VS.
I can't tell you how I got into this country...it is after all a public blog. I immigrated in 1993. It took me over 5 years, over $10,000, and a lawyer just to get my green card. This allows me to work in the United States. In fact, the only things I am barred from participating in are 1) jury duty - like that hurts 2) voting - i merely persuade people around me to vote as I would and 3) serving in public office (see #2).
Tom Tancredo's (a Republican presidential candidate) plan for immigration is in line with his isolationist attitude. He plans to build a wall on the border of Mexico and the US. This is reminiscent of Pat Buchanan's run for the Republican spot. One of his campaign managers, Karen Johnson, a radical, right wing Arizona congresswoman touted Mr. Buchanan as the hope for the future; the answer to Arizona's and America's immigrant travails. During this same time my immigrant family was living in Arizona on my father's visa - my mom and I kept from working legally. (I did what I could for under the table cash...don't tell). I won a "Junior of the Year" award in Arizona which alloted a full ride scholarship to the UofArizona; it was to be awarded to me during a session of Congress. The story continues, and so does the sweet irony. Karen Johnson was presenting the award to me...
Before I finish the poor immigrant's success story, let me take you back to Arizona at that time.
1) Chandler, Arizona had passed a law that the police could ask at will for individuals to provide proof of either a birth certificate or immigrant status (ie. visa or green card). I was never asked...in fact, no white person was ever asked for that matter. (This was quickly overturned by human rights activists).
2) Pat Buchanan's immigration platform not only included plans for the physical barrier on the border, but also would require all immigrants without a current green card to be deported.
3) Hatred was building as people whispered over their fajita and burrito meals that, "nothing good comes from Mexico"...
4)My classmates, sons and daughters of a very right wing organization, regurgitated their well meaning, dinnertime family political conversations. "Pat Buchanan will finally take care of those immigrants. Get them out of our country and give America back to Americans!" ...really, where would I begin with this?...but at that time, I simply retorted, "Do you realize that if Mr. Buchanan was voted in, passed such a law, and then enforced it, I and my family would be deported?" They answered with confusion, "but YOU DON'T LOOK LIKE AN IMMIGRANT" ****more on this later
Anyway, back to the poor immigrant's triumph...I was in Congress receiving my award from none other then the campaign driver against immigration and for hatred, Karen Johnson.
As she handed me the award with a large smile on her face, she leaned in to hug me as a demonstration of goodwill and congratulations. I gladly returned the embrace and while the Congress was applauding, I leaned closer and whispered, "Just so you know, you're hugging an immigrant."
- just as a closer...the award was revoked later due to my immigrant status...and my dad was paying taxes just like every American...go figure.
3 comments:
A most awesome post!!!
Mind if I refer others to it?
Dana, I love you.
Tancredo is a tool.
FYI, some Phoenix-area municipalities have passed laws requiring all persons that are arrested to provide proof of citizenship, regardless of their race, etc.
I haven't gotten to read most of your blogs, but they do seem interesting and I will make it a point to read them. I had forgotten how opinionated you were when we were companions, and since being married to Andrew, I too have a few more opinions than I did when you last saw me! It's fun to have contact with you, and I am glad I found out about your blog.
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