Debate on illegal immigration grows larger

A group that blames Austin’s Welcome Center for much of the city’s economic and crime issues is gaining attention as more people on both sides of the immigration debate begin to speak out.

More than 100 people and some local politicians on Monday attended an open forum sponsored by the Minnesota Coalition for Immigration Reduction, led by Ron Branstner of the California Minutemen. Both the coalition and the California Minutemen oppose illegal immigration, but several in the audience questioned the group’s claims. It was one of several such meetings held in Austin and led by Branstner.

Panelists included Susan Tully, Midwest field director for Federation for American Immigration Reform; Ruthie Hendrycks, founder/president of Minnesotans Seeking Immigration Reform; and Dell Erickson, author and educator.

“We need to shut down the Welcome Center,” said Branstner. “It’s a big magnet to the whole state.”

Source:
Debate on illegal immigration grows larger
postbulletin.com