Where do Oregon Republicans stand on immigration?

For the past 50 years Republicans from all across Oregon have gathered at the Dorchester Conference in Seaside to discuss politics.  The opportunity for hundreds of politically active Oregonians to gather and discuss the issues of the day with Legislators, Mayors, Congressmen and others has been an asset to Oregon politics.

Every year a slate of topics covering state and national issues, is presented for conference attendees.  Speeches presenting both sides of the issue and debate with the table group expands participants knowledge of each issue.  A comment period allows participants to express their viewpoint to the entire conference.

Oregonians for Immigration Reform has participated in The Dorchester Conference for the past several years, hosting an informational booth in the vendor hall, participating in the conference and contributing financially to the conference in the form of sponsorships.

For the past few year as the issue of immigration becomes increasingly concerning in local and national politics, OFIR requested that the topic of immigration be slated as a discussion topic at an upcoming Dorchester Conference.  OFIR has been denied every time.  Why?

OFIR and Protect Oregon Driver Licenses delivered a powerful blow to the Legislators that supported Ballot Measure 88 with 66% of Oregonians voting NO on driver cards for those illegally in the country. 

Because of the profound message that victory sends, OFIR has submitted yet another request for immigration to be a topic at the conference.   OFIR has gotten no response to our request.  Why?

Please read the letter OFIR has submitted to the Dorchester Conference and feel free to send a comment to:

Telephone: (503) 435-0141
www.OregonIR.org
 

To: Alison Bruun
President - 2015 Dorchester Conference

From: Cynthia Kendoll
President - Oregonians for Immigration Reform

Re: Illegal immigration as a discussion topic at Dorchester Conference

Will the 2015 Dorchester Conference include illegal immigration as the subject of a discussion group on Saturday, March 14?

As proved by last year's election, opposition to illegal immigration is of vital importance to Oregon voters -- and to Republican success. Via Ballot Measure 88, nearly one million Oregonians voted to repeal the 2013 state law granting driver cards to illegal aliens. Republican candidates who publicly supported efforts to deter illegal immigration -- among them Kim Thatcher, Sal Esquivel, Bill Post, Mike Nearman and Greg Barreto -- won their elections. Those who downplayed or avoided the issue -- like Dennis Richardson, Monica Wehby, Patti Milne and Matt Geiger -- were defeated.

At Dorchester, the issue could be explored in a number of ways specific to Oregon. Possible questions for a discussion group could be:

-- Should Oregon mandate that state businesses use E-Verify to vet job applicants' eligibility for U.S. employment?

-- Should Oregon repeal ORS 181.850, which purports to limit Oregon law enforcement's coordination and cooperation with federal immigration authorities?

-- Should Oregon enact a constitutional amendment to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in state elections?

Both in Oregon and across the nation, illegal immigration is of paramount concern to American voters. It's time that the Dorchester Conference gives illegal immigration the attention it has earned -- and makes it a topic of a Saturday discussion group.

As well, I would be happy to address conference attendees on the connection between opposition to illegal immigration and Republican electoral success or any other immigration related topic.

Thank you for your consideration, and all the best.

Cynthia
President - Oregonians for Immigration Reform http://www.oregonir.org/ Authorized Agent and Statewide Campaign Manager - Protect Oregon Driver Licenses http://www.protectoregondl.org/
Advisory Board - Colorado Alliance for Immigration Reform - http://www.cairco.org/