Panel discusses implications of immigration for South Bend Save Email Print
Posted: 11:22 PM Mar 26, 2008
Last Updated: 11:22 PM Mar 26, 2008
Reporter: Erin Logan
Email Address: erin.logan@wndu.com

A | A | A

How to fix it, how to address it, what to do about immigration reform? It's a challenging issue that our nation is dealing with.

You may remember just over a year ago, federal immigration officials raided Janco in Mishawaka and three dozen alleged illegal aliens were arrested.

Since then, a local priest asked several Notre dame departments to study what would happen to South bend's economy if every undocumented immigrant was deported.

After looking at the results, “harmful” is the word panelists used to describe what this would mean.

Wednesday night, reverend Chris Cox of St. Adalbert's Parish along with legal, educational, and healthcare service providers discussed how this study highlights the urgency of finding a solution to immigration reform locally and nationally.

Leading a church that is two thirds Hispanic has been an honor, yet a challenge for Reverend Cox.

It’s been an honor, because he says they bring new life in South Bend but, a challenge making them feel welcome as immigrants.

Reverend Cox says, “These men and women who are serving our country and armed forces on the fast track can't even get through it says there's a basic fundamental breakdown in the system.”

That's why he and a panel of health, educational, and legal experts in the community say it's time to look at immigrants not as an issue, but human beings with value.

The study estimate that in total, the immigrant population contributes between $2 million-$10.5 per month.

Abigail Wozniak, an Assistant Economics Professor at Notre Dame explains how these numbers were calculated.

Wozniak says, “How much you spend on food, income you bring in to the house, mortgage, rent, these are all things that go into the community and then on a negative liability side, we took out benefits undocumented workers received. We hope that community leaders will be interested in the study and take it seriously.”

Wozniak says these results should be published some time next week. Once they are, they hope to get input from political leaders at the local, state, and federal level.

More Stories
Poverty Here at Home - Part 3: The Success Stories

Art project and fundraiser combine for delicious charity

Michiana drivers say it's the start of snowy and slick roads

Plymouth man says hospital records were found in open dumpster

Will Sysco build in Starke County?

South Bend man to serve 30 years for robbing, beating elderly woman

It's Official: Diggins to Notre Dame

Two men arrested for attempted robbery

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Apr 5, 2008 at 08:43 AM
I'm a white guy in my mid 30's. Born and raised here. My family has been in this country since the 1500's and I'm part Native American. Nice try though.

Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on Apr 3, 2008 at 10:08 PM
We must have the illegals here. After all...they take all the crap jobs you unemployed refuse to do because you are too good.

Posted by: Rob Location: Elkhart on Apr 3, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Sorry Chaz, didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Let me guess, your a minority, illigal, or both? Stop being so gutless.

Posted by: Bill Location: OC on Apr 3, 2008 at 03:22 PM
The only problem here is, Don't come here Illegally. Do it the right way and live the American dream. Law breakers should not be tolerated. A crime is a crime, robbery, rape, murder, and yes crossing the border the wrong way!

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Apr 3, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Rob, I have to say, you should make an exception for yourself and keep your opinions quiet. Actually, never mind, you are the person I want as the face of the anti-immigration debate. Calling the mexican language gardener, suggesting that they're all a bunch of spray painting, gang bangers is precisely how people can see how nuts your sort of pathetic racism really is. Keep it up!

Posted by: Rob Location: Elkhart on Apr 2, 2008 at 08:13 PM
camacho, I am outraged and ashamed for you. I was in a store yesterday, and had some mexicano's try to speak spanish TO ME IN AMERICA, as if I am expected to speak "gardener". That is disrespect to come into this country and expect everyone else to change so you can live a better life. Why don't you go back home and change the way of life for yourselves!!! If I ever visit Mexico, I expect you to have everything translated to ENGLISH, have free health care for me, let me spray paint your buildings, start gang activity, and I want any kids I may have to be born in a hospital for FREE, etc, etc, etc... Yeah, you really have it rough here don't ya'?

Posted by: Rob Location: Elkhart on Apr 2, 2008 at 05:41 AM
Chaz, your right. (My name is Rob, and I live in Jimtown) Your right about the truth. If more people would quit trying to be politically correct and just say what they believe, can you imagine the change that could make? Start telling how it is people, how YOU feel, not how you think OTHER people feel.

