Many of my associates and friends (Latinos and non–Latinos alike) have recently commented on the sense of fear and resulting discrimination toward Latinos in recent months throughout our country. The immigration debate exposed many ill feelings and unfounded biases which our country had not experienced as intensely in more than three decades.
Not since the days of civil rights, have we seen the kind of polarization we are witnessing. For some U.S. born Latinos, including fourth, fifth and beyond generations, myself included, the reaction and rhetoric of some members in Congress, other elected officials at the local and state level and some Americans, has been startling.
Much of the country is faced with the reality of a growing Latino population and subsequent culture–shock, increased concern over the inadequacy of an antiquated immigration system, and the lingering paranoia of a 9/11 repeat attack. These factors have unfortunately delayed our community’s resounding endorsement and embracing of the Latino culture and its people as part of the answer to our country’s successful economic future.
The immigration debate has already built a much larger imaginary barrier to the Americanization of Latinos than the proposed wall some members of Congress want to build between the U.S. & Mexico.
Of course, this fear and barrier to being American and Latino is as foreign in San Antonio as salsa is common in the overall country. Unlike other areas in our nation, particularly the Midwest and Northeast, San Antonio has been a laboratory of the U.S. and Mexican cultures for more than 300 years, where each has had an equally dominant presence and influence. Its people serve as a living testimony to two histories.
For instance, I am American and very patriotic. A U.S. flag is posted on my family’s front porch year round. I’m also Hispanic, I’m Latino, I’m Mexican–American or “American–Mexican.” I like hamburgers and I like tacos. I love steak and potatoes. And I love enchiladas, beans and rice. I drink old–fashioned lemonade and aguas frescas. I travel just as often to Mexico as I do to other cities in the U.S. I admire Martin Luther King, Benjamin Franklin, and the Mexican revolutionary, Pancho Villa. Both of my grandfathers served our nation in World War II, and my father and my wife’s father served in the Vietnam War.
As the population of Latinos increases, and as waves of Mexicans along with other nationalities cross our borders, Americans should consider that our country needs Latinos to succeed and we need immigrants in our workforce to grow our economy.
As Mexicanos and other immigrant populations become more integrated into mainstream America, we, as Americans, should take comfort in understanding there is nothing to fear. These so–called “Aliens” come in peace and more importantly, they come to work.
It’s important to remember one of those experiments has already succeeded. San Antonio, among other communities, is proof that the country has everything to gain by welcoming productive people. Latinos are committed to working hard, building strong families, respecting one another, protecting our country and striving toward fulfilling hopes and dreams. Latino traditions and values are also American values – love of God, country, and the opportunity to succeed.
The Texas Comptroller’s report estimates that undocumented immigrants in Texas generate more taxes and other revenue than the state spends on them. The Pew Hispanic Center estimates between 1.4–1.6 million undocumented immigrants resided in Texas in March 2005; this 1.6 million represents slightly more than six percent of the total Texas population. Without the undocumented immigrant population, Texas’ workforce would decrease by 6.3 percent.
There will be more Baby Boomers leaving the workforce through retirement than new workers entering the labor force. The U.S. will reach a negative fertility rate as early as 2015. Our immigration system currently does not allow for the supply of immigrant workers to satisfy the national demand for our labor needs. We have a need for low–skilled workers, but also are desperate for high–skilled workers such as scientists, nurses, high–tech workers and engineers.
Instead of considering the deportation of people that make up the equivalent size of the entire population of Ohio (11 million+ people), we should have a system that puts them to work immediately, then begin their Americanization.
Many immigrants from Mexico are working or looking for work and should not be perceived as a threat. How do we create a system to more efficiently find the true terrorists that may reside in the U.S. or intend on coming in through a less guarded border such as Canada? The Border Patrol numbers a 1000 in Canada versus the over 10,000 personnel guarding Mexico with a border half the size of Canada’s.
The challenge for Latinos and immigrants is to continue being, and for some, becoming American while maintaining and never fearing to remain true to their Latino heritage. The other challenge is to keep the immigration debate focused on the economic benefits to our country and do our part in abating this fear based on ignorance.
The challenge for our country is to recognize that Latinos and most immigrants coming to the U.S. should not be feared, but rather enthusiastically accepted. The integration of these new Americans will not only make America strong, but for centuries it is what has defined us as its hard–working, proud citizenry.
I believe America’s people will persevere. Our nation’s economy and the future viability of our competitiveness in the global marketplace depend on it.
