And I Quote (March, 2006) Immigration Piece

And I Quote: New immigration laws in the 'land of opportunity'
By Kate Knowles
Collegian Staff
March 29, 2006
“I think it’s just inhumane… everybody deserves the right to a better life.”- Elger AlroyOn Saturday, more than 100,000 people marched in Los Angeles to protest new legislation calling for more walls to be built on the border of the United States and Mexico. The bill would also makes aiding illegal immigrants a crime. The news has many Hispanics in an uproar, because they believe they are entitled to a life in a country that prides itself on global diversity and helping those in need. Riverside, Calif. resident Elger Alroy, a premed student, was quoting saying, “I think it’s just inhumane…everybody deserves the right to a better life.”
The illegal immigrant question is very controversial in the States, especially in the regions surrounding the country’s southern border. Recently, Catholic Relief Services came to La Salle and performed a play addressing the actors’ experiences from their expeditions to the U.S.-Mexico border. It was a compassionate testimony of innocent men, women and children who try to better the lives of their families. It was a moving presentation, and it changed some of my views concerning the issue.
When my mom was growing up, our town was about 90 percent Italian. Now, Hispanics make up 60 percent of the population. This shows influx of people from Spanish-speaking countries to the States. Many people in my town express anger and hostility toward these people in “their” environment, when they’re really just trying to make a decent living.
Part of me believes that they are reacting negatively because they feel threatened. While I agree that some people take advantage of what America has to offer, I think we as a society often overlook those who work honest jobs and want to contribute their culture, customs and values to our country. I wonder if the primary reason the U.S. Border Patrol and irate American citizens have such a problem with this is because they’re not in control.
I’m not advocating people coming into our country and wreaking havoc, such as the religious fanatics who attack our lives on 9/11. My frustration is compounded when I hear that we are liberating people in foreign countries but do not extend the same courtesy to those who want to become American citizens.
What’s happening on our campus, in our communities and in our minds, hearts and souls? We should search within ourselves, and try to replace feelings of inhumanity with love and compassion for each other. Everyone deserves a right to a better life and a better chance at achieving humanity.