Business Affidavit Against Illegal Immigrants Proposed

County Should Set Example, Pass Resolution, Quorum Court Member Says

Last updated Monday, April 9, 2007 9:10 PM CDT in News

By Scarlet Sims
The Morning News

    BENTONVILLE -- Benton County should set an example and pass a resolution not to do business with any entity employing illegal immigrants, Justice of the Peace Burton Schindler said Monday.

    "I'm hoping that, as a public body, we will set the pace and the example for everybody else to follow," Schindler said.

    He will present his proposal for a resolution at the Committee of 13 meeting today.

    The resolution will ask business owners to sign an affidavit saying that, to the best of their knowledge, they employ only legal residents of the United States.

    Lying or failing to sign the statement would put the company on a do-not-use list, Schindler said.

    Schindler hopes the county's declaration will lead other entities to draft similar resolutions and policies. School boards, cities and counties could solve problems and fear related to illegal immigration by creating guidelines, he said.

    "Instead of all this hysteria, let's do something," Schindler said.

    At least two cities have passed similar ordinances, including Hazelton, Pa., which is currently in a lawsuit over its regulations against employing and harboring illegal immigrants, said Rich Pierce, executive vice president of the National Border Patrol Council. An increasing number of cities are trying to regulate businesses hiring illegal immigrants because the influx of illegal immigrants changes the quality of life in small towns, he said.

    Adrian Dominguez, treasurer of the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, declined to comment Monday. He gave numbers for the organization's new president, Hilda Gomez, but she didn't immediately return calls for comment Monday.

    Immigrants must follow the rules and regulations, said Alex Martinez, a Benton County business owner and former league president. He said he had no problem with the county deciding not to use businesses that employ illegal immigrants.

    "People agree and disagree about immigration, because it's such a sensitive issue at many levels," Martinez said.

    Pierce said the resolution is a step in the right direction but would be difficult to enforce. He pointed out that the county couldn't rely on the honor system or wait for an employee to say a business lied about employing illegal residents. More proof would be needed, Pierce said.

    Agricultural work brings in a large percentage of illegal immigrants, Pierce said.

    "How is the county going to avoid doing business with farm owners?" he asked.

    Schindler said he had been speaking with other county officials and looking into the legal issues. He decided something needed to be done after reading a speech from the National Border Patrol Council president, T.J. Bonner.

    Benton County Judge Gary Black was unavailable for comment, said Rosemary Goines, his administrative assistant.

    Pierce commended the county for taking action but cautioned that enforcement is key.

    "The spirit of the resolution is very good, but the enforcement will be something else," he said. "There's a lot more to it than just saying we're going to do it."

    Reader Comments (58 comment(s))


    The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

    Chefgun wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:18 PM:

    " At last, were starting to do something about this LONG ONGOING PROBLEM. The folks and there familys that are here legal have nothing to fear, but the illegals need to look out, as in ( MOVE ) somewhere else. I see a whole lot of Citys and Countys going for this and before long it will just be the norm. "

    Deacon wrote on Apr 9, 2007 11:10 PM:

    " I commend their effort and it is a start, but as the major poultry processors in the area state....... "Everyone working for our companies are of legal status, to the best of our knowledge." Yeah Right!!!! "

    Lilathe wrote on Apr 10, 2007 7:55 AM:

    " It has to start somewhere. Our federal government has basically left us out for the wolves to eat. It is time to fend for ourselves and put a stop to this drain on the American middle class one town or county at a time. "

    To deacon & Everybody else wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:35 AM:

    " It's not just the poultry business. Remember the hailstorm in 1993? Every roof in a five mile area was replaced by Hispanic workers. Check out the lawn business. Go to some new construction subdivisions and see who's working there. These are jobs that Americans used to have. The old idea that they are doing the work Americans won't do is a lie. "

    It is about time someone woke up in Gov. wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:55 AM:

    " Between this story and the one from Springdale, I would hope that some who is in this country illegally will get the point that NWA does not want you here. I am thankful our City Leaders see this and can get the idea through to everyone that it is not some here legally that is a threat to our community, it is someone here illegally that we do not want. Yes! they should go back to where they came from. Too many crimes are committed by illegals and they simply get deported, change their names and head back. Make life tough on them, such as making them prove there legal status to register a child for school or work here and they will head back to where it is not so tough to live. "

    BRAVO!!! wrote on Apr 10, 2007 10:35 AM:

    " All i have to say, dont get your hopes up... "

    Danny wrote on Apr 10, 2007 10:49 AM:

