SB1070 Update: Comment from a politically conservative, Hispanic Mormon

by David Safier

A little more than a week ago, I wrote a post, Mormons split on SB 1070, about Mormons in Utah and Arizona who object to anti-immigrant legislation in both states. Utah has about 100 Spanish speaking Mormon congregations, and the estimate is that 50% to 70% of the members are undocumented.

I cited a letter by William R. Richardson of Mesa, who refers to himself as "the branch president of one of the Spanish language congregations in Mesa," who expressed strong objections to SB 1070.

I received an impassioned comment on the post from Ken Smith, who refers to himself as "a Branch President in the LDS Church for a Spanish speaking congregation in Mesa," also objecting to SB1070.

Now comes a comment from Chip Wilson who identifies himself and his wife as "active members of the LDS Church," Hispanic and politically conservative. He also has strong objections to the law.

It's important to hear from people who might not agree with the politics of this blog but who want to make their voices heard against this bill.

Here is Mr. Wilson's complete comment, which I've moved here with his permission.

Dear Mr. Safier,

My wife and I are active members of the LDS Church. We are Hispanic and have conservative political views. We seem to be in the minority of Mormons who are strongly opposed to SB 1070. I am relieved to have read the previous postings by the two branch presidents and they gave me hope that they are more members out there who oppose this bill. It's a shame they are not more vocal about their opposition to this bill.

I not only find Sen. Pearce responsible for this immoral bill, but also the LDS contingent of state senators and representatives who have voted to pass this bill that clearly singles out a certain group of people. In fact, one representative who helped pass this bill, is married to my wife's cousin. I found it very ironic that the day after Governor Brewer signed the bill into law, this rep attended a family party that was full of Mexicans. I wondered if he was even concerned that one day, one of these people (most of them are related to our wives) could become victim of police scrutiny over their citizenship.

I find it very hypocritical of fellow members who are in support of this bill because I know many that have used undocumented workers for their yard or home projects. Suddenly, there is this wave of anti-immigration hysteria because of this recent campaign to demonize illegal immigrants as criminals.

I consider myself a regular "Joe Mormon" who does not hold any leadership position in the Church, have a famous name, and does not have connections with people in high places. So I am reluctant to ask my own stake president or anyone else in a higher position, why our Church is not standing up for our Spanish-speaking members. Why isn't there this zeal that was used by Church members to squash gay marriage in California and here in Arizona, also used to speak out against this immigration law? Are they not both moral issues? I find myself in disbelief and disappointed that my beloved Church is silent about this very important issue.

Thank you for your time and allowing me to post my views in your blog.

Chip Wilson