• Originally published in the Chicago Sun Times on September 27, 2004

 
Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- Angered by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of a bill to let illegal immigrants drive legally, Hispanic leaders and political groups are organizing protests and a national boycott of California to disrupt the convention industry.

Supporters of the bill accuse the Republican governor of reneging on promises to reach a compromise.

Instead, they say, Schwarzenegger tacked on a demand that calls for licenses to be specifically marked -- differentiating illegal immigrants' licenses from those of U.S. citizens.

''If this is the posture the governor wants to take, then our community is going to be forced to kick it up a notch,'' said Nativo Lopez, president of the Mexican American Political Association.

Lopez planned to organize a national boycott aimed at steering conventions away from San Diego, Los Angeles, Anaheim and San Francisco.

The measure, approved by the Democratic-controlled state Legislature, would have allowed up to 2 million immigrants to drive legally.

The legislation's supporters contend that allowing illegal immigrants to have licenses would improve public safety by requiring them to know the rules of the road and obtain insurance. Opponents have cited security and illegal immigration concerns.

The National Council of La Raza said it would consider canceling its 2008 convention in San Diego if a boycott proceeds, said Lisa Navarrete, vice president of the Washington-based umbrella group of 300 organizations.

But some question whether a boycott is appropriate, noting that conventions help bolster employment for workers in hotels, restaurants and other services.

''Ultimately, a boycott hurts everybody,'' said Sal Giametta, spokesman for the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau.