A Few Truths,  A Rumor & No Bugs

Some thoughtful soul calling him/herself Big Johnny commented on my 13 April blog, which also appeared in The Pioneer, “Illegal immigration wouldn't be a problem if the employers who hired them (immigrants) were held responsible and perhaps jailed.”

Perhaps, I wasn't explicit or hadn't done enough research. During Easter festivities, a couple people mentioned they hadn't any idea either, but the connections are subtle. I was dogged by the question of why the Dubuque County Extension—an off-shoot of the university system, partially supported by our tax $—is promoting immigration, possibly undermining salaries of local workers, so I called up to ask.

ISU Extension Program Manager Jason Neises explained that he (Hernandez) was invited by the Chamber, and he is an expert on local economic development, whose objective is to address shrinking small town populations and school enrollment. Neises further explained that Hernandez is one of many experts, who speak on local issues from “unbiased research” done at universities.

Damn! I always thought they dealt with root worm, emerald ash borer and Asian beetles.

Hernandez's specific objective, according to Neises is promoting two programs:1) “Juntos-Success in Iowa” directed at Mexican immigrant high school students and the 2) “Bridges” a 12-series class directed at their parents. The confided that he expected he would be doing the programs here and the “local sponsorship (money) would be found (to pay) for them.” Frankly, I share his confidence.

Anybody who thinks businesses are not going seize every opportunity to pay lower wages is in for a rude awaking. Which may include that a couple local ones acted to keep Farm & Fleet, rumored to pay higher than the local prevailing wage, out of Cascade.

Tho' it's a real poke in the Critical Eye to discover the universities involved in this duplicity!