

Their goal is to show elected leaders that most Elginites are fair-minded people who believe immigration reform is needed -- but on a national level.

"This is about a broader perspective of prejudice we see on a daily basis," added SOAP co-chair Arnoldo Fabela. "It is very hard for us not to see it that way when you look at (AFLA's) Web site (www.legalamericans.net)."

Dan White, AFLA co-president, has said the group is only against illegal immigration.

"You know why they called us out? We were about to get, in about six months, signatures from more than 3,000 people in the community," he said last week. "This community wants illegal immigration checked. They want it held back."

SOAP plans to meet the second Tuesday of every month at the Elgin Township Center, 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin.

For more information, e-mail elginsoap-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.