The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles issued a statement Tuesday slamming U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican who flew to Catalina Island last week to confront the deputy consulate general for Mexico.
Rohrabacher, who represents Palos Verdes and Catalina, said he was "horrified" that the consulate was issuing identification cards to Mexican nationals, which can be used to open bank accounts and conduct other business.
Angelica Salas, executive director of the immigrant rights organization, said the congressman "overstepped his authority" and acted like a "playground bully" in interrupting services being offered at a Catholic church in Avalon.
"It is an outrage that Mr. Rohrabacher felt he had the right to walk into a place offering confidential services by a consular branch and rant about illegal immigration right in the middle of the hall without informing himself of the facts at hand," Salas said. "His anti-immigrant rhetoric has taken a step beyond what is acceptable and diplomatic and he should be made to apologize immediately to all immigrants and the Mexican consulate officials involved."
For the record, both Rohrabacher and the Mexican conslutate general of Los Angeles told The Daily Breeze that the conversation was cordial, though the two sides certainly disagreed on what was taking place.
This is playing out just like the time Rep. Rohrabacher overstepped his authority in April of 2001 and went to visit with members of the Taliban. The full story is here http://www.ocweekly.com/2002-09-12/features/rogue-statesman/
I would also urge Mr. Rohrabacher to look at his last name. Where did his family members come from? Germany, maybe? Point is, we're all from someplace else in this great country of ours. Time for Rep. Rohrabacher to step down.
http://www.ocweekly.com/2002-09-12/features/rogue-statesman/
Seems like the time he went to visit the Taliban in 2001--said they weren't terrorists. Poor Dana, he just doesn't understand the world. He should look at his own last name. Where did his family come from?
If you want to address the heritage of his last name, perhaps you should also address if his family waited in line and came to the US LEGALLY. Imigration is one thing, ILLEGAL imigration is another.
Before I get slammed, yes I know. Immigration has a double "m"
Guess what before 1917 their was no illegal immigration, because their was no law or quota system. The entire immigration legislation needs to be changed to fit 2010. It is time to bring it into the modern times. It is sad that people have to wait for up to 15years to legally immigrate to our country.
It's time for a change. When was the last time you heard and immigrant from Mexico blowing up a building in our country or even thinking about it. That is nor the reason they come here. They are here to better their lives.