Last week I was out with friends (a mix of Latinas and gringas) and although I typically don't discuss politics, I brought up the subject of immigration. The Senate had just passed a bill that would bring about major reform, allowing undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows.
I expressed my support for reform, my concern if the House does not pass the bill and relief that this country's leadership is finally moving in the right direction. I was shocked to hear that my friends were torn on the issue based on their personal experiences with immigrants. But I was most surprised by the reaction from my Latina friends!
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I would have thought that they would be avid supporters of the bill. I didn't press the issue since I have pretty strong and passionate views on the subject and I didn't want to ruin our night out. I just listened to the concerns from those who oppose giving immigrants the chance to become legal citizens.
Here are some of the comments they made: "Our taxes are going to increase even more and I'm already paying enough to carry their families too." "They are already beating and burdening the system so how is this going to make a difference." "Most of the money they make they send out of this country so how is making them legal going to help our economy."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Some of them went on to point out their negative experiences with Latino immigrants who have moved to their largely non-Hispanic towns. "We have an issue with undocumented workers who are urinating in the streets and they are soliciting under-aged girls," one of my friends said.
I know that every society has bad seeds that give everyone a reputation but honestly I have only good stories to tell! The undocumented immigrants I've met have extremely strong work ethic, they are deeply religious and honest; they live for their familias; and many of them have daughters or sons who serve in the armed forces. They all left their countries in order to provide a better future for their families (which they hardly see because they're working several jobs).
Ironically, most of the Latinos who come to this country in search of a better life have strong faith and family values which are perfectly aligned with the values of conservative Americans who are most opposed to immigration reform. No one deserves to live their lives in limbo–wondering if they'll be deported or denied medical help or other basic rights.
The bill is based on merit and I am confident that the majority of nuestra gente will prove that the Latino immigrants' belief in hard work and enterprise is what this country needs to refuel the economy.
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