    " To:To deacon & Everybody else. Construction, lawn businesses, you are saying that I have taken your job? I'm hispanic, but I'm more American than you are. I'll be very brief. Are you willing to Pick chickens, pick up trash, work on construction when is 100 degrees outside, clean people's waste or work on a farm? If your answer is no then nobody has taken your job, if you say yes, then go work as easy as that. And if I take your job weather is cheap labor or a doctor is only becuase you don't put much effort into your job. Bush said yesterday "we NEED foreign workers to do the jobs that we Americans aren't doing" "

    Hip Hip Hoo-Ray wrote on Apr 10, 2007 11:19 AM:

    " That is good news, hope it goes through. Sorry Danny your not making sense. You think only Hispanic work hard? Your certainly not racist are you? "

    Danny wrote on Apr 10, 2007 11:22 AM:

    " No, I'm not saying only hispanics work hard what I'm saying is that anybody reguardless of color who works hard have a job. I hate hearing people complaining that we Hispanics are taking their jobs, we are not we are doing the jobs that people don't want to do. "

    Hip Hip Hoo Ray wrote on Apr 10, 2007 11:25 AM:

    " The Illegals are taking the jobs away, because they accept them on lesser terms to include working for less money and no benefits. "

    Danny wrote on Apr 10, 2007 11:42 AM:

    " Bottom line is you take the job or LEAVE it. "

    Hip Hip Hoo Ray wrote on Apr 10, 2007 11:50 AM:

    " Well there lies the difference Danny-boy... try to improve your quality of life or just stay down and swim in pond mud. I am sure if you were selling your house you would take the first offer wouldn't you? Wouldn't hold out for a better offer or counter offer. "

    Danny wrote on Apr 10, 2007 11:58 AM:

    " Good question, but it would depend on the situation. And I agree with you that some people work for less money I have seen that my self, but that is due to economy and not illegals. A good example right now is housing development, builders are not willing to pay prime labor due to the fact that the real estate market is very slow right now. Therefore the higher cheap labor, not illegals and they also hire illegals along the process. Bu the point is that what they are looking for is cheap labor. "

    DT wrote on Apr 10, 2007 12:26 PM:

    " Danny, You don't get it. Illegals are here illegally! They aren't suppose to be here. No employer should hire an illegal, for any reason! Simple economics say that if there is not a cheap flow of illegal labor from south of the border, American employers will adjust to the circumstances and will do just fine. Many have just become addicted to the cheap labor offered by illegals, and like the extra profits they can make by hiring illegals. However, due to all the illegals, the rest of us who aren't business owners have to deal with the economic costs and social costs associated with illegals! These costs are very real, very high, and not acceptable! "

    Deacon wrote on Apr 10, 2007 2:07 PM:

    " DANNY.... learn to understand what you read. Nowhere did I say that you or any other illegal took my job (that I will never have to worry about). I was making the point that employers hire illegals and believe whatever paperwork is shown to them.........AND JESSICA...The majority of people in Benton Co. (or anywhere else for that matter) do not have a problem with immigrants... It's The ILLEGALS that are causing most of the problems....Find out what the difference is!!!! "

    randy wrote on Apr 10, 2007 3:25 PM:

    " I do construction Illegles depressed the wages. I am tired of all the benifits going to them and there anchor babies we were better off without them. I know many carpenters out of work and struggling to support their families.. So dont think that you are doing jobs Americans wont do.. You are stealing jobs Americans want WWW.americanpatrol.com "

    Larry wrote on Apr 10, 2007 3:36 PM:

    " TOM TANCREDO FOR PRESIDENT! If you are concerned about illegal immigration nobody is doing more than Tom. While he has little chance of winning, he can FORCE the other candidates to deal with and talk about the problem. Contribute today! He has raised over a million dollars so far and needs more to send a message. http://www.tancredo4prez.blogspot.com/ "

    Ron wrote on Apr 10, 2007 3:48 PM:

    " To Danny and Jessica - Americans owe illegal aliens nothing. And Jesssica there is a difference between being a immigrant (Legal) and an Illegal alien (Illegal) get it. It is a fact that illegal aliens suppress the wages of Americans. It is also a fact that they destroy the social structure designed to support Americans not foreigners. And it is a fact that they bring previously extinct communicable diseases across the border and reintroduce them to the native Ameircan population. The fact that this issue has reached this critical mass is a testament to its destructiveness. This country and its people should not be expected to sacrifice its culture, quality of life, and sovereignty for people who are the citizens of a foreign country. One in which refuses to provide the quality of life and oppurtunity are ancestors died to leave to us. Deport every illegal alien in this country, and elect politicians who actually will uphold the laws of this land and protect its citizens from this and everyother invasion. The illegal alien invasion is destructive to Americans and their quality of life in many many facets. The worst being the militant, anti-American racist reconquistas who believe this is there country and that all the "pilgrims" as they put it should be shipped backed to Europe. The fact that this issue has reached "