Posted by: Kari Location: Elkhart on Apr 2, 2008 at 01:35 AM
Ok, for you kids that are writting in, you are right, there is nothing wrong with the American dream IF you do it legally and one day when you start paying taxes and health benifits you will understand what we are all complaining about. YES the illegal immigrants do hurt us and one day MAYBE you will understand that too.

Posted by: JavaGal Location: SB on Apr 1, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Camacho - you have a lot to learn. YES, illegal immigration affects us! Read all of the comments and you will see. Legal American Citizens who need assistance aren't getting it because illegal immigrants are scamming the system. They keep legal citizens from getting good jobs because they are willing to work illegally. Some steal the Social Security numbers of legal citizens which causes problems for the victims of such crimes. They overpopulate our schools which means less time that the teachers have for students here legally, whose taxpaying dollars go to pay for the schools. Illegals don't pay income tax nor property taxes. What part of this are you having a hard time understanding?

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Apr 1, 2008 at 02:26 PM
And there you have it. Rob admits what few are willing to say but really think. They don't want anybody here that doesn't already live here. Unless you look like us and sound like us, you're not welcome here. As stupid an idea as that is, I applaud Rob for having the guts to say it. Of course his name might not be Rob and he might not be from Elkhart so it's hardly that large a step to say it.

Posted by: Rob Location: Elkhart on Apr 1, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Cindy, your wrong. We don't want the immigrants, legal or not.

Posted by: camacho Location: uniteded states of america on Apr 1, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I have read all these comments I think with me being a legal, as you people call it, I am OUTRAGED AND OFFENDED BY WHAT YOU GUYS HAVE TO SAY.Why are you guys talking about it!DOES THIS ISSUE REALLY CONCERN YOU !!! Iam 14 and Hispanic and I like it. There's nothing wrong with coming to America for the American dream and for a better future for your kids. You are all wrong.

Posted by: les Location: mishamaka on Apr 1, 2008 at 08:53 AM
enforce the LAW. stop turning a blind eye to this problem. close the boarder

Posted by: Toby Location: South Bend on Mar 31, 2008 at 09:57 PM
So, it's ok to be a CRIMINAL, break the law, take the free welfare, healthcare and a dozen other "freebies" while LEGAL citizens have to go without. Now I get it.

Posted by: Cindy Location: rolling prairie on Mar 31, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Come on people its not immigrants we don't like its illegals, law breakers get it now!

Posted by: Jose Location: Goshen on Mar 31, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I love the United States they give me free medical, free education ,free food i may never go back to Mexico. With all my money i will buy a ranch in Mexico and retire what a great place to live.

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 31, 2008 at 02:49 PM
i haven't heard anything about the (african americans) there is a ton of them coming here everyday, oh but no one says anything because they might be picked out because of there skin color, and establish riots

Posted by: Anonymous Location: sb on Mar 31, 2008 at 02:47 PM
everyone needs to calm down this country was found on immigrants so i say everyone's welcome the more the better

Posted by: anoymous Location: Ligonier on Mar 31, 2008 at 02:44 PM
you act like these people are all working together. They come here indivudually to defend for their families....I am married to a hispanic and yes he is here legally...most of them that I know only have 1 or 2 kids...no they are not trying to out baby us. GROW UP GET A LIFE IF YOU ARE SO WORRIED ABOUT THEM GETTING OUR JOBS GO APPLY FOR THEM YOURSELF.. You say they are here taking jobs from americans and that the people on welfare would have jobs if they were not here. These people would still be on welfare even if these jobs are available because they don't want to work they would rather live off the government and have us support their kids if you ask me they are all the same whites, blacks, latinos, asians whatever it may be there is always people out there seeing how many babies they can have so they can get some kind of free assistance..

Posted by: Anoymous Location: Elkhart on Mar 31, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I suppose if all the illegals were rounded up and sent back... which might not be a bad ideal... the law is the law after all. I suspect my neighborhood would return to the much quieter, much nicer looking neighborhood it used to be. The pattern is an old person dies, the kids sell the house to a slum lord and the illegals move in. There is no way these homes with numerous Latinos living in them are here legally. From whatever country it is. You would have to be an idiot to think otherwise. Lets also look at the pregnancy rate among the Latin community. I have been told by a legal Latino couple I know with only two kids and no intent to have anymore that producing as many anchor babies as possible is the goal amongst illegal aliens. Folks, they simply intend to out baby us. They intend to produce more off spring than Anglos and African Americans combined and it appears they are doing a good job of it compliments of the American taxpayer. Our politicians need to wake up!!!

