Clackamas lawmaker calls for investigation of state's participation in immigrant outreach

GABRIELA RICO
Statesman Journal

Concerns that Oregon is actively recruiting illegal immigrants to receive services has prompted an inquiry from a state legislator.

House Rep. Linda Flores is asking Department of Human Services officials to explain their participation with the Mexican Consulate's mobile outreach program.

Although the Mexican government issues identification cards at these events, Oregon state agencies offer information and resources.

"I've had significant contact with people concerned about the possibility of illegals ... obtaining state benefits," Flores said Monday. "They don't want Oregon to be the place where people come just to get services."

The Clackamas Republican plans to question other state agencies about
their involvement.

Jim Ludwick, the president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform, said the state should not be doing outreach in light of budget restraints.

"Any dollar that is spent on somebody who is illegally in this country is a dollar that is not spent on an American citizen or a legal immigrant who qualifies for state assistance," Ludwick said.

The "Mexican Consulate's mobile outreach program"?

Is there anything the Mexican government won't do to take care of their illegal citizens in our country.

One wishes they would get half as creative in their own country!

And kudos to representative Flores for standing up to the illegal lovers.

illegal+immigration
Oregon
Linda Florez