Illegals issue hits home

Brokaw focuses on Colorado for NBC special

Dusty Saunders, Rocky Mountain News

Published December 26, 2006 at midnight

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At the end of his documentary about illegal immigration in Colorado, Tom Brokaw notes "it's a dilemma so emotional and so volatile, no one has been able to find a consensus solution."

Such a comment is hardly news in Colorado, which has wrestled with the issue regularly in recent years. But keep in mind that In the Shadow of the American Dream, centered in the booming Roaring Fork Valley area, is directed at a nationwide audience which, in some cases, might be less familiar with the issue.

Brokaw offers no quick-fix solutions to problems which he correctly notes "have been festering for years." Instead the special offers a view, often in human terms, of the illegal immigration problem facing Colorado in particular and the nation in general.

While utilizing the depressing statistics familiar to many local viewers, the strength of the hour comes from the feelings expressed by a variety of individuals - law enforcement officers, teachers, physicians, hospital personnel, employers, area residents and illegal immigrants.

"All are impacted by the mushrooming situation. And I was somewhat surprised by the frankness in the interviews," Brokaw said recently by phone from his New York office. "While people wanted to talk about the problems, there was very little rancor expressed. We didn't filter out overly negative comments. Various opinions were offered, but those interviewed were searching for solutions, not just looking for an outlet to rant."

A major portion of the hour centers on the Gould Construction Co. in Glenwood Springs, where company executives are attempting a seemingly impossible juggling act. They must fill construction contracts that include jobs such as ditch digging, which many Anglo workers won't do.

The result is a hiring process that includes Hispanic workers at decent wages ($14 an hour), as the company and law enforcement agencies constantly try to determine how many workers are in the area illegally.

Brokaw also visits the Crystal River Elementary School in Carbondale, where nearly 80 percent of the student population is now Hispanic - a major challenge for teachers and school administrators.

Brokaw had intimate access to a group of illegal immigrants living in crowded, unhealthy conditions, who talk frankly about their lives and dreams. Brokaw doesn't fall into a "sympathy pothole" during the one-on-one interviews. He constantly reminds the illegals and the viewers, that while the workers are under a lot of stress, they are part of a growing problem.

Brokaw's interview with Rep. Tom Tancredo borders on confrontational as the Colorado congressman outlines his plans to solve the problem.

"Tancredo has some interesting ideas," Brokaw said. "But I disagree with some of his solutions, which includes sending back all the illegals to Mexico."

While acknowledging he had no ready-made solution, Brokaw said "we have to keep politics out of the controversy."

Brokaw said the Roaring Fork Valley was ideal for such a documentary because it offers a microcosm of a burgeoning nationwide problem.

"The area between Aspen and Vail, which historically has featured a white population, has seen an influx of Hispanics because of major growth. I've been studying this situation for some time."

The documentary was produced before the recent ICE raids at Swift & Co. plants around the nation, including one in Greeley.

"The ICE action shows the intensity and growth of the problem," Brokaw said. "While we probably won't do another documentary in the near future, NBC News will cover the ongoing story with more regularity."

Brokaw is no stranger to Colorado, either professionally or personally. In October 2005 he anchored a documentary about Ted Haggard and the New Life Church as an example of the growing evangelical movement across the nation. Brokaw's brother, Bill, a Denver restaurateur for more than 25 years, is now in the real estate business here.

In his closing tonight, Brokaw says: "The immigrant experience is central to American history and American character. But the immigrant story has taken a sharp turn into the shadows of broken laws, political controversy, culture conflicts and economic survival."

On TV

• What: Tom Brokaw Reports: In the Shadow of he American Dream

• When and where: 7 tonight, 9News.

Online

• Learn more about Tom Brokaw's report at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16286635

Dusty Saunders is the broadcasting critic. 303-954-5137 or Saundersd@RockyMountainNews.com

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