Herndon To Keep Day Labor Center Open
posted 11:19 am Thu August 16, 2007 - Herndon, Va.
Project Hope and Harmony, the nonprofit group that currently manages the center has refused to check workers' documents, and critics say the center encourages illegal immigrants to come to the town. But supporters say any limitations on who can use the center will just put day laborers back on the streets.
"It will be a big disappointment for us and the workers" when Hope and Harmony leaves, said Bill Threlkeld, director of the group, which is affiliated with Reston Interfaith.
The council voted 6-1 on Wednesday night to allow Hope and Harmony to continue to run the center until a new operator is found. The group said it would consider remaining in the interim, but will continue its practice of not checking immigration status.
Officials said they have a new operator in mind.
Council member William B. Tirrell Sr. said "the rule of law" took priority over workers' needs.
"The law is the law is the law," he said. "We can't decide by whimsy what laws you're going to enforce."
But lawyer Daniel Choi argued it is the national immigration system that is broken, not the day labor center.
"If you don't want people out on the streets, you give them a place to work," he said.
Day laborer centers have ignited controversy elsewhere in the region as well. Another heated meeting on the issue took place Wednesday night in northeast Washington. D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. has proposed setting up a what he calls a multicultural training center at a local shopping center.
Critics of the plan said the center would serve undocumented workers who take jobs that could be filled by community residents.
Latest Comment on Herndon To Keep Day Labor Center Open
Wowzer
5:57 pm on 08/21/07
Seems to me that the town council did exactly the right thing. They kept the center open for legal day workers. The illegals would not be served if they can't prove they are legal.
Many construction and other trades depend on day workers and this is a great way to match legal workers with jobs.
I didn't like it when anyone, legal or illegal, could show up and be served.
The center is fine, in fact great, as long as it is serving legal residents and companies that need labor.
The day-labor center is no substitute for the federal government doing its job of patrolling the borders and deporting illegals. Nor should it be.
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