Reaction Mixed To President Bush's Immigration Plan Announcement

Tulsa leaders have mixed reactions to President Bush's immigration plan announced Monday evening, especially on the issue of a proposed temporary-worker program. <br/><br/>More than 46,000 illegal

Tuesday, May 16th 2006, 5:51 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa leaders have mixed reactions to President Bush's immigration plan announced Monday evening, especially on the issue of a proposed temporary-worker program.

More than 46,000 illegal immigrants live in Oklahoma and several thousand reside in the Tulsa area.

Hispanic leaders say the President needs to address those already here, before sending troops to guard the border. Earlier this month, local Hispanic leaders organized an immigrant rally. Several thousand people showed up in downtown Tulsa, asking for more lenient immigration laws.

Hispanic leaders support the proposed temporary-worker program, but other's donâ€™t. Immigration activist Rev. Victor Orta II: "guest workers program, coming in documented, we know where they're going to be. They won't be exploited because they'll be protected under our laws? The way they're coming in, underground, that's not healthy for them or for us."

Congressman John Sullivan: "I don't care how you slice it, what the president's talking about is granting amnesty to illegal people, granting illegal aliens in this country legal status. I don't care how you look at it, that's what he's doing and I don't think that's right."

Governor Brad Henry commands the state's 7,100 National Guard troops. He agrees with the President that the borders need to be secured and says he's ready to help if asked.

But Governor Henry says his only concern is that the guard doesn't get spread too thin, especially during severe storm season.