New voice praising Obama: Mexican consul to Utah

The Mexican government is joining Utah Latinos in praising President Barack Obama's executive orders to protect more undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Eduardo Arnal, Mexico's consul to Utah, hailed the order Monday and staged a news conference at the Mexican consulate, where activists called for even more reform.

"The announcement of President Barack Obama," Arnal said, "is an important recognition of the positive contributions that the immigrant community makes to the economy and society of the United States."

He said the orders have the potential "to benefit a significant number of Mexicans in the country, increase their opportunities, as well as help them live with greater dignity and certainty."

Arnal added that Obama's action "is an historical achievement for the migrant communities, civil society, and will protect a great number of Mexican families."

Obama's orders are expected to protect up to 48,000 undocumented immigrants in Utah by deferring deportation of parents who have children who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and by expanding a deferment program for immigrants brought to this country as children — often called "dreamers."

Activists at the Mexican consulate news conference called for more reform, noting that the orders help only about half the undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Eusebio Echeveste was brought to the United States when he was 2 years old by Mexican parents who sought to escape threats from gangs. He qualified for deferment as a dreamer, but says his parents have no such protection. They could have had that safeguard if their children had been born here and were U.S. citizens.

He said the only difference between his parents and many of those newly offered protection "is the citizenship of their children. Due to that, I'm scared again" that his parents could be deported at any time.

He said he and other members of the Salt Lake Dream Team will fight for the remaining undocumented immigrants who have no protection. "That's what I'm going to be doing: protesting, mobilizing, organizing and fighting for the 6 million or 7 million" immigrants not covered nationally.

Luis Garza, director of Comunidades Unidas, said of Obama's action, "We know it's going to benefit thousands of Utah families, but it's also a pretty limited program. So we will continue as community organizations to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship."

He said, "It's a big win for our community, but definitely not an end."

Meanwhile, Arnal said his consulate plans to extend its hours to help immigrants obtain any papers needed to apply, and will develop workshops, brochures and other aids to help them through the application process once it is announced and available.

He warned Mexicans to be wary of fraud from anyone seeking money to help them to apply now — since no forms are yet available and are not expected for 90 to 180 days for different new programs.

"Nobody needs to act now to fill out papers. The forms aren't ready," said Mark Alvarez, an attorney and activist. "You don't need to pay money for services that don't even exist at this point."