Senator Addresses ADL Plains States Board on Immigration

Date: August 26, 2009

State Senator Brad Ashford of Omaha's 20th Legislative District addressed the ADL Plains States Board of Directors this month. He began his remarks by thanking Regional Director Alan Potash for the ADL's work on important issues before the legislature.

The Senator, who is chairman of the Unicameral's Judiciary Committee, discussed recent legislation, particularly relating to immigration and other matters relevant to the ADL. He described his findings from his 2008 study tour across the state, saying that there is "rampant discrimination in Nebraska" and a misperception that all Latinos are here illegally.

Ashford also talked about the Dream Act, a measure which allows undocumented high school graduates who have lived in Nebraska for three years to attend the University of Nebraska with state residency status. "This initiative offers an opportunity for children, who came to the U.S. with their parents, to get an education," he said, noting that with only 40,000 work visas available, there is no viable path to citizenship.

Regional Director Alan Potash, who testified at a legislative hearing on E-Verify earlier in the year, said "We appreciate having Senator Ashford here to talk with our board members about immigration. It's a significant issue for us and for our region."