First, for those of you who do not know, the state of Arizona has passed through a bill mandating that any immigrants carry their naturalization papers or green cards on them at all times. If an immigrant is caught without his or her papers, he or she is subject to arrest and detainment. In 90 days, it will be a misdemeanor to be an immigrant not carrying immigration papers in the state of Arizona. This law also leaves much of its practice subject to the judgment of the Arizona police force. An officer may detain any individual he or she suspects of being an illegal immigrant at any time, simply based on physical characteristics.
The vast majority of immigrants in the state of Arizona are of Hispanic origins (mainly from Mexico). This law seems as though it is giving the Arizona police force permission to harass at will the state's Hispanic population.
My question is this:
When did the United States of America become intolerant to immigrants?
We are a country founded for enterprise and religious freedom, and over 96% of the United States current population are born into families of immigrant origins. Even those individuals who can trace their heritage as far back as a family member on the Mayflower are of immigrant origins.
America was a haven to refugees from many countries and hard-working citizens from across the globe who sought a better quality of life. Europeans and Asians came when their countries were suffering a famine or at war. Many South Americans came seeking safer conditions and a higher standard of living. Why now are we trying to stop the immigration of people from an impoverished country?
On a personal note, I know many Mexican immigrants, both legal and illegal. I noticed one thing they almost all had in common: a strong work ethic. These Hispanic immigrants risk their lives to enter into a country of hope only to work 70-80 hours a week doing back-breaking work for less than minimum wage. They hope to save up enough money to send back to their families in Mexico, usually. Others hope to be able to bring their families to America.
How is this any different than the immigration of the Irish and the Italians during the end of the 19th century? Did the men not come first, seeking jobs and hard work? Did they not send for their families later, or send their paychecks home?
The United States has a lot of pride in its "Melting Pot" heritage. We celebrate the Italians, the Irish, the Germans, the Scottish, the Japanese, the Native Americans, etc. Why, then, can we not celebrate the Hispanic cultures?
