AP: Commerce Sec. Seeks Immigration Balance

[Eugene]

June 22, 2006, 11:27PM
Commerce Sec. Seeks Immigration Balance

By ANABELLE GARAY Associated Press Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

DALLAS — Americans can maintain a balance between enhancing border security and remaining
a nation made up of immigrants, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said Thursday.

"We don't need to pick between being a welcoming nation and a nation of laws. We can be
both," Gutierrez said in a speech to the National Association of Latino Elected and
Appointed Officials.

Emotions have colored the immigration reform debate, keeping both sides from communicating
effectively, he said during NALEO's annual convention.

<snip>

Aside from being pivotal to the success of the nation's economy, immigrant workers and
their families have eventually blended into society, Republican National Committee Chairman
Ken Mehlman told the group. In turn, he said, the U.S. has and continues to be changed
by immigrants.

<snip>

Full article: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/3994863.html

Once again, the GOP tailors its message to the audience of the moment.