My Thoughs on Immigration

By David Ibáñez

The manner in which many Americans and the media are reacting to the new Arizona law or the recent bomb-intent in New York is problematic. Immigration is a complex topic that needs to be understood through unbiased study and managed through sophisticated legislation. Unfortunately, many Americans are simply allowing their prejudices about certain races and ethnicities to shape their viewpoints about immigration. As in the past, media and politicians on both sides of the issue are not discouraging commonly held stereotypes, but instead are manipulating them to gather consensus for the enforcement of stricter laws against immigrants and to further political ambitions and chase ratings. This method has been used during times when America has had two types of issues, a struggling economy and/or was faced with national security issues. The generalization that Latinos are draining the economy because of the tax dollars spent on social services, or that Muslim immigrants are likely to plot terrorist attacks in the U.S, are examples of misguided thinking that continue to repeat themselves in American history.

Many politicians and some media have used anti-immigrant sentiment, where fear guides public opinion, to respond to a crisis in society. History shows that during times of crisis, scapegoating leads to immoral actions. This was the case during WWII, when Japanese-American citizens were sent to internment camps; the anti-immigrant hysteria during the Great Depression led to the deportation of roughly 300,000 Mexican workers and their families; and more recently with the fallout from September 11 and the vilification of people from the Middle East. These events illustrate the worst in stereotypical beliefs and myths about ethnic groups , and result in dangerous legislation such as the "Arizona Immigration Law SB1070" or the “Patriot Act,” which threatens the civil liberties of everyone, not only immigrants. With current legislation pondering what to do with the millions of immigrants who reside in this country, whether to propose a path to citizenship or like Arizona, criminalize those who are here illegally as well as those who help them, the rising sentiment against immigrants threatens to reach a fervor.

How immigration is managed will determine an important aspect of this country’s future; therefore, it is unacceptable to be poorly educated on the subject. For this reason, education in America should include a contextualized curriculum—not just factual – that prepares people for the intellectual discussion of these issues, and challenges them to be involved creatively in finding solutions. By requiring in-depth courses in American history and Government in order to graduate from high school and university, people will have the tools not only to ask questions, but to speak out. It is important for us all to open our minds and hearts to history. History is not only interesting in itself, but also helpful in providing an understanding of our attitudes, prejudices, and relationships with others.

Education is what can set this country apart. As I see it, knowledge is the most powerful tool. Knowledge is the key that unlocks the door to peace; the fare to nourish hunger, the currency to stop poverty, and the equalizer that will bring injustice to an end. Knowledge ultimately will end our irrational fears. An educated population will elect politicians who can recognize their own fallibility and use rational thought so that bridges among minority and majority views are built, and the voices of all can be heard. The American experiment that can still work.