Immigration Legislation Praised, Vilified

Deseret News reports that: In the month since Utah passed a controversial package of immigration reform legislation the country's been buzzing with praise and criticism. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday reiterated its appreciation for the legislation. On the same day, Bishop John C. Wester, of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake, visited with President Barack Obama to discuss Utah's approach to immigration reform. In the meantime, the chair of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee called on the U.S. government this week to sue Utah over the laws. Republicans in Utah are gathering support in hopes of getting some of the legislation repealed. Gov. Gary Herbert signed four bills into law March 15. The laws, among other things, would establish local enforcement of federal immigration laws and give undocumented immigrants already living in Utah a legal avenue to work. The laws will not go into effect until July 2013 and would require a waiver from the federal government. The LDS Church published a short affirmation on its website of its support of the immigration legislation. A spokesman said the post was meant to "reiterate" what the Church has already said, not to serve as a new statement.