Generation You: Immigration

The Obama Administration just announced plans to tackle immigration reform by sometime this summer. We’re asking you, our readers, writers and commentators, what do you think?

Abrahim Appel of Minority Dreams said:

The debate over immigration is a debate over how human we allow people to be if they are born outside of the boarders and enter. How much should we belittle people is the question. This is balanced by the very real fact of cultural change and static based on such change that at the very least will bring in new traditions and standards for success and the very most, riots and lynchings.
This debate in this country is juvenile at best because Americans do not recognize that the only time we want immigrants is when an industry needs them. The only time America talks of immigration problems is when that culture of people begins to feel at home, demand some form equality or adjust the standards of living that takes away from some form of profit.
The immigration-debate really serves no other people other than the purpose of economic enrichment of the Americas business owning class.and the fears of class-ism.
In a country that refuses to speak new languages, learn about even Southern America and has a marine symbol that treats the whole hemisphere as if it were the United States, has 172 military bases across the world, two occupations, Puerto Rico has taxation without representation - it is the American empire that needs to have its migration revoked. [Don't blame] the hard working people who visit and make the wheels turn, who then infuriate us as if they were criminals, when they live where we do.

Jena Johnson of Chicago sent an excerpt of Theodore Roosevelt’s view of immigration in 1907 1919:

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin.
But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American.. There can be no! divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American , but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. We have room for but on language here, and that is the English language…and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.” -Roosevelt.

What is Generation You?

‘Generation You’ is an open conversation that revolves around a monthly issue. These topics affect various minority communities and your participation is critical. We hope to hear fresh voices and build a community of progressive minds.

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Whether you’re an avid blogger, represent an organization or just want to post your reply, we want to hear from you! To participate in this month’s Generation You, contact me at Urmi@minoritydreams.com.