By HERB BOOTH
Special correspondent
Juan Hernández would like to think that he knew in his bones when he introduced then Guanajuato Gov. Vicente Fox to then Texas Gov. George W. Bush that both men would rise up in their respective countries and become president.
“I’d like to say I knew that back then, but I didn’t,” said Dr. Hernández – an immigration advocate, a U.S.-Mexico relations expert, cabinet officer to then Mexico President Fox and a poet. He also started the Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies at UT Dallas. “It still makes for a great story.”
Dr. Hernández addressed the Grand Prairie Rotary Club Friday at its weekly meeting talking about his relationship with Mr. Fox, his rearing in Fort Worth but most of all, about immigration, the legal kind.
“I’m not going to pull any punches with you here,” said Dr. Hernández, who has spoken on national television networks about immigration. He was born to a Texan mother and Mexican father. “I’m for immigration. I’m for opportunities. I’m for those aggressive Hispanics who have one foot in the U.S. and one foot in Mexico.”
Dr. Hernández told the crowd that he wanted Hispanics in this country who want to work.
He outlined the five steps he would take to solve the problems of illegal immigration. First, Dr. Hernández said, U.S. officials need to ensure that no criminals from Mexico are getting into this country.
He said the second important step would be to ensure Mexicans are not taking any jobs from current U.S. citizens. Dr. Hernández said most of the growth spurts of this country have come when immigration is brisk. He also wants new immigrants to pay taxes and into Social Security for services they receive.
Fourth, Dr. Hernández said immigrants need to speak the English language.
“It’s a pet peeve in this country of many citizens,” Dr. Hernández said. “It really bothers people. They’ve got to learn the language. You should honor the culture of this country.”
Finally, Dr. Hernández said people who are in this country illegally should pay a fine of some sort. “Let’s give them a yellow card, not a green card, but a yellow one” until all these conditions are met.
Whatever happens in the immigration debate, though, Dr. Hernández is convinced something needs to be done. He said 350 million “legal” crossings happen between the United States and Mexico annually.
“We can’t continue to have 12 million people living in the shadows in this country,” said Dr. Hernández of the estimated illegal immigrants the United States now harbors.
Annual talent show scheduled
The Second Annual Gobs of Talent Variety Show will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St.
Reception and silent auction begins at 7 p.m. with the talent and variety show starting at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $11 online at www.uptowntheatergp.com. Call 972-237-UPTN for more information or reservations.
Grand Life Weekend at First Baptist
Grand Life Weekend will be held Nov. 13-15 at Grand Prairie’s First Baptist Church, 122 N.E. Second St. Speakers, entertainment, vendors, food and activities abound. Call 972-262-5146 or visit www.grandlifeexpo.com for more information.
E-mail Herb Booth at herbviv@sbcglobal.net for tips and items to include in this column.
