The O.C. Register is reporting that over 2,000 immigrants showed up at Santa Ana College yesterday to get help with their U.S. citizenship applications.
The event was sponsored by NALEO (the National Association of Latino Elected Officials). Many local community leaders either told me they would be there, or I heard from others that they would be there, including SAUSD Trustee John Palacio, Assemblyman Jose Solorio, State Senator Lou Correa and Santa Ana City Council candidate Irene Ibarra.
I could not be there as I teach First Aid/CPR and OSHA safety classes on Saturdays.
The Register also reported that “In April, 2,000 attended a similar event at the college.”
That is bad news for the OC GOP. I truly doubt that very many of the 4,000 immigrants who are in the process of becoming U.S. citizens are looking to join the Republicans – not while so many elected Republicans continue to attack and malign Mexican and other Latin American immigrants.
And now some of these new voters will be able to punish the trustees at the Anaheim Union High School District for their appointment of racist Harald Martin to an open seat on their Board of Education. Talk about turning the tables on Martin and his cabal of hatred!
I don’t think these applicants actually get to vote until they become citizens, right?
Of course these are all future Democrats! Why do you think Politicos Solorio and Martinez were so eager to lend a hand and put their mugs all over publicity leading up to the event. I didn’t see too many DTS or other Party officials involved with the event either so don’t feel too bad OC GOP!
#1
You’re right, you don’t think.
You know darn well that U.S. citizens only, can vote.
An Actual interview from an illegal immigrant on his view of being in this country:
On the streets of downtown Houston, May 1, 2007 — Jim Moore reporting for a Houston TV station:
Jim: Juan, I see that you and thousands of other protesters are
marching in the streets to demonstrate for your cause. Exactly what
is your cause and what do you expect to accomplish by this protest?
Juan: We want our rights. We will show you how powerful we are. We
will bring Houston to its knees!
Jim: What rights?
Juan: Our right to live here..legally. Our right to get all the benefits you get.
Jim: When did you come to the United States?
Juan: Six years ago. I crossed over the border at night with seven other friends.
Jim: Why did you come?
Juan: For work. I can earn as much in a month as I could in a year
in Mexico. Besides, I get free health care, our Mexican children can
go to school free, if I lose my job I will get Welfare, and someday
I will have the Social Security. Nothing like that in Mexico!
Jim: Did you feel badly about breaking our immigration laws when you came?
Juan: No! Why should I feel bad? I have a right to be here. I have a
right to amnesty. I paid lots of money for my Social Security and Green Cards.
Jim: How did you acquire those documents?
Juan: From a guy in Dallas. He charged me a lot of money too.
Jim: Did you know that those documents were forged?
Juan: It is of no matter. I have a right to be here and to work.
Jim: What is the “right” you speak of?
Juan: The right of all Aliens. It is found in your Constitution. Read it!
Jim: I have read it, but I do not remember it saying anything about rights for Aliens.
Juan: It is in that part where it says that all men have Alien rights, like the right to pursue happiness. I wasn’t happy in Mexico, so I came here.
Jim: I think you are referring to the Declaration of Independence
and that document speaks to unalienable rights .. Not Alien rights.
Juan: Whatever.
Jim: Since you are demanding to become an American citizen, why then are you
carrying a Mexican Flag?
Juan: Because I am Mexican.
Jim: But you said you want to be given amnesty … to become a US citizen.
Juan: No. This is not what we want. This is our country, a part of
Mexico that you Gringos stole from us. We want it returned to its rightful owner.
Jim: Juan, you are standing in Texas. After wining the war with Mexico,
Texas became a Republic, and later Texans voted to join the USA.
It was not stolen from Mexico.
Juan: That is a Gringo lie. Texas was stolen. So was California, New Mexico
and Arizona. It is just like all the other stuff you Gringos
steal, like oil and babies. You are a country of thieves.
Jim: Babies? You think we steal babies?
Juan: Sure. Like from Korea and Vietnam and China. I see them all
over the place. You let all these foreigners in, but try to keep us
Mexicans out. How is this fair?
Jim: So, you really don’t want to become an American citizen then.
Juan: I just want my rights! Everyone has a right to live & work, and
speak their native language wherever and whenever they please.
That’s another thing we demand. All signs and official documents
should be in Spanish . Teachers must teach in Spanish. Soon, more
people here in Houston will speak Spanish than English. It is our right!
Jim: If I were to cross over the border into Mexico without proper
documentation, what rights would I have there?
Juan: None. You would probably go to jail, but that’s different.
Jim: How is it different? You ;said everyone has the right to live
wherever they please.
Juan: You Gringos are a bunch of land grabbing thieves. Now you want
Mexico too? Mexico has its rights. You Gringos have no rights in
Mexico. Why would you want to go there anyway? There is no free
medical service, schools, or welfare there for foreigners such as
you. You cannot even own land in my country. Stay in the country of your birth.
Jim: I can see that there is no way that we can agree on this issue.
Thank you for your comments.
Juan: Viva Mexico!
#4,
What the hell does your comment have to do with thousands of people becoming citizens?
In fact, you might want to visit the Pomona fairplex thursday and you will see how many latinos are becoming citizens.
Your made up dialogue only helps to add to the inaccurate views you have on the immigrant.
HaHaHA!! I thought #4’s little dramatic reading was a lot like the ones Art wrote a while back! Very funny!
#4. I am sure any one of us can get a rediculous interview with a wacked out person from any extreme group or a group with a specific agenda.What does that prove? Nothing,exactly what your interview offers.
I had the honor of helping numerous immigrants complete their application for citizenship last Saturday. As an American I was proud to help these immigrants on their path to becoming citizens. Each person I met had a story and they were wonderful stories of much success and accomplishment in our communities.
There was the UC graduate student and her father completing their papers for citizenship. This med student will contribute to our society one day. I encountered several married couples of U.S. born and permanent residents, who expressed concern over the current wave of anti-immigrants, and wanted to ensure the safety of their family. These men and women were Boy Scout leaders, PTA moms and volunteers for the American Cancer Society. Most were contributing to communities.
There’s one memorable moment that’s forever etched in my mind.
She’s a 48-year old woman who has worked and struggled for 30-years to give her children a life of opportunity. You could see the hard years in her face and sagging body, however when it came time to list her four children and their place of residence she was proud to list each child’s residence and tell me that each one owned their own home. Like any mother, she was the last one in the family to file her papers. Over the years she took care to make sure her children and husband were naturalized. She knew her work was done and it was her time.
#4 — for every story you have, I can trump you three times. I don’t know if your account is accurate,
only you know the truth. But this is what I do know. I left the event with a renewed spirit of being an American. And I have the numerous immigrants I met to thank.