Citizen workshop in Farmers Branch

February 24, 2007

Star-Telegram | 02/24/2007 | Events set to aid immigrants in Farmers Branch

Groups opposed to Farmers Branch’s stance against illegal immigration will hold two events in the city today: one with a long-term goal of helping immigrants become citizens, the other with the immediate goal of registering people to vote.

People authorized to register voters will go door to door at Farmers Branch apartment complexes looking for eligible voters, said Gerald Henigsman, executive vice president of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas. He said the city’s proposed ban on renting apartments to illegal immigrants will require tenants to prove they’re legal immigrants or citizens.

Meanwhile, about 150 volunteers will help legal residents from throughout the region complete citizenship applications. The Los Angeles-based National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials holds such workshops across the country.

“We thought it was symbolically important [to have it in Farmers Branch] in light of the fact that immigration has been such an issue in that community,” said state Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, whose district includes part of Farmers Branch. Anchia is also the national chairman of the Latino officials association.

This is certainly some good news. I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t a quote from Tim O’Hare in the piece.

Technorati Tags: Farmers Branch, Immigration, illegal immigration