Do you think the mishandling of the immigration issue is positioning Latinos as the next minority to hate? Do you think business leaders and politicians are being hypocritical because they really value the low-wage worker that illegal immigrants provide?
The United States of America, a nation built on the backs of the immigrants that landed at the foot of the Statue of Liberty by boat, plane, or train.
Recent pursuits in passing an immigration bill now pegs many groups, including the Latino population to feel they are getting the shaft when it comes to living the American dream. However, can’t we say that any type of ethnic group would have strong feelings against immigration laws since many Americans are descendants of immigrants?
In a statement on www.latinoopinion.com, the author concludes that immigration should be treated as follows: “As a country we need to realize that these immigrants (the Latino population) are no different in their motivation to be here than any other prior immigration group. The negativity towards immigration be it warranted or not, is not good for our country. It fuels segregation, racism, prejudice, and discrimination.”
In regards to the Latino population, these individuals are striving to keep their heritage, while trying to promote their independence and individuality in American communities.
This idea has always been the common fabric in other groups that have immigrated to America. The Latino population is like any other immigration wave that has hit the streets of American cities and towns.
In August 2010, Dolores Huerta brought together many interest groups to celebrate the uniqueness of each to group, and promote a message of “Weaving Moments Together.” Huerta is the cofounder of the United Farm Workers of America, and the president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation for Community Organizing.
“The whole idea of bringing movements together is important, because it seems like each of our movements has a different path,” Huerta said in an interview on www.democracy.org. “At my organization, we go into the communities, and we organize our immigrant population, primarily, but this of course, could apply to anyone.”
While it seems that business leaders and politicians have capitalized on the use of immigrant workers for cheap labor, there are positive reasons why immigrant workers continue to be the constant employment facet in the workplace.
An essay written by Fred Hutchison on www.renewamerica.com, describes how the Hispanic population embraces the ability to be a part of the American workforce.
“Hispanics have a better work ethic and are more entrepreneurial than many other underclass groups. They are not afraid of rolling up their sleeves, getting their hands dirty, and working up a sweat,” Hutchison wrote.
Sources:
www.latinopinion.com
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/8/11/legendary_activist_dolores_huerta_...
http://www.renewamerica.com/analyses/060414hutchison.htm