[Winona Online Democracy]
I had tried to send this a few days ago and it didn't go through because it was
too large I guess, so I'll try again--
The original message that was shared was to focus on Mexican immigrants,
although they never really stated that--I think anyone who reads this
understands the intent. I get very nervous when I start to see an attempt to
single out any one race in particular.
I guess, maybe you (all in the debate) need to answer the question of what you
consider an "illegal immigrant" and asking yourself if this is just about the
issue, or the person? Is there someone in particular you picture? Are you
referring to undocumented immigrants? People who entered legally on visas and
overstayed? People escaping persecution? Are some okay? Some not? All not
acceptable? What do you picture when you think of an "illegal immigrant?" How
about your ancestry?
"Until 1994 the debate over immigration focused on what the INS calls illegal
aliens, particularly those slipping across the Mexican border, even though a
larger number of undocumented residents arrived legally and overstayed their
visas. "
http://www.immigration-usa.com/debate.html
I understand the issues are complex, if you look at the article posted above, I
think they touch on just about every area of the debate, including the
differing political motivations.
"Immigration into the U.S. is an issue that makes for strange bedfellows.
Supporters of current immigration levels include corporate interests that
profit from cheap foreign labor, ethnic lobbies seeking to increase their
political base, and religious activists, humanitarians, and civil libertarians
who focus on human rights and other ethical concerns. Opponents include
nativists who view non-European immigrants as a threat to American culture,
environmentalists who dread immigration-fueled population growth, and labor
advocates who fear that immigration is taking jobs from U.S. citizens and
depressing U.S. wages. On the right of the political spectrum, free marketers
square off against cultural conservatives. On the left, civil rights and ethnic
advocacy groups oppose environmentalists and job protectionists."
I lean towards the civil libertarian, humanitarian side --- I think we have
plenty to share.
By the way, when they are referring to immigrants it includes all (documented
and undocumented, there are many families where the children are the only
"legal" citizens). Looking at other sources, I could not find many that showed
somehow they are draining social services. Most sources to show that they
contribute more monetarily than they will ever expect to receive, and...
"Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for public assistance."
http://communityresourcebank.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=378
In regards to the language issue--I think it is incorrect to assume that people
are not trying to learn English. In my experience, I have never encountered
that. Having bilingual signs, I believe, is a positive attempt to recognize
the large population of immigrants that we have, people who are trying to
become a part of our country but have yet to master the language.
Susan Brown
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