Immigration debate stirs up memories

GREEN BAY - Three years before people gathered to protest the new immigration law in Arizona, people were protesting a new immigration ordinance in Green Bay.

The ordinance, which was passed in June of 2007, gave the city council the authority to take away a license from a business if it knowingly hired illegal immigrants. The idea was pushed by then-alderman Chad Fradette.

"We were just tired of the federal government not doing anything," Fradette told FOX 11 on Sunday. Even though the ordinance passed, there was plenty of vocal opposition from people like former city council member Celestine Jeffreys.

"I just felt we were wading into territory that we were not equipped to deal with," Jeffreys told FOX 11. Jeffreys, like many opponents of the ordinance, says it's the federal government's job to enforce immigration.

The new law in Arizona requires police to question people about their immigration status if there's reason to suspect they're in the country illegally. Fradette and Jeffreys have opposing views on the Arizona law.

"I have to say the Arizona law is problematic," Jeffreys said.

"I think it's great," Fradette said. "I think it's a great step. If the federal government is not going to do anything Arizona should."

Jeffreys said it's not just the laws in Arizona and Green Bay that are the problem, it's the message they send.

"Ordinances and policies are not supposed to send messages. They're supposed to create order and predictability in our society," Jeffreys said. "If you want to send a message, make a resolution."

Fradette said the message is one the government should be sending: to deter illegal immigrants from to the U.S.

"Wisconsin should pass the same law," Fradette said.