Driving to Chicago on Monday, I watched as a number of mainly Hispanic men, women and children walked down University Avenue holding and waving large signs for "A Day without Latinos" rally. All across America, the radio crackled, millions of people were walking down their respective University Avenue's to not only protest the Draconian House immigration bill passed last year but to also celebrate the contributions and achievements of our immigrant population.
In a spontaneous burst two weeks ago, Los Angeles witnessed its largest political rally ever, with over 500,000 people participating in demonstrations that overwhelmed downtown. Last Sunday, Dallas was home to a rally that brought in 500,000 people. On Tuesday, at least 100,000 people marched in Phoenix, while other rallies were held in downtown New York and Washington, D.C.
Organized by a grassroots team of church, labor and community organizations, the demonstrations have provided a voice and presence for those reduced to living in the shadows of our society. Additionally, this organic movement has provided a real political voice for one of our country's most overlooked political constituencies: Hispanics. And while Hispanics have certainly dominated these rallies in sheer size, their struggle is one that many Americans can identify with.
Though this peaceful, principled and passionate movement has won the hearts and minds of a majority of Americans, the Senate continues to fail to put together a comprehensive plan for action