Liana Whitehead
I’m fairly new to life. I’ve been on this planet for almost 25 years ”” a little too late to experience “the good ol’ days” ””or so I hear.
I have the feeling that American patriotism, small government and the “no bull” times have seen better days.
Over the past few weeks, a group of undocumented immigrants and supporters have journeyed across the United States with an agenda at heart.
Originating in Phoenix, the tour has made its way through neighboring states like Colorado and New Mexico, and made a beeline for the Democratic Convention in North Carolina.
As the “Undocubus,” a large, eye-grabbing turquoise bus with the painted phrase “No papers, no fear” makes its way through U.S. neighborhoods, it’s leaving a trail of dust and smoke — and I don’t mean exhaust.
Many Americans feel strongly about the immigration issue, but this remains absent from many mainstream media sources. Almost every article I have read regarding these rallies and protests has yet to provide the other side of the story ”” our side.
After reading a dozen articles and watching YouTube footage of several “No Papers, No Fear” rallies, I have come to this conclusion: it is no longer tolerable for Americans to use their free-speech rights in fear of causing offense. Rather, it has become acceptable for non-citizens to protest for rights on American soil.
Luckily, we have a reliable, honest government that protects citizen rights and enforces national security at the utmost level.
Yeah. Right.
There is something wrong with this picture. The term “illegal” suggests that something is not allowed or that something is unlawful and should have consequences. I wonder what type of global war would occur if Americans paraded the streets of other countries, demanding the same rights as its natural-born citizens.
Many people ”” including some Americans — felt this way after 9/11. We were invading Middle East territory. We had “no right” to be there despite whatever intentions or efforts. We were forcing our culture and opinions on a foreign country.
I don’t see much of a difference in cases like the Undocubus.
Why is it that Americans — meaning all legal citizens, no matter their nationality, race, sexual preference or religion ”” are bound by road laws, criminal laws, property laws, vehicle regulations, etc., but those who find a way to quietly blend in as Americans, having no legal rights, can deem us “hateful” or “racist” for having an opposing opinion.
This doesn’t include every undocumented immigrant. I am speaking specifically about those who refuse to gain legal citizenship — those who actually take pride in being undocumented.
I say this because I have been labeled as judgmental or prejudiced simply because I do not agree with illegal, undocumented citizenship. It has nothing to do with a person’s racial or cultural background whatsoever. It’s simply rules, regulations and above all, justice toward legal immigrants who have paid for and endured the legalization process.
I understand the protestors’ longing for acceptance and equality, but how are we expected to show tolerance to those who do not tolerate our beliefs, or follow the same federal, state and city laws?
In several videos, I watched protestors shouting, “We’ve taken enough being stepped on. We are tired of the abuse.” In one interview, an Undocubus passenger proclaimed her fight against racism — which she believed is often “hidden beneath business suits.”
My question is this: Besides the obvious issue of being illegal and demanding citizen rights, how has the United States (especially California) abused undocumented immigrants?
A 2010 article in The New York Times states, “In a unanimous decision, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday that illegal immigrants can be eligible for the same reduced tuition at public colleges and universities as legal residents of the state.”
The same article also discusses the fact that students outside of California ”” legal students, that is ”” are not able to receive reduced tuition.
So, you see, Americans are also seeking equality. However, there should be no question about who receives these benefits first. The documented citizens.
This brings me to my next issue: nationality. There is no reason why a person from any cultural and ethnic background cannot become a U.S. citizen. We encourage this. It is vital that we allow legal immigration for a number of reasons.
Legal immigration, for cultural and economic purposes, is a wonderful thing. Individuals from other countries carry over brilliant ideas, higher education and cultural diversity. All of these things not only make America look good (for lack of a better word), but thrive in the aforementioned ways.
The aim of early Americans was freedom from all types of persecution, including religious, political and lifestyle preferences. The United States was once a land full of immigrants. If we were to deny immigrants the chance to live in the “Land of the Free,” what would that say about us?
It is right and fair to encourage people to earn legal citizenship and hope they flourish in American society. What we need is more programs that offer incentives and help for those who wish to enter the United States and stay. Legally.