Group lays out its campaign to encourage diversity in Elgin
An Elgin group that says it hopes to bring understanding, rational discussion and an appreciation for diversity to the city's immigration debate hopes to achieve its goal by using several avenues.
It encourages people to:
• Speak up and don't tolerate any prejudicial statements you hear.
• Write letters to local newspapers.
• Sign a petition that will be presented to Elgin City Council members and state representatives.
• Hang a poster at your business showing you support the group Speak Out Against Prejudice.
"Driving all Hispanics out of town -- which AFLA (Association for Legal Americans) would like to do -- would not preserve our culture. It would diminish it," said SOAP Co-Chairman John Dalton. "We think all prejudice of all kinds -- we have no room for that in our community."
SOAP leaders characterize the agenda and statements made by the Association for Legal Americans as "racist," and SOAP said it believes most Elgin residents don't support AFLA's agenda.
AFLA members say they are opposed to illegal immigration only. They point to some 3,000 signatures they collected from residents last year to show people want the city to take action.
Last week AFLA Co-President Dan White disputed the charge of racism.
"AFLA supports the law, law enforcement and our neighbors, just as SOAP claims in their petition," White said last week. "We are opposed to racism and are offended at their suggestion that we are prejudiced. In fact, we seek to make the distinction between legal and illegal in our community in an effort to end racist stereotypes."
SOAP Co-Chairman Arnoldo Fabela said he believes his group will surpass AFLA's petition number.
"We believe a lot of Elginites out there truly enjoy the diversity this city has to offer," Fabela said. "We want to see a united Elgin."
Even though he doesn't own a business, Elgin resident John Hamilton said he believes a SOAP sign hanging in a store can make a powerful statement against hate.
Hamilton said most Americans have immigrant ancestors and assimilation takes time -- but some people want it to happen overnight.
"We're interested in getting involved to stand up against this nonsense," he said.
Two weeks ago, Elgin leaders announced several steps the city would take to curb illegal immigration.
The city has applied to the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement Agency, or ICE, to participate in a host of programs offered under the federal Agreements of Cooperation in Communities to Enhance Safety and Security.
In March, the police will expand immigration screening to all foreign-born defendants booked at the jail using ICE's database. Illegal immigrants will be reported to ICE.
The city also will resume using a program called e-Verify to confirm Social Security numbers of new job applicants. And city contracts will include random checks and audits on companies to ensure employers are following laws.
SOAP organizers said their goal is not necessarily to persuade city leaders to repeal these steps. They said believe immigration reform is needed, but on a national scale.
"These ordinances are not going to solve the problem of illegal immigration," said SOAP Treasurer Shirley Sadjadi.
For details, write: elginsoap-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.