CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

June 27, 2006

Labor secretary touts Bush's plan on immigration

Chao leaves questions unanswered after speech to local leaders

DÁNICA COTO

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao gave a brief speech Monday in Charlotte to drum up support for President Bush's immigration reform plan, which has come under fire from Democrats and several members of his own party.

But Chao left before listeners could ask all of their questions about the proposal, which includes a temporary guest worker program and a path to citizenship for some of the 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S.

North Carolina has about 300,000 illegal immigrants, ranking eighth nationwide, according to a report from the Pew Hispanic Center.

Before touting Bush's plan to about 20 business and civic leaders at the Charlotte Chamber, Chao talked about the creation of new jobs nationwide and about North Carolina's low unemployment rate, at 4.6 percent.

She then talked about how Bush has emphasized border security and enforcement by increasing funding and adding more Border Patrol agents.

The president also believes in a temporary worker program, Chao said. It's a security backstop, she said, because the U.S. will know "who is in our country and why." She also said that those wanting to become citizens will have to pay hefty fines, learn English and pay taxes, among other requirements.

"Approval won't be automatic, and they must wait in line behind those who follow the rules," she said.

After she finished speaking, Chao took two questions, including one from Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess, who asked how municipalities can get help from the federal government to ensure that illegal immigrants aren't exploited.

"That's why we need to know how many people are in your community," Chao responded, repeating the idea of creating a guest worker program. Once it's known how many immigrants could be affected, the government could start looking for resources, she said.

Several audience members, including Ravi Patel, were left with raised hands.

"We wanted to ask questions," said Patel, CEO of Sree Hotels, which owns the Hilton Charlotte Executive Park. "We're having trouble finding workers, (but) we don't want to hire illegals."

Chao and other Cabinet members will make stops in other cities this summer. Meanwhile, lawmakers will talk with their constituents about immigration reform instead of trying to reach an agreement with each other regarding the House and Senate immigration proposals, as originally planned.

In December, the House approved a bill that calls for construction of a 700-mile fence and makes it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally. The Senate bill calls for some new fences, a legalization program and more Border Patrol agents.