Idaho County Commissioner Vasquez slams efforts to aid illegal immigrants

Idaho Statesman
September 25, 2003
By Sandra Forester, The Idaho Statesman

Canyon County Commissioner Robert Vasquez on Wednesday issued a searing condemnation of efforts by Idaho's congressional delegation to support legislation to help illegal immigrants.

"I am accusing Larry Craig, Mike Crapo, Butch Otter and Mike Simpson of
collaborating with the unarmed enemy invading America," Vasquez wrote in
a news release issued on his official commissioner stationery. "All for
a vote to stay in office."

Vasquez opposes proposed legislation that would give undocumented
workers the opportunity to earn permanent legal status. Craig and Sen.
Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., are co-sponsoring such a bill.

Vasquez also said he opposes a proposal to allow children of illegal
immigrants to pay in-state tuition at colleges and universities instead
of higher out-of-state tuition.

The legislation would reward those who have broken laws, he said.
. . .

Fellow Commissioner Matt Beebe said while the news release was sent on
Vasquez's commission letterhead, that doesn't mean its tone or contents
represent the entire commission's views.

"I support the concept. I would not have been so aggressive toward our
congressional delegates," Beebe said. "To validate those who come here
illegally tears down the value of our citizenship."