LOS ANGELES : Council Agrees to Create Immigration Study Panel

The Los Angeles City Council agreed Tuesday to form a joint city-county commission to assess the effects--both positive and negative--that immigration has on the region.

The Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs will make policy recommendations to local officials and bring together residents, businesses and community groups to air divergent views.

“In tough economic times it is the immigrants that are blamed for everything,” said Councilman Richard Alatorre, who joined Councilman Mike Hernandez in proposing the measure.

The new commission will replace the city’s Immigration Task Force, which has been inactive since 1987. The panel must still receive the support of the County Board of Supervisors.