Immigration Bill Anger Reaches Miss Universe ContestThe 2007 Miss Universe contest is set to go off this Monday in Mexico City but one contestant is baring the brunt of animosity brought on by a debate over US immigration policy.
Miss USA who was decked in a white studded jumpsuit a la Elvis Presley with sunglasses and guitar in hand entered the stage and as soon as her name was announced the entire crowd of thousands started booing her throughout her routine.
Calvin S., a writer for the Antiguan Sun, bore witness to the unfortunate incident. Antigua itself is embroiled in a trade dispute with the United States involving online gambling, but even so, the writer expressed disappointment regarding her reception.
"I was quite taken aback and disappointed about the reaction especially since the whole world would be getting the opportunity to view the show, but I guess Mexicans do not pretend they let you know what’s on their minds. It’s my assumption that it has something to do with the border regulations between both countries. I must say though even with all the booing and heckling Miss USA held her composure and smile through the whole routine kudos to her, I am sure she went backstage and cried, she was the only delegate who met that fate."
Immigration reform has been a hot topic in the US for some time now and continues to get even more heated.
Among the most ardent supporters for keeping illegal aliens out of the US, Arizona Senator Jon Kyl (R).
"Putting up more fencing, creating a better situation to control the border, that's what people focus on first," Jon Kyl said. "And once people see that we're serious about enforcing the law, then I think they'll be much more open-minded to these other concepts of the temporary worker programs and how to deal with the people who are here illegally."
Kyl cosponsored legislation that would give illegal immigrants up to five years to leave the country, but in the meantime he is doing everything in his power to try and keep them out.
"(It means) build probably 300 or 400 miles of fencing in the urban areas," Kyl said when a question was posed about building a wall along Arizona's border with Mexico.
"Jon Kyl is a friend. He's a friend of the GOP, but this bill has nearly destroyed the Republican volunteer base," state Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, said.
As for the sultry Miss USA, she is a serious contender in Mexico City this Monday with odds around 14 to 1.
Bookmaker.com (see website here) has already informed Gambling911.com it intends to release Miss Universe 2007 odds for US citizens no later than Saturday evening.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com
Originally published May 24, 2007 5:50 pm ET
