SALT LAKE CITY?Life has gotten tougher for immigrants since the September terrorist attacks, according to an aid group.

The Multi-Cultural Legal Center and an official from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service spoke on the subject Sunday at the League of Women Voters’ annual holiday meeting.

“To be brown and have a beard is difficult right now,” said Marlene Gonzalez, an attorney with the legal center. “Just getting on a plane is an issue.”

Gonzalez fears that the civil rights of the nation’s newcomers will be trampled in the fight against terrorism.

Allen Spier, an officer from the Utah branch of the INS, said his office is overwhelmed with work.