Manabadhikar (Human Rights)?

******Sorry for not writing for a while, school has been hectic and i am sorry if didn't respond to your comments on my last blog, i am not upset with Rosy and Jen for not being enthused about Obama, I enjoy that i have friends that different than i am. I love you girls you have no idea how much.********************************************************************************

I am taking a course called Immigrant L.A and have been learning about the reasons for migration from Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe etc... and the extensive policies which intension has been to stop migration flow into the United States. Immigration issues for me are not easy to discuss with those that have a negative view on immigration. Coming from first generation immigrant parents and being a second generation born in this country, i see immigration through different lenses. Many of the immigration misconceptions come from the media, have you ever seen a positive report on the news regarding immigration? I haven't, it's usually "we need to strengthen our border patrol because all of these immigrants are coming to our country and taking our jobs, stealing our resources , and making our economy situation worse" They don't however talk about the great contribution that they make to our economy and how they pay for many of the social services that citizens use but they are not able to.

Undocumented people contribute over 81 billion when they file their taxes in the beginning of each year, none of which is returned to them because of their immigration status. This money is used for social services for U.S Citizens and legal residents. With their immigration status they are not allowed to receive social services, although many do find a way to do so and those that do are only 0.2% its not even 1%. In sales tax they contribute millions each year, they make our nation more cultured and bring with them customs that enrich our communities. They are not criminals but people who have left their country in hopes of obtaining the American Dream that they have been feed in their country, not knowing that it doesn't apply to all. Many come and do the jobs that many American Citizens wouldn't touch if their life depended on it. They are exploited, over worked, dehumanized, sexually abused and all for a better life. They represent our cheap labor, low skilled industry that is on the bottom of our hour glass labor industry. It is hard for many of them to move up.

If we have immigration it is due to Globalization and outsourcing, NAFTA: North American Free Trade Agreement which imports and exports goods and technology through open borders but not people. People from other countries are trading with the U.S and are employed in a U.S company that has outsourced and set up shop in their town, employing all their neighbors but not paying them a livable wage, so they are dying of hunger and cannot support their families. Many if are able come here with the hopes of having a better life, but many are disappointed with the way they are treated and denied basic human rights because they are immigrants.

Again, i don't know everything on this issue all i know is what i have researched. i do know that immigration reform is needed and there are many people that should be naturalized because they have been good law abiding people that contribute to the communities in which they live and they pay their taxes. However what is truly needed is the halt of I.C.E (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids, they terrorize communities by going to peoples homes and forcing them to sign voluntary deportation orders, overstepping their authority and no one is holding them accountable. ICE break up families by deporting first generation immigrants and leaving their U.S born children here to fend for themselves. People should not be afraid of being deported by ICE for seeing a doctor when they are seriously sick.

What i find ironic is that many of the immigration laws like IRCA that was passed in 1986 which made it unlawful for employers to hire undocumented immigrants, and for them to receive social service and educational assistance, was written by senators whom themselves are sons of immigrants. I am happy that many of the points in this law have been overturned.

What is your view on immigration i am interested in knowing?

Shalom my friends,
Eveline