Posted by: To Melissa on Mar 31, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Hey wanna test your theory? Go to mexico and try to get a job. Good luck! Ok, try France.... Good Luck Ok, Try India ..... Good Luck.

Posted by: Janet Location: south bend on Mar 31, 2008 at 08:55 AM
WELL I'M A 14 YEARS OLD. I GO TO SCHOOL AND I BELIEVE THAT THEIR CAN BE SOMETHING TO HELP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.WELL, FIRST OF ALL, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE NOT HURTING ANYBODY.PEOPLE JUST BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE HURTING YOU BECAUSE THEY HAVE JOBS THAT ARE WELL PAID AND YOU ARE JUST JELIOUS. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE HARD WORKERS.SO INSTEAD OF JUST SITTING THERE AND WHINNING GET A JOB AND FORGET ABOUT THE IMMIGRANTS, UNLESS THEY ARE HURTING YOU IN ANY PHYSICAL WAY. I WAS BORN IN THE UNITED STATES AND I AM HERE LEGALLY. BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE DISLIKE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SO MUCH. SOME (I ADMIT SOME IMMIGRANTS DO COME FOR BAD THINGS) IMMIGRANTS COME TO GET A BETTER JOB,AND SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES. I WANT TO ASK EVERYONE THAT HAS POSTED A COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE A QUESTION...WHERE ARE YOU GUYS FROM? WHERE ARE YOUR PARENTS FROM?I BET SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE YOU HAVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN YOUR HISTORY.SO QUIT WHINNING AND UNTIL AN ILLLEGAL IMMIGRANT HAS HURT YOU THEN BE MAD.

Posted by: Jym on Mar 31, 2008 at 12:10 AM
We've always been suspicious of immigrants (the so called red scare of the russian immigration in the 1800s) but the difference today is that the immigrants hate us back. People used to come to America because they liked it so much. Today people come to America with this attitude that they wish whitey would move out. My Sicilian great grandfather didn't come here thinking, "one day the land will be mostly Sicilian and we'll be able to get our piece of the pie at last...". But that's the attitude in today's ghettos. They think, "one day whitey will be the minority and driven out and then finally we will be on top...".

Posted by: Kari Location: Elkhart on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Oh and by the way Chaz.....I use my own identy and not steal someone elses!

Posted by: Kari Location: Elkhart on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Yes Chaz, I do believe in God and I do consider my self Christian, but I also follow the laws that are laid down by MY Government. I don't lie on my taxes and I don't lie on my income to get government help, I worked my butt off to support my kids even if it meant working two jobs. And when my kids thought they could act like thugs they were corrected and told to straighten up and act right, so don't preach to me about God and being judged..I do as I am supposed to by law and live my live accordingly.

Posted by: JavaGal Location: SB on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Chaz: The whole "Do unto others" has different meanings for different people. For people who come here from Latin American countries and commit murders only to flee back to their homeland to avoid prosecution, it means "Do unto others then run like hell!" And remember - just as I will be judged, ye shall be judged, as will the illegals.

Posted by: JavaGal Location: South Bend on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:26 PM
To Melissa: That is the great thing about this country - if you don't like it, you are free to LEAVE!

Posted by: Kari Location: Elkhart on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:15 PM
As for you JOSE, "VIVA MEXICO" go back. we don't want you here!

Posted by: Kari Location: Elkhart on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Chaz, don't talk to me about the Poor! I work two jobs to support my self and go to school. I don't drive a fancy car and have no credit cards. I have been a single parent and was denied assistance because I made too much money so I had to get a second job to survive while these ILLEGAL immigrants be what ever nationality have come over here and gotten what ever help they can get. Yet they drive fancy cars have the name brand clothes and shoes and act like thugs. Quite frankly I am appauled that someone like you defends these ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. That is the problem, everyone wants to defend them instead of taking them and sending them home. How about the guy in the paper (just this morning) that stole the identy of the Goshen guy and now has problems with the IRS because of taxes...That is OK right? Let them take your identy if you want to support them so daggone much. I say every time one of them get in trouble deport their butts.

