March 2, 2007
The State.com: South Carolina's Home Page
Noelle Phillips
 
The S.C. Hispanic Leadership Council wants the state's Latino voice to be heard as lawmakers consider more than a dozen bills addressing illegal immigration.

The group began that process Friday by discussing a strategy for reaching the ears of S.C. politicians.

"Unfortunately, those against immigration are the ones speaking the loudest," said Maria Smoak, a member of the council. "We need to also give our voices."

People from across the state -- health advocates, lawyers, preachers and teachers -- gathered at Columbia College for the meeting.

They listened to presentations from the Coalition for New South Carolinians, a Clemson sociologist and an attorney with the S.C. Appleseed Legal Justice Center, who explained the various bills addressing immigration in South Carolina.

The leadership council's next step is to put some ideas into action, said Ivan Segura, the president.

"We're trying to come and educate ourselves on proposed legislation and decide what to do," he said.