Gov. Gary Herbert's immigration summit was a good start to addressing a highly complex issue. The 31 community leaders who participated in Tuesday's two-hour meeting did not achieve consensus. They did, however, bring to the table their respective points of view in a civil manner.
It is hoped that this dialogue will be the start of many such community conversations before the state moves ahead with any substantive policy changes.
It is generally agreed upon that the federal government has dropped the ball on immigration reform and providing adequate resources to protect the border and other law enforcement and judicial services. But there remains division over how states, counties and municipalities should address these issues, given the inaction of the federal government.
Some Utah officials want to create a mechanism that brings about a legal work force of immigrants in the Beehive State. Farm and business interests rely heavily on immigrant labor and need a means to ensure migrants can legally work in Utah.
Others want tough enforcement legislation akin to the controversial bill passed by the Arizona Legislature. The U.S. Department of Justice has sued the state to keep the law from going into effect on July 29. The lawsuit claims Arizona's new tough immigration law usurps federal authority.
Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, has championed an Arizona-like approach to illegal immigration. But Sandstrom said he is willing to tweak his proposed legislation based on concerns raised by others.
This suggests that there is room for compromise, which has been an infrequent occurrence in the national debate over illegal immigration.
It is important that all participants attempt to understand the perspective of others. When that happens, there is a greater likelihood that workable, enforceable policy can result.
Of course the federal government has primary control of this issue. States can — and should — develop workable policies within their control. Proposals to create a legal guest worker program are particularly intriguing. But unless federal resources are available — and the federal government is a willing partner — state-level fixes will be but partial solutions.
Illegal immigration affects the economy and the nation's security. Ultimately, it is an issue that affects flesh-and-blood human beings. The last thing Utahns want is a law that is unenforceable or has unintended consequences.
We commend those who took part in Tuesday's summit. It was an impressive community discussion about a difficult issue. Clearly, this should be the first discussion of many more, given the varying perspectives on illegal immigration. Utah leaders need to keep talking.