Revisiting the Utah Compact: Are Utahns upholding a free society for immigrants?

SALT LAKE CITY — Fifteen years have passed since leaders signed the Utah Compact, a list of principles outlining how the state and country should move forward with immigration reform, including how Utah should treat its immigrants.

The fifth principle, “A Free Society,” advocates for the humane treatment of immigrants and a welcoming environment for people of goodwill. But is this principle still a priority today?

Is the fifth principle alive and well?

Father Martin Diaz of the Cathedral of the Madeline signed the compact 15 years ago. He said he was proud to be a part of history.

“I think it was something at the time we were putting forward to other states. Look what we can do in Utah. Look what’s done here,” he said.

But in recent years, he says the country has taken a step back, with poor policy and harmful rhetoric.

“By labeling people, we eliminate their individuality. We eliminate who they are as a person,” he said.

While Father Diaz believes the compact has lost its way, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said it is alive and well, adding that the balance between compassion and law enforcement is what makes the compact unique.

“There are people on one side, right? That just see the law-and-order piece without any compassion,” he said. “And then there are people on the other side that say we just want compassion but that we don’t care what the law says. And I think that’s a false choice and I think that’s what’s led us to this moment.”

A moment he called polarizing. Recently, the governor announced the state would support federal deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes, a move the ACLU of Utah called “deeply troubling.”

Governor Cox maintains nothing has changed in his support of the compact and he would gladly reaffirm it, however, “Obeying the law is part of having the society and freedoms that we want.”

Are Utahns welcoming immigrants?

Guillermo Mendez and his wife Socorro moved to America 42 years ago, defying expectations and building a life for themselves.

“My mom told me, ‘I bet you that you’re going to do it just for six months and then you’re going to come back to our house.’” Guillermo recalled.

Despite initial plans to return to Mexico, they stayed for better opportunities for their children. Now U.S. citizens, they appreciate the mostly welcoming Utah community but acknowledge language barriers remain a challenge.

“I think it’s a bigger barrier if you don’t speak the language,” he said.

Mayra Sanchez has been trying to break these barriers for eight years.

“If we don’t have a voice, our experience is very impacted,” Sanchez said.

She had her first child when she was 20. She knew little English and even less about Utah.

“I don’t feel like I was engaged with my doctor, for example, or they can’t understand me, or they know more about me,” Sanchez said.

Now a mother of nine, she sees more resources but says finding them or even knowing they are available is a challenge to women new to the country, which is why she started Comunidad Materna En Utah. Through this organization, she helps empower mothers with information.

“Why don’t they sign executive orders that can place opportunities for legalization?” she asked.

KSL TV reached out to several organizations that support immigrants, but most did not respond. One replied in an email stating, “due to the current political climate, our organization has chosen to remain under the radar in public-facing media.”

What change is needed?

While Father Diaz has called the compact “dead,” he has not given up hope.

“Even in the darkest of times, I know that goodness will win. Always goodness will win,” he said.

In order to get back on track, he believes a good step forward for our local leaders would be getting rid of dishonest rhetoric, reaffirming the compact, and sharing what has been given to the community.

“The goodness that has been done by all of the immigrants that have come here. Story after story. They know it to be true,” said Father Diaz.

Stories like Guillermo Mendez, who is now a Deacon at Cathedral of the Madeline.

Mendez says he and his wife are eternally grateful for the blessings they have received. Both work for the church, often helping new members who are also new to the country.

“Now it is my turn to let them feel comfortable here,” Mendez said.

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