Labor Day, no holiday for some

LABOR DAY IS an interesting holiday. Apparently, it’s dedicated to the labor move- ment and to the social and economic achievements of the people who, well, labor. Not only that, but it acknowledges the contributions made by the labor force in strengthening the well-being of our country. It’s the holiday that tells laborers, “Hey, take a day off.”

That’s why, on Monday, while I was driving around Selma, I couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of such a silly holiday. While banks and other professional offices were closed in observance, hundreds of men and women were out in the fields, in packinghouses, at canneries… laboring.

I’m pretty sure contributions made by this labor force have been central in strengthening the well-being of California. I would have gladly gone into my office to secure a free day for someone who truly deserved it.

I’d hardly say working at my desk, in an executive leather chair, with air conditioning could be called labor.

And yet, I had a paid day off.

Later that day, marchers gathered in downtown Fresno to voice their support for immigration reform.

Though this march was not as big as the one held in May, it was encouraging to see that people haven’t forgotten the importance of speaking up in support of immigrant rights.

The subject is such a hot-button issue right now (whether it’s because people care or because it is being used as a diversion from other, more pressing concerns, who knows?) and even I’m torn about what should be done.

I can say with certainty that immigration has saved an innumerable amount of families since America became the “land of the free,” including my own. Probably your family at one point or another also.

I’m grateful that my parents struggled so that I could have many opportunities as a first generation American that they weren’t afforded.

However, I also understand that many people who enter our country do so illegally. But I also understand the reasons behind why some would choose to break the law in the first place.

And I’m not just talking about Mexicans. It’s easy to point the finger at one group because they are closer geographically than others. This shouldn’t be about ethnicity; it’s an issue about humanity.

Lots of countries have horrible governments that its citizens want to get away from. We’re the self-proclaimed big brother to the world. Why can we “protect” foreign citizens with bombs, but not with shelter or employment?

I think people who want to become citizens should have to prove it. They should prove their knowledge of the country, the language, and have to pay fines or other penalties if they enter illegally. However, I don’t think exiling 12 million people or building a wall stretching across the border is a viable solution to the problem.

I read an online article yesterday that said despite the large crowds that came out in May to protest immigration bills, the number of Hispanic voters nationwide hasn’t increased as expected.

Honestly, that does not surprise me. I think the people who are out there marching are people who are afraid to get involved politically. They are afraid to trust a system they know doesn’t care about them.

What the immigration protesters need is a real leader. Someone that can give immigrants courage beyond fear of government. Someone to teach them that their vote is their opinion and that their opinion matters.

After all, they do contribute to our economy. I don’t think retailers ask immigrants for proof of citizenship when they put money into our economy.

Immigrants have shaped this country since it was founded. Maybe we’re beginning to forget that. We’re a country that was built on giving freedoms to everyone, so that they may share in the ultimate dream.

What’s the point of celebrating a holiday when the people it was intended for can’t? In truth, everyday is a day of labor for those in the immigrant community.

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