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The political climate in Billings, Montana is conservative, which of course has much broader influence than immigration alone. Interestingly, the culture here is somewhat hands-off. So, even if it may be POLITICALLY popular to support laws against illegal immigrants, it is CULTURALLY popular to leave people alone unless there is an apparent public safety problem.

I think the conservative political climate has more influence on the library in regards to funding. Special elections about increased services (and thus increased taxes) rarely succeed for any reason.

Charlotte NC is a can-do city. It has always been a financial center and the bottom line matters a great deal here. Given that background, the political climate rests on what is good for the economy is good for the city. There were two studies done recently. One was on the impact of the Hispanic population on the economy and the other was the Mayor’s Immigration Study.
The first study showed that our Hispanic population works and helps our economy. They have $8 billlion in buying power and pay $455 million in taxes This includes the legal and illegal immigrants, of whom about 50% are legal. Most come from Mexico. Most are between 18-44 years old and a majority are women. This study made no recommendations but the Mayor’s immigration study did so.

The Mayor’s recommendations were in these areas.

Public Safety.
• Enforcing Federal laws and deporting convicted criminals
• Tracking and deporting gang members

Economic Development
• Educate and train on fraudulent documents
• Create the avenues for a more stable workforce

Education
• Create avenues for more Hispanics to go to college
• English language proficiency

Healthcare
• Immunization issues
• Dealing with the language barriers

Charlotte is discussing the issues in an open forum, but Charlotte tends to be pretty conservative. But fair. There have been some interesting initiatives in nearby communities, e.g., English only in government offices. But employers still publish and use Spanish language manuals and training programs in those areas.

As we grow, the issues of this newest community will grow with us. There is an active Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a host of Latino helping organizations. These organizations are very important in giving the "good news" of this population.

I think the dilemma here is the same as everywhere. We need the workers but many of them are illegal.

I have been reading about the immigration raids in North Carolina last week and wondered how the raids are being percevied in NC.

http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/1732445/

Laura Staley

Mississippi is a highly conservative political climate with small pockets of liberalism tied in just for spice. Issues seem to revolve around preserving the status quo and I'm not sure when a meaningful inclusive dialog could begin.

Juan,
You are in the right track notwithstanding any opposition or criticism from politicos or political correct folks. As critical thinkers, librarians should first present the facts and information relating to any particular issue and the address it the best way we can or know how. Sometimes this includes speaking up when most people rather keep silent, activism when most people sit on the couch and watch the news on the tube, and engagement when most people have the defeatist attitude whose negative mantra is " things are they way they are and there is nothing we can do.
I have been in that situation often and currently and I speaking truth to power and asking the forbidden questions from the local library administration and city council. Please see my blog at lchaparro.livejournal.com.
Si se puede!