Immigration Debate Comes To S. Philly

PHILADELPHIA - The right for states to make their own immigration laws – this issue is gripping the nation right now.

As we all know, the debate began in Arizona after that state passed a controversial immigration reform law.

Tonight, the discussion has come to Philadelphia.

From 7pm to 10pm today, an immigration rally in support of Arizona’s law was held place near Geno’s Steaks. Owner Joey Vento also held fundraiser to show support for the controversial Arizona immigration law.

Fox 29’s Thomas Drayton was down in South Philadelphia for this event.  On the Fox 29 News at Five, he was simulcasting on 1210AM, “The Big Talker” with radio host Dom Giordano.

They spoke, via phone, with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.

On the Fox 29 News at Ten, Thomas bought us the sights and sounds of the rally - which at times was heated.  It drew hundreds of people - on both sides of the immigration debate.

Check out the video.

Earlier in the evening, Claudia Gomez highlighted the immigration bills that are in the works in our area – and of course – it varies state-by-state.

Pennsylvania: House bill 2479 models the Arizona law pretty closely. It would require law enforcement officers to verify the immigration status of workers they suspect are undocumented.
In Philadelphia, the debate rages on over whether the feds should be allowed to access the city’s arrest records.

New Jersey : Republican lawmakers introduced measures that would bar employers from hiring undocumented workers. It also required employers to use the government’s online verification system. Governor Christie has said that immigration policy is not on the top of his priority list.

Delaware: 2 bills addressing the state’s immigration policy never made it out of committee. Governor Markell says he has serious questions about the legality of Arizona’s measure.

PA State Rep. Daryl Metcalf stopped by our studios today at 5. He is working to make tougher immigration laws in PA – similar to those in Arizona. He feels that the “illegal alien invasion” is impacting the nation. It is having a detrimental economic impact on the state and taxpayers and he would like to fix that.

On our Fox 29 poll, we asked, “Should states be allowed to pass their own immigration laws?
The results:

61% YES
39% No

No doubt, this debate will rage on. We want to know what you think. Tell us.