On the Anderson Cooper 360 show of 23 May 2006, journalist Lou Dobbs claimed that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was encouraging "as many of Mexico’s citizens as they possibly could attract to the state of Utah, irrespective of the cost to taxpayers."
Earlier, on Lou Dobbs Tonight, Dobbs had a similar exchange with reporter Casey Wian.
Such statements are completely without foundation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has over a million members in Mexico. It does not encourage them to move to Utah or anywhere else.
The Church, in fact, has made no comment so far on the immigration debate, recognizing that this complex question is now before Congress and is already being thoroughly aired in the public square.
Dobbs also confused the Church’s 12 temples in Mexico, assuming they are equivalent to ordinary churches or chapels. In fact, the Church owns nearly 1,000 church buildings in Mexico.
Full transcript of CNN broadcasts:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0605/23/ldt.01.html (Lou Dobbs Tonight)
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0605/23/acd.02.html (Anderson Cooper 360)
Extract of Lou Dobbs comments on Anderson Cooper 360
COOPER: The Hispanic population has tripled in Utah since 1990. And I guess he's going there to show how important Hispanics are and I guess illegal immigrants are as well to the work force in there. It's sort of an odd message, though.
DOBBS: It's definitely an odd message. Until you consider that the Church of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormon church, has about 1 million Mexican converts, has built 12 churches in Mexico, and has a vigorous enthusiasm for as many of Mexico's citizens as they possibly could attract to the state of Utah, irrespective of the cost to taxpayers.