Giuliani at Geno’s to denounce illegal immigration

Presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani visited Philadelphia cheesesteak stand Geno’s yesterday as part of a campaign stop. While at Geno’s the former New York City mayor condemned illegal immigration while defending ongoing accusations of flip-flopping on the issue.

Yet Giuliani’s appearance at Geno’s was far from coincidental; in June 2006, stand owner Joey Vento controversially entered the immigration debate:

“A sign in a landmark Philadelphia restaurant asking customers to order in English is sparking controversy in the metropolis known as the "City of Brotherly Love."

The owner of Geno's Steaks said...that the sign, "This is America -- when ordering speak English," is intended to encourage immigrants to learn the language and assimilate into U.S. society.”

A discrimination case by Philly's human relations commission is pending against Geno's, though Vento has claimed that no customers have been turned away on the basis of language. In the meantime, the stand has turned into a “right-wing rallying ground” attracting the likes of former Senator Rick Santorum.

Geno’s is located in the South Philadelphia area which has had a rapidly growing Mexican population over the past decade.

During a speech in Iowa in August, Giuliani promised to “end illegal immigration” should he win the presidency.

Sources- New York Daily News, CBS News, VivirLatino, Associated Press, Philadelphia Daily News, The Latin Americanist, citypaper.net

Image- Philadelphia Daily News (Joey Vento and Rudy Giuliani engage in a warm embrace at Geno’s)