    To Jessica also wrote on Apr 10, 2007 3:53 PM:

    " First, your use of all CAPS is extremely rude. Second, I suggest that you have a talk with some folks in the places you mention, especially CA. They hate the illegals. Finally, perhaps you should visit Benton county - it is one of the fastest growing areas in the US and is quite affluent. "

    ??? wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:24 PM:

    " Jessica, are you ok? Do you need some help? "

    Oh Danny Boy wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:26 PM:

    " How do you think we survived BEFORE the illegals? You act as if we were a third world country and illegals came in and saved us all! Give me a stinking break!! We survived before you and we would survive without you! "

    To Danny: wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:27 PM:

    " In reponse to your "Bush said yesterday "we NEED foreign workers to do the jobs that we Americans aren't doing"", Um, yeah, and he said we NEEDED to invade Iraq too...Look where we are now... "

    Dear Jessica wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:28 PM:

    " Troll is not the word that would be used to describe you. "

    Bobby wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:34 PM:

    " Ron,is actually the only guy who hit the nail on the head. Americans owe, people running around in this nation, NOTHING. It's so amusing, listening to presumably, the descendants of the people who built this nation arguing desperately about what their rights should be visa vie people who don't even belong here. No American was ever asked, "Would you like to support with your hard earned taxes zillions of people from another nation? It's mindboggling. These politicians should be threatened with their jobs daily. Side note. If you support anyone but Congressman Tancredo,President, you will get more of the same. Go to Team Tancredol. org and donate a few bucks to the conressman every week, so he can expose Hillary, Obama, Giuliiani, Romney, Edwards, and all the rest, who's main concern if their elected will be, "What else can I do for those here illegally, over Americans." Take off the rose colored glasses, when it comes to these political whores. "

    LEGIT BUSINESS wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:46 PM:

    " It is true, small business has been affected by illegals and these small business`s are usually done by owners of their own companies. It is absolutely unfair to an American Citizen to be run out of business by another business using illegals. What is legal about that ? My experience is if you call around or have we have all found reasonable rates by legal Americans. Let`s preserve that right before all we have is nothing but spanish speaking workers. I will personally only deal with english speaking businessmen who are legal Citizens. "

    Robert wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:49 PM:

    " www.mayorno.com/WhoIsMecha.html The above link in the prior post of mine didn't print out in its entirety. Check it out. You'll be surprised to note the racism there which is NEVER reported by the mainstream media, and it involves millions of Hispanics. "

    Jeffersonian wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:50 PM:

    " ", you are saying that I have taken your job?" Thats exactly right. I remember when I got out of high school framing, Plumbing, and lots of "trades" jobs paid 15 bucks an hour, now 30 years later, they pay 8 to 10. Why cause illegals have driven the wage base down. Deport them all. "

    Bobby wrote on Apr 10, 2007 5:09 PM:

    " Who is MECHA? Some Americans don't know this yet? Let's have a quiz? Question: What organization, with offices on hundreds of Colleges and campuses in the Southwest States and in hundreds of high schools in the same general area, especially California, has this as it's motto: "For those in the Race everything,for those outside the race nothing." A.The K.K.K. B.The Campus Conservative Club. C.The Boy Scouts of America d.The Y.M.C.A. e.Mecha "

    Bobby wrote on Apr 10, 2007 5:19 PM:

    " Some Americans have never heard of MECHA? Quiz: What organization found on hundreds of high schools and Universities in the southwest states has this motto?: "For those in the Race everything, for those outside the Race nothing." A. The K.K.K. B. The campus conservative club. C. The Boy Scouts of America D. The Y.M.C.A. E. MECHA "

    JESSICA wrote on Apr 10, 2007 5:23 PM:

    " SO, I MUST ASSUME I HAVE NO RIGHTS TO WRITE IN HERE ANYMORE, RIGHT? "

    Go Home wrote on Apr 10, 2007 5:29 PM:

