| El Dies y Seis de Septiembre and immigration |
|
 |
|
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in Denver and shouting the emblematic El Grito de Dolores, a historical announcement of a revolution by a parish priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is meaningless unless authentic dialogue between México and the United States regarding comprehensive immigration is reignited. Following 9/11 both presidents walked away from the table, never to return. Since that time, presidential leadership in México and the United States has changed; however, dialogue has not ensued.
Immigration has reached a tipping point, that is, a time when the pot is ready to boil over. Mexican migration with the many grave risks attached continues as immigrants cross dry barren deserts, with a burning desire to feed their families, and hold onto many times, false hopes and ambitions to obtain la vida buena. Immigration is a triadic phenomenon that fattens some folks’ pocketbooks, drives a wedge between political groups; and yet, it is laced with a moral imperative, a question of humanity and social justice. What is certain is that the Obama Administration needs to pick up steam relative to this divisive issue. His administration cannot waiver amidst the intense heat building up in Washington as we approach the 2012 elections.
The leadership required to move this agenda will seemingly fall on the laps of USA Latina/o politicians. The Obama Administration has both critics and purported supporters shouting invectives at his administration. Republicans have accused him of “pandering to the Hispanic Community and being disingenuous about the prospect of passing reform this year.” A camp full of Democrats are also critical about his seemingly unresponsiveness on dealing with immigration policy. The system remains in shambles, without any direction, as Immigration Reform remains handcuffed to the politics of the day.
Both nations can no longer ignore the white elephant in the room. What does immigration have to do with Mexican Independence Day? Ask 11 million undocumented workers. Perhaps, it has to do with liberty and freedom; freedom to participate in society’s opportunities, the liberty to be socially mobile and the freedom to live without fear of retribution. None of which immigrants are legally allowed to do without looking over their backs.
America is engaged in an Immigrant War of sorts. It is a war of attrition as armed bounty hunters protect the borders, laws such as Arizona’s HB 1070 and HB 2281are enacted, and racial profiling feeds xenophobic minds and hearts. What is occurring is a replica of past anti-immigrant legislation like the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Gentleman’s Agreement and Operation Wetback; three pieces of legislation that, pardon the remark, has left a black eye on one of América’s faces.
What are some of the most contentious issues? Although no one has openly placed blanket amnesty on the table; rightwing pundits believe the current administration is headed in that direction. They hang their hats on the rule of law, of which no one is immune from. Talking about immigration in general receives miniscule approval ratings until the issue of Mexican immigration peeps out of the window; then, it raises eyebrows and nasty looks, as if we were talking about venom. Attempts at reviving the national DREAM Act have been thwarted. Thousands of young undocumented workers are left marginalized, without hope for the future. They have not broken any laws; yet, have to suffer the consequences of a broken immigration system. States are haggling over the issue of Secure Communities. A 700 mile fence has created ill will, separating two nations.
Mexican immigrants and their sons and daughters have always defended democracy on both sides of the borders; never flinching when called upon to fight and die for this country.
The Fighting 201st included Charlie Foster, aka Carlos Faustinos, part of an elite group of Mexican fighters that defended democracy during WW II. On Second Street, later changed to Hero Street in Silvis, Chicago, 105 men participated in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Thirteen youth from two Sandoval families enlisted in these wars. No other street in America has been able to match this feat.
Respect for valiant behavior has not always been reciprocated. There are historical atrocities whose stories remained hidden beneath social injustice until Chicana/o researchers uncovered them. Tom Kennedy, a funeral home director in Three Rivers, Texas would not allow Private Felix Longoria's, a citizen and hero killed in WW II, burial in his home state. He stated, “Because he was a "Mexican" and because "the whites would not like it.” His words were heard by “unimpeachable witnesses.” To the chagrin of city residents, Kennedy was willing to set up a wake at the Longoria home as was the customary treatment of Mexican Americans by the Three Rivers Community.
Shaping legislation that reflects America as a nation of immigrants is not easy. How fast human beings forget.
¡Viva El Dies y Seis de Septiembre!
Dr. Ramón Del Castillo is an Independent Journalist.
© 2011 The Weekly Issue/El Semanario, Inc.
|
←
Back
|
|
|
|
view more photos
view more videos
El Semanario New Mexico 
El Semanario