Posted by: Ruff Location: Bend on Mar 30, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Perhaps a simple acid test is in order to verify the results of this study. Say...lets remove around 5000 illegals in the area and see if the study holds water. I should think that this would be enough people to develop a regression analysis and verify said facts.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Mar 30, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Well it's nice to see we can have reasoned debate. Yeah, that "What Would Jesus Do" crap. Really awful to think about isn't it? If you people spent less time worrying about illegals and focused on the real problems in this world, you might wind up a lot happier.

Posted by: Alison on Mar 30, 2008 at 06:50 PM
How unfortunate that this website seems to censor posts that are in no way out of line...I'm positive that I posted between 3:41 and 6:39, yet my post has not been included....How nice that you chose Jose's Viva Mexico sentiment to include, which doesn't add all that much to the discussion here.

Comments are reviewed at different times. Please be patient as we work through the approval process. It is also very easy to have comments get flagged for profanity because we have an extremely sensitive filter set up. If your comment gets flagged, it takes even longer for approval. It also helps to leave an email address so we can contact you if there is a question or problem with your comment. Thank you. -WNDU.com


Posted by: JOSE Location: GOSHEN on Mar 30, 2008 at 05:39 PM
VIVA MEXICO

Posted by: That Statue Location: In the harbor on Mar 30, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Does that statue say..."come here illegally, break as many laws as you see fit, cram your language and culture down our throats and rob us blind"? Perhaps it says, "come here illegally and steal our identities, depress our wages and demand we reward you for your crimes, pop out babies like a vending machine and place them ahead of our children every chance you get"? By the type and tone of our newest immigrant masses (the illegal alien invaders) that statue should just say this, "come on over illegally the welfare office is that way and the materinty ward is this way..."!

Posted by: Have you read Location: the truth? on Mar 30, 2008 at 03:48 PM
In the last few months the L.A.TIMES (a pro illegal alien paper) has published articles about how the county did an audit of the welfare rolls in California and they were shocked to find (because they are idiots) that L.A. COUNTY pays out 1 billion dollars PER YEAR in welfare to just illegal aiens! Not all welfare residents, just illegals and their anchor babies! That's one BILLION dollars for just one county in Ca for just one year! That one billion figure did not include free lunches, education, incarceration or court costs, nor did it include translators for county services or schools. And it did not include the WIC COUPON program as that is funded by the feds thru the USDA. Also, it didn't not include "MED-I-CAL" which is Calfornia's version of medicaid (another welfare freebie)!Now, tell us again how only a few illegals use welfare please...we need a good laugh!!

Posted by: Let's not! Location: The real world on Mar 30, 2008 at 03:20 PM
To "Let's be united": My guess from your post is that you're of the "under 30" age group and an anchor baby yourself and/or know someone close to you who is an illegal. I doubt you're a taxpayer, in any event. And your comment about illegals not getting benefits, etc.: WRONG!!! You get your facts straight. Legal citizens are paying for those who are illegally here, despite what those around you may be telling you. Those are the real facts.

Posted by: Jane Location: SB on Mar 30, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Chaz -- I have only two words for you: SHUT UP!! The only sensible thing you said at all was "secure the border." No one rational can deny that EVERYONE suffers the effects of illegal immigration. Go to any SB school and you will find at least one person who has been hired to be a "liason" for immigrant students. (The translation for this job description is sit around and translate and/or chase these kids around because they're truant!) The red carpet has been rolled out for them and the taxpayer, once again, is footing the bill. It's this whole bleeding-heart-what-would-Jesus-do-rhetoric that further sticks it to the LEGAL American. I'm tired of paying for healthcare for these people. We all know that Mexico isn't a desirable place to live and everyone gets why they want to be here, BUT DO IT THE LEGAL WAY! AND STOP HAVING KIDS TO (DISHONESTLY) STAY HERE! (By the way, I am a working, taxpaying, homeowning, married mother of three who doesn't receive aid, nor wants any!)

Posted by: Leo Location: goshen on Mar 30, 2008 at 02:41 PM
GET A CLUE...LIBERTY says that she lifts her lamp BY THE GOLDEN DOOR...to welcome people coming in by the DOOR...not sneaking in over/under the fence. Americans are sick of paying for illegals...mostly mexicans. Mexico is a VERY rich country...let them fight thier own government for benefits. Why should we raise thier anchor babies? Just because they are close enough to WALK in our country does not make it right. Just as I would not WALK into my neighbors house just because it is NICER.