    " Bobby is right! I have started collecting money to send to Tancredo, right now I have $375.00. Here's the address you can send money too. Make the check our to: Tancredo for A Secure America, Send it to: PO Box 96474 Washington, DC 20090-6474. Come on people, your're talking the talk, now walk the walk. Put your money where your mouth is. "

    back to the story wrote on Apr 10, 2007 7:30 PM:

    " Before I buy a large purchase item, I ask where their customer service office is. I won't buy computers made by a company that rhymes with bell or satelite television because their service people are in Bangladesh, doing a job that Americans should be doing. Same thing here... My tax money is supporting work to be done in my county. That work should be done by a legal citizen. "

    Barb wrote on Apr 10, 2007 8:43 PM:

    " In response to LEGIT BUSINESS -- You are correct that this massive illegal labor force hits the blue collar worker and small businessman hardest. My relative is a master-house-painter in NW Ark. It is getting harder and harder to find jobs at ANY wage, let alone what he used to get. His competition has helped illegal employees get set up as "independent contractors". This method has worked like a charm in the agricultural and janitorial business -- two fields that have been completely colonized by illegal labor. "

    To Barb wrote on Apr 10, 2007 8:47 PM:

    " That`s a classic example of exactly what they are doing. How long will it be when our elected officials lose their job in the same fashion. All it takes is votes. "

    John wrote on Apr 10, 2007 11:42 PM:

    " It is funny to read the comments of so many ignorant people here. Wake up: America means the whole continent,we have Indians, Blacks, Orientals, Europeans, and Hispanics and we are a melting pot. The desire for a better life is stronger than all the walls, the laws are made for people not against them and honest hard working family people will be part of this land. Accept it. It will be better for a lot of people that seem to have a lot of anger towards the undocumented people. "

    To: John wrote on Apr 11, 2007 12:50 AM:

    " Maybe you can afford it. Most working people can't. "

    Working Guy wrote on Apr 11, 2007 1:17 AM:

    " John::: Maybe you can afford to support them but most working people can't!!!!!! "

    Sooo John ? wrote on Apr 11, 2007 4:55 AM:

    " Your saying we forget all our laws and everything that made America the country that it is ? Another example of the twisted thinking Liberals come up with. A country that compromises it`s laws is a country that loses it`s integrity. "

    Bill wrote on Apr 11, 2007 8:27 AM:

    " To Go Home - you can also visit the web. I did and set up a monthly contribution. Even if Tancredo doesn't win the nomination, I at least did something and made a statement. If nothing else, it will force other candidates to address the issue. Its pathetic the way immigration laws are being abused and ignored. "

    Yes, Jessica wrote on Apr 11, 2007 8:36 AM:

    " You have no rights here anymore if you are not considerate enough to TURN OF THE CAPS! We are all sick and tired of your 'yelling.' "

    Bill wrote on Apr 11, 2007 8:39 AM:

    " To John - Yes, we are a melting pot. A desire for a better life gives nobody the right to break our laws or violate our sovereignty. The people are speaking, John, and they're pretty fed up. We don't mind helping people attain a better life. Not at all. But, with all respects, we're tired of being kicked and taken advantage of. Everytime someone thinks they're better than those trying to do it legally, it makes it that much harder and longer. We don't need an army of illegal border crossers demanding "rights" and amnesty, and instant citizenship by virtue of irresponsible breeding, that we, the taxpayer, end up supporting. "

    Bobby wrote on Apr 11, 2007 4:36 PM:

    " There is no term in the law that refers to anyone as the undocumented. However, you will find in the books the term,illegal alien. People in this nation illegally, have not lost their documents. They never had any to begin with, except perhaps the counterfeit ones. The whole issue of illegal immigration is one of, lies, deception, theft, fraud, and in general lawbreaking of every kind. One deception is supported by another. It never ends, and is corrosive to any semblence of order in a society. None of this matters to those it doesn't affect. Namely the elites in this nation, who have no problem with all of it, as long as a few more bucks can be made on Wall Street. We are talking about the type of people who's greed simply cannot be mitigated. Congressman Tom Tancredo at Team Tancredo.org. will expose this evil. He is doing it right now. Send the congressman some "clean" money. Just a few bucks a week for a few months and watch the corporate bought off clowns now running for President be forced into a debate that they don't want--illegal immigration. "

    Go Home wrote on Apr 11, 2007 5:54 PM:

    " Since yesterday I have come up with another $97.00 for Tancredo. You know, if all these people who are giving money will also write him in on the ballot it does not matter if he gets the nomination from a party or not. "

    Jerry Hawkins wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:49 AM:

