WASHINGTON (AP) — Black lawmakers are accusing Republicans of trying to "manufacture tension" between African-Americans and immigrants on jobs issues.
A congressional hearing Tuesday focused on whether
illegal immigrants take jobs from minorities.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, chairman of the
Congressional Black Caucus, and other lawmakers say the hearing was an attempt
by the GOP to create an "us versus them" mentality, while ignoring
other issues that contribute to higher unemployment in the black community.
Republicans have been arguing for tougher
immigration enforcement as a way to bring economic recovery and reduce
unemployment. California Republican Elton Gallegly says illegal immigrants
compete for jobs with low-wage workers, including minorities. He and other
Republicans say tougher enforcement would help Latino and black communities.
Copyright
2011 The Associated Press.