Posted by: Melissa Location: SB on Mar 30, 2008 at 01:38 PM
All you people make me want to pick up and leave this hate-filled country. And this is MY country that is making me sick! I bet you any other country would welcome me.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Mar 30, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I am a born and raised American. My family has been in this country since the 1500's and I'm part native American. The very debate is ridiculous. The only reason most people were able to come to this country is because it was easy to come to this country. They didn't have to pay thousands of dollars to do so. And no, contrary to what you think, many of them didn't learn English. Their kids did. Once again, I'm amazed at the the glaring lack of compassion or understanding beyond your own little worlds. Do you guys believe in God? If so, when you die, you're going to be judged. One of the judgments will be how did you treat your fellow man. Not just your equals but those that are worse off than you. How are you going to answer? What would the poor say about how you treated them? Of you're not a Christian, look at this purely as a moral issue. If you were the immigrant, how would you want to be treated? Do unto others is a universal truth. What's so hard to understand about it?

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 30, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Close the border!!!

Posted by: Kari Location: Elkhart on Mar 30, 2008 at 02:01 AM
You Chaz you seem to be such a supporter. Are you not an American? Are you an illegal your self? So it takes time and money to come here legally..."where there is a will, there is a way"! Do it the legal way or stay there. Learn english or stay there. Don't come here and EXPECT us to accomodate to you and have us learn spanish. Our ancestors came here with very little money, worked hard and learned the languaged, it was not too good for them to do and it should not be too good for anyone else.

Posted by: JavaGal Location: South Bend on Mar 30, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Chaz states: "As for benefits, sure people scam the system but should we make everyone suffer because of the few that do?" I hate to tell you this but this is already happening. The illegals are scamming the system and the ones who truly need the benefits can't get them! Let their own governments take care of them and let the US take care of US Citizens. As for their children - they can take them with them when they go. They are unruly in stores and allowed to run around unsupervised. They gave birth to them, they can take care of them.

Posted by: Ken Location: Elkhart on Mar 29, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Have you considered the fact that they supress citizens wages in the area.... Fact they are here ILLEGAL.... With this logic you are useing then if a bank robbers contributed enough moneys into the area...they you would fight to keep them out of jail???.. Given ANY Form of amnesty to these illegals is a crime.... Every convict in our prisons can give you the same sob storys for breaking our laws an they was still punished These people are "NOT IMMAGRANTS"...they are "ILLEAGAL INVADERS" And they "BROKE OUR LAWS"...Have you Also calulated the fact that 12-25 amercian citizens are murdered or killed by DUIs from "ILLEGALS" a day....Or did you figured thats a PLUS For Funeral Homes???...This is a OUR RAGE that you even consider any form of amnesty for this invasion...Would you stick up for me if i robbed a bank to "BETTER MY FAMILY"?? This is no different... Its not just Latinos either im talking ALL..Illegals.. Need to GO HOME

Posted by: naomi Location: osceola on Mar 29, 2008 at 06:23 AM
why has nothing happened to janko is he in jail 33 people that can,t speak english he didn,t know thay were illegals ? put owners in jail then it WILL STOP we need the jobs not them

Posted by: JavaGal Location: South Bend on Mar 28, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I disagree with Les. Who determined that the USA should be the ones to bring the Mexicans up to speed on "the system"? Why not Canada or some other country? I agree with the others who say illegals should learn English before they come here. I think it is disrespectful to go to another country and not know the language, especially if you plan on living there. Do you honestly think that the pompous French would cater to English-speaking people the way we do with Latinos? No! They wouldn't! I still think the lot of them should ban together, go back to Mexico, Cuba, or whereever and demand that their own governments support them.

Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Mar 28, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Yeah Leo. You're right, we should let them be born in Mexico and die instead. Also we'll have to shred a little more of the constitution again. Oh, also if we say that being born here doesn't make you a citizen, guess what? None of us are citizens. As for benefits, sure people scam the system but should we make everyone suffer because of the few that do? Sorry kids, no food for you because people don't want to feel like anyone is ripping them off. Maybe we can hang a sign on the Statue of Liberty to replace that says" Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door." Maybe we can replace it with something snappy like: "STAY OUT UNLESS YOU SPEAK ENGLISH! OTHERWISE WE WUDN'T CROSS THE STREET TO PEE ON YOU IF YOU WAS ON FIRE!" If any of you xenophobes can figure out how to work the word "Terror" in there, that'd be just swell.

Posted by: Leo Location: Goshen on Mar 28, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Hey now...it only takes a couple anchor babies born premature to cost millions to the taxpayers. T