    " We as a community must report illegals and their amployers if this is to benifit us. No longer can we accept that our elected officals are selling us out to the low wage earners. Let us also let our elected officals loose their positions of leadership by not voting for them in the next election. Let us start a grassroots populast movement to let them know we won't stand for their incompetence. This is OUR government and we want it ran the way WE want it to be ran. Start packing carpet baggers. "

    It won't wrote on Apr 12, 2007 5:20 PM:

    " end until people stand up and fight. We have to write our congressmen and senators. Hit them where it hurts; their wallet. That is the only thing politicians understand. Do not buy any product or service from anyone who employs illegals. Take it a step further and only buy products made in the USA. We, the middle class are an edangered species. We have to put ourselves on the protected list, because no one else cares. "

    Bobby wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:13 PM:

    " Your right Go Home. He can and should be writtend in on the ballot, even if he doesn't get the party nomination. The "party" is going nowhere fast, as it is. "

    If our wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:43 PM:

    " government would take all the money confiscated in the drug busts of illegal aliens (like the 45.2 million from the Cezares cartel in San Diego for one example) and have the illegal criminals in our prisons do the labor, it wouldn't cost the taxpayers one penny, except for the guards to watch them. I have been donating all I can afford to the Minuteman Civil Defense Corp. The address to send the donations to is: P.O. Box 130819, Houston, TX 77219-0819--Make check payable to MCDC. "

    If we want wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:50 PM:

    " to change what is happening to our communities and our country as a whole, we are going to have to give until it hurts. Because our politicians are against us. They are in the pocket of big business, and the fat cats that are making all the money off the Illegals by keeping our wages depressed. They certainly aren't lowering prices to us, now are they? "

    Prices keep wrote on Apr 12, 2007 7:57 PM:

    " going up and wages don't go up enough to compensate. The corporations would rather give their CEO's another 20 million dollar bonus that let some of that money trickle down to the people that do the labor to make them rich. You Illegals out there should be mad also, they are just using you to get richer. "

    WebAdmin wrote on Apr 13, 2007 12:06 PM:

    " To rick: you can e-mail nwaonline@gmail.com for explanation. "

    DJ wrote on Apr 13, 2007 5:48 PM:

    " Citigroup just let go of 17,000 employees.More American Citizens unemployed "

    DJ wrote on Apr 13, 2007 6:37 PM:

    " To Everybody Its useless to deport ILLEGALS unless there is a border fence.Lets all donate to the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps.so they can continue to build the border fence.Help stop the ILLEGAL INVASION now. "

    Wesley wrote on Apr 13, 2007 9:03 PM:

    " Solution Individuals, boycotts of contractor corporations catering to illegals use we hire aliens Do Not Depend on Government they have had years "

    Wesley wrote on Apr 13, 2007 9:08 PM:

    " Would anyone be concerned with say security If so see A LINE IN THE SAND Iraq s learn Spanish befoe crossing to America Senator Mc Caul s Website http house gov mccaul "

    Bill wrote on Apr 14, 2007 9:53 AM:

    " What I'm reading here is alot of anger and frustration regarding illegals. I'm right up there with you. I live in California, and this state is actually under seige by illegals. Our best hope? Tom Tancredo for President. "

    I am wrote on Apr 16, 2007 6:05 PM:

    " very concerned with security. Did you know that the terrorists have plans to attack schools? Check out www.policeone.com. Their plan is to learn spanish and come up through our southern border. They know that the most sacred thing to us is our children. Al-Quaeda has publicly asserted the "right" to kill American children. In 2006 there were several school bus-related incidents involving middle eastern males that raise suspicion of terrorist activity. The boarding of a school bus in Florida by 2 Arab men, the attempt in New York State by an arab male to obtain a job as a school bus driver using fraudulent social security documents. Floor plans for half a dozen schools in Virginia, Texas and New Jersey have been recovered from terrorist hands in Iraq. "

    rick wrote on Apr 23, 2007 2:01 PM:

    " I live in Idaho and what we are Filling here is a lot of rage!!!!I'm tire of hearing it's not possible to deport twenty million illigals. Secure our borders. Than catch them as you can. 100 thousand a year even would be a start. Get the tide turned in the right direction before it is to late! "

    Bobby wrote on Apr 24, 2007 7:52 PM:

    " I'm sorry but I must give credit to someone I forgot to mention. That would be the entire Democratic Party. Thank you for doing absolutely NOTHING to stop AMNESTY for lawbreakers. You should get an honorable mention and be remembered, forever, as the party that finished off Americans on this issue. "


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