Rep. Sandstrom promises immgration legislation at Gov. Herbert's roundtable

SALT LAKE CITY -- A conservative Orem lawmaker told participants at a statewide roundtable that immigration reform legislation similar to a controversial Arizona law will be rolled out in the second week of August.

"I feel like I have no choice," Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, said Tuesday at the roundtable sponsored by Gov. Gary Herbert.

Sandstrom told the more than 30 panelists at the public forum that he feels frustrated by the lack of federal action he wants to see on the immigration issue, particularly to deal with illegal immigrants unaccounted for in Utah communities.

But the topic of Arizona-style laws has aroused heated debate both in the Beehive state and around the country.

"I'm tired of the lack of civility," Pamela Atkinson, a community advocate, said at the beginning of the meeting.

Herbert called for the roundtable discussion after Sandstrom announced he wanted to enact Utah laws to deal with illegal immigrants similar to those in Arizona -- legislation that goes into effect at the end of the month -- if it survives a federal challenge in the courts.

Tuesday's meeting also came during an ongoing state investigation into the anonymous release earlier this month of the private records, including addresses, phone numbers and Social Security numbers, of 1,300 people described as illegal immigrants.

"I was hoping to calm the waters," Herbert said after the two-hour forum in the Utah Senate building.

Ogden Police Chief and state Sen. Jon Greiner and Layton Police Chief Terry Keefe were among several law enforcement representatives who described the many-leveled problems of enforcing immigration laws that generally are in the jurisdiction of federal agents.

"It weakens our position with the community," Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank argued as he outlined what he sees as a built-in bias in trying to discover who may be an undocumented immigrant.

But Sandstrom said he would be including enforcement provisions.

"We need somebody to do something," said a frustrated Kirk Smith, the Washington County sheriff.

The Arizona legislation, among other things, requires police conducting traffic stops or questioning people about possible violations to ask about immigration status if there is "reasonable suspicion" they are in the country illegally.

The roundtable discussion centered not only on adding enforcement tools but on finding ways to deal with the 100,000 or more undocumented workers Sandstrom estimates are in Utah.

"I had my eyes opened," said Rep. Brad Dee, R-Washington Terrace, as he told of research he has done over the years to try to alleviate problems that come with a community he described as "living in the shadows."

Bountiful resident Lane Beattie, representing the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, pushed for a guest worker program that would allow undocumented workers to stay in the community. Construction and farming advocates told fellow panelists that their industries rely on a stable immigrant community.

But others at the roundtable said any program that allows illegal immigrants to come forward as legal guest workers implies there might be amnesty for breaking the law.

"I think the talk about the guest worker program is unrealistic. I think this is a hidden amnesty," said Ron Mortenson, of the Utah Coalition on Illegal Immigration, who was in the room as the roundtable group shared its thoughts on possible reform.

The Senate room included heavy security, an audience with people wearing "I could be illegal" T-shirts and a back wall with a dozen media cameras taping the panelists.

"I think it put civility back on the table," Tony Yapias, a director of Hispanic Affairs under Gov. Olene Walker, said about the meeting.

Sandstrom, who said he heard ideas at the event that might end up in his bill, plans to ask lawmakers to pass his legislation in the 2011 session.

After the roundtable session, Herbert said two state workers were responsible for compiling the list. State officials had been investigating as many as 10 employees for possible involvement, but nobody else will face disciplinary action.

"Others may have been aware, but not complicit," Herbert said.

Herbert also said one of the implicated workers, whose names have not been released, was a temporary employee and already has been fired, while the other is expected to be terminated by today.

One has confessed to being involved, Herbert said.

Information from the Associated Press is included in this story.