Where is the Line???

Everybody seems to have strong opinions on Immigration. Some have opinions of the DREAM Act and the undocumented youth. Few know the facts on Immigration and the DREAM.

One of the recurrent myths of the misinformed is that undocumented immigrants are jumping in front of the line for legalization.

Reality is that the proverbial line never existed for them.

Their parents never had a real chance in a 20 years span to get on any line because Immigration limits the process to a certain individuals with existing family ties (children-parent relationships), income or selected professional access to the "line". This is spite of the demand of labor for certain areas of the labor market.

Immigrant youth (the persons brought as children by working parents) asked ICE last week :"Where is the line so I can get at the end of it?"

The real answer is the DREAM Act.

Here is a video on the DREAMers action on Friday, Nov 19th, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z54mB6DEncc&feature=player_embedded

Photo and video credit: Leah Jo Carnine.

DREAMers Vs Pearce

During the GOP Election Day Victory Celebration (Nov 2, 2010 at the Hyatt Hotel), DREAM Activists from the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition confronted State Senator Russell Pearce. He is the creator of anti-immigration laws that had propelled flawed politicians to power in Arizona, including Governor Jane Brewer.

I met Stephen Lemons-aka the Feathered Bastard- (from the Phoenix New Times) at the Anti Defamation League Torch of Freedom Award Ceremony few days later. He knew about the DREAMers confronting Pearce and wanted more information. I happened to know somebody had video taped it. This is the Feathered Bastard Blog which is rated one of the top blogs with more than 322 facebook postings so far. Thanks Stephen for e-publishing the evidence of the courage of the DREAMers trying to unsuccessfully debate rude Russell Pearce, but being able at least to freak him out and throw him out of his comfort zone!

More Bad News After the 2010 Election

I must confess I'm still in shock about the results of the 2010 elections across the USA but specially in Arizona.

Besides loosing congressional seats and a big GOP win on all possible fronts, re-elected State Senator Russell Pearce has been named Senate President. The introduction of more anti-immigrant laws is inevitable.

Voters have approved prop 107 which bans the so called affirmative action programs (another "gift" from Russell Pearce and sell out State Legislator Steve Montenegro).

On the chopping block will be valuable initiatives like WISE (Women In Science and Engineering) and Hispanic Mother and Daughter Program, among others that encourage the participation of underrepresented groups in higher education. These programs also made important contributions towards the integration of immigrants.

This is what an alumni of the program said about the Hispanic Mother and Daughter Program:

"We all know that the United States is a country of immigrants. Every single person that has come here has had to learn to adapt to a totally different way of life.

Se dice que nosotros los Hispanos nos negamos a adaptarnos... (It is said that we Hispanic are not seeking integration.)

This is precisely what programs like HMPD helps us do. It opens up new doors to Hispanic Mothers and Daughters, by informing us and making us aware of all the opportunities and choices available when it comes to our education. I can honestly say that if it was not for this program, my path toward college would've been a way bigger challenge. And I would hate to see other girls miss the opportunities that I had if this program disappears."

Sad times for AZ when proven programs that support educations for all are not valued.