For those of you who are not familiar with Sam Zamarripa’s boy, Jerry Gonzalez, it is a hoot to watch him spout the few talking points that he has learned while he tries his best to convince us that he is not for open borders, that illegal immigration is good for America and that illegal aliens should be allowed to remain in the U.S.

Gonzalez is the American who brought about 50 illegal aliens into the Georgia Capitol and the Senate Chambers to lobby against SB 529 and told the Georgia legislators that they should consider the illegals “constituents”.

Look for more on Jerry here soon.

Until then, please be aware of his efforts to “educate” us on the joys of illegal immigration at various locations around the Atlanta area. I can gaurantee a good time and some good laughs.
Here is a link to Atlanta Latino article [English tab, top right] with info.

Experts will present their points of view on the local response to undocumented immigration in cities like Gainesville and Dalton, undocumented immigrants and the tax base, as well as an economic, social and political analysis of local laws like SB 529, which cracks down on illegal immigration.

“Obviously, in law, there is an issue there because a large majority of the workforce is undocumented, and I think everybody is in agreement that this needs to be dealt with,” says Diaz. “But instead of taking what you hear from the media and a lot of the dialogue out there, we want to add academic information.”

Personally, Diaz believes that it is “dangerous” for states to start passing legislation on a topic “as broad as immigration.”

“It’s dangerous, especially in Georgia, which has a history of intolerance and prejudice,” says Diaz, who expects around 75 people to attend the conference. “There’s a history of racism here in the South.”

• Where: KSU Center, Universidad de Kennesaw. 1000 Chastain Rd. Kennesaw 30144
• When: Sept. 7-8, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Info: 770-423-6464

Dr. Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, Director of Immigration Studies at New York University and co-founder of the Harvard Immigration Projects, will preside over the discussion, which is presented by GALEO, LULAC and the Center for Hispanic Studies at Kennesaw State University.

• Where: Wyndham Midtown Atlanta. 125 10th Street NE, 30309
•When: Sept. 8, 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Info: 404-745-2580

McClarty adds that the event is also intended to discuss immigration reform in Georgia and its potential effects on business in order to educate business owners. Therefore, the guest speakers will include State Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) and Sara Gonzalez, the president of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC).

According to McClarty, SB 529 will take up most of the discussion, not only because Sen. Rogers will be attending, but also because this legislation requires contractors and subcontractors dealing with government to verify the legal status of their employees starting in 2007 (the date depends on the number of employees). This is expected to have an impact on business.
• Where: Marriott Century Center Hotel. 2000 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, (Clairmont Rd.)
• When: Sept. 11, 12 m.
• Info: 404-378-8000