Utah Relationship with Mexican State Called Key to Immigration Reform

Deseret News: Lost in all the talk about the so-called Utah Solution to illegal immigration is a proposed partnership with the state of Nuevo Leon in Mexico. And when HB466 has come up, a Utah entrepreneur who worked behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for it says the legislation has been largely misunderstood. Paul Ahlstrom, co-founder of vSpring Capital, said the often cited provision for a migrant worker program isn't what the bill is all about. And he said it angers him when people say all it will do is bring more immigrant labor to the state and displace local workers. The key component, Ahlstrom said, is the creation of a commission to study the economic, legal, cultural and educational impact of illegal immigration on Utah. The yet-to-be-organized 27-member panel also is charged with drafting a plan addressing the use of migrant workers and integration of immigrants. "The mechanism for the Utah way is HB466," he said. "Rather than say here's a solution, here's a way to get to the right answers." Having a relationship with Nuevo Leon, Ahlstrom said, will help Utah better see the issues that need addressing.