Wilson Gets Cool Reception on Immigration Reform : Speech: Latino business leaders laud governor’s support of free trade agreement, but his plan to stem illegal flow is met with icy silence.

PALM SPRINGS — Gov. Pete Wilson won vigorous applause from Latino business leaders Friday by stumping for the North American Free Trade Agreement, but met with stony silence when he asked the audience to join his crusade against illegal immigration.

In an address to the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Republican governor said both issues are critical to the achievement of “our dream of economic revitalization” in California.

Trade with Mexico has quadrupled since 1986, Wilson said, creating nearly 100,000 jobs in California. Implementation of NAFTA will mean thousands more jobs, he said.

“Hispanic businesses--with strong ties of language, culture and commerce in both countries--are in the very best position to benefit from this rising tide of trade,” he said.

The audience of several hundred interrupted Wilson a dozen times with applause as he talked about the appointment of Latinos to his Administration, achievements of the 1993 legislative session and about NAFTA.

But the plaudits ended abruptly when Wilson turned to the sensitive issue of immigration, despite the fact that he muted his previous harsh rhetoric by lauding the contributions of legal immigrants. He also acknowledged, in seeking the audience’s help in pushing for immigration reform, that “what I am asking you to do is not easy.

“Defenders of the status quo are quick to say that California is scapegoating immigrants,” Wilson said. “That’s not true and I resent it. . . . But we can’t allow the flow of illegal immigration to continue unabated. Dealing honestly with the problems posed by illegal immigration is the best way to improve prospects for NAFTA and to strengthen the spirit of community that we must nurture here in California.”

Afterward, Los Angeles businessman Robert Barragan, the son of a Mexican immigrant who entered the country illegally but later became a legal resident, said he doubted that the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce would support the governor’s proposals on immigration reform.

“His position is unfortunate and very political,” Barragan said.

A Ventura County chamber member, Roberto Sanchez, credited the governor for discussing his position with such a skeptical audience, noting, “Obviously, some of the things are bitter to listen to, but it’s encouraging he was here.”

Sanchez said the major objection of many in the audience was Wilson’s proposal for a constitutional amendment to deny U.S. citizenship to children of illegal immigrants born inside the country.

“We think that is too radical,” he said.

Wilson has argued that the allure of free benefits in California, such as health care and public education, is the magnet that draws the tide of illegal immigration to the state.

The governor has outlined a detailed program to stem the flow of immigrants, mostly from Mexico, and to end free health and education benefits.

Wilson has been accused by Democratic opponents of stirring the immigration issue for political purposes as he goes into a 1994 reelection campaign.

His foes include two potential Democratic rivals for the governorship next year, state Treasurer Kathleen Brown and Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. Brown in particular has challenged Wilson’s claims, arguing that the prospect of finding jobs in California, and not free benefits, is primarily what draws immigrants.

Both Democrats also oppose ratification of NAFTA, claiming it will lead to the loss of jobs in California, because without tariffs, companies would be free to move to Mexico in search of cheaper labor.

On Friday, the governor said his immigration proposals have been “distorted in every possible way.”

He has been especially irked by Brown’s contention that he would deny emergency health care to illegal immigrants. The governor said doctors would provide emergency care, but it should be up to the federal government, not the state, to pay for it.

And he told the Latino business leaders, “Hispanic Americans have the most to lose from the federal government’s failure to confront this problem” of illegal immigration, adding it would be tragic if there was a backlash in California against Latinos.

“That is why I ask you to work with me to” to keep the pressure on Washington to reform immigration laws and eliminate requirements that states pay for health care, education and other services for illegal immigrants, he said.

Times staff writer Richard Simon contributed to this story.