A Political Balancing Act…
One of the most impressive and interesting angles of the New Haven Elm City ID story was the way that the Mayor’s Office there was able to successfully get much of the city on board with the program – yes there was dissention, protests and even death threats but the law was passed and the ID’s were issued. Last Sunday’s New York Times “Remade in America” series showcased just how unique the New Haven and subsequent San Francisco experience has been.
The article looked at the political dilemma of Mayor Herbert A. Gears, from Irving Texas. Described as an “immigrant friendly Democrat with deep political ties to Hispanic leaders” Mayor Gears nevertheless passed a law that required an immigration check be done on everyone booked into the local jail. The resulting deportations have “made [me] the hero of every redneck in America.”
So why’d he do it? Anti-immigration pressure was building in his town, his opponent in the last election was campaigning on even harder line actions and looked like he might win and the town next door to Irving had recently taken even more energized and aggressive measures towards illegal immigration. The hope was that a middle of the road path like this would help.
But the result so far, has been the Mexican Consul in Dallas issuing warnings to stay away from Irving and the local Walmart has been complaining that Irving is driving away their Hispanic customers.
The lesson? That until the US decides on a national policy around the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, it will be up to cities and city politicians to find a way to make their local situation work as best they can….
