Big Gringo
Immigration Amnesia
I like to consider myself an "Angelino." My family has lived in the LA area for over 115 years. My mom attended the same high school as my grandparents. And I'm the 4th generation of my family to attend the same college - !!Io Triumphe!! - Go Oxy!!!
And I can empathize with other Angelinos that are concerned with the economic challenges that face our city because of the ever expanding demand for city & social services. Every hospital that shuts down brings shame to this great city.
But I have a difficult time understanding the intense xenophobia - dig deep into your SAT archives - the fear of the "other" that leads to so much hatred of immigrants, particularly Latino immigrants, to Los Angeles. My love for history and heritage - starting with my family - presses me to also recognize the history and heritage that many Californians have with Latin America, particularly Mexico.
The original 1849 constitution recognized this. Not only was it written in both Spanish & English, but it also contains a clause that preserves the maintaining of the language and culture of its Spanish speaking citizens. Clearly that, along with many other legal protections and promises, has been disregarded and cast aside.
So when some [read the link] speak about how our country was based on legal immigration, I think they stretch and manipulate the truth. In regards to the Southwest - from Texas to California - we clearly 'invaded', I mean, immigrated a land that was not yet ours, legally. And while the African slave trade was "legal" until 1808, it was clearly immoral long before that.
Based on that, I would understand if more conservative advocates for immigration reform - like those that back the Minute Man patrol - were interested in eliminating the immoral human trafficking that comes as a result of our militarized southern border. [P.S. Let's be clear - the border is militarized to 'combat' immigration, not the drug trade or terrorism]. Instead, the overriding fear that grips most anti-immigration proponents is fear of immigrants - legal or otherwise.
I think I have a lot more to say on this topic, so I'll leave it there for now.
And I can empathize with other Angelinos that are concerned with the economic challenges that face our city because of the ever expanding demand for city & social services. Every hospital that shuts down brings shame to this great city.
But I have a difficult time understanding the intense xenophobia - dig deep into your SAT archives - the fear of the "other" that leads to so much hatred of immigrants, particularly Latino immigrants, to Los Angeles. My love for history and heritage - starting with my family - presses me to also recognize the history and heritage that many Californians have with Latin America, particularly Mexico.
The original 1849 constitution recognized this. Not only was it written in both Spanish & English, but it also contains a clause that preserves the maintaining of the language and culture of its Spanish speaking citizens. Clearly that, along with many other legal protections and promises, has been disregarded and cast aside.
So when some [read the link] speak about how our country was based on legal immigration, I think they stretch and manipulate the truth. In regards to the Southwest - from Texas to California - we clearly 'invaded', I mean, immigrated a land that was not yet ours, legally. And while the African slave trade was "legal" until 1808, it was clearly immoral long before that.
Based on that, I would understand if more conservative advocates for immigration reform - like those that back the Minute Man patrol - were interested in eliminating the immoral human trafficking that comes as a result of our militarized southern border. [P.S. Let's be clear - the border is militarized to 'combat' immigration, not the drug trade or terrorism]. Instead, the overriding fear that grips most anti-immigration proponents is fear of immigrants - legal or otherwise.
I think I have a lot more to say on this topic, so I'll leave it there for now.
posted by Scott @ 7:00 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Note that one can always favor legal immigration, then call for strong limits on such so-called legal immigration, thus in fact being strongly protectionist. Certainly "illegal immigration", though understandable, is not to be encouraged, but greater legal immigration, or even amenesty for current illegal immigration is. Even putting the moral question asside, not only was America built on immigration of all kinds, illegal immigrants (contrary to popular belief) actually contribute more to our social services than they take and clearly make significant contributions to the overall economy.
Great point. And if only those that take issue with illegal immigration would take issue with the whole pie, not just one slice. But then we would probably get into minimum wage, affordable healthcare, human trafficking, etc.
P.S. Walt, you still make macro economics sound so comprehendable... just like the 'free lunch' stuff.
Its an interesting quandary. They cost the state 10 billion/year but they end up making a profit in the overall picture. But Scott you go. Keep telling the truth. I laughed out loud reading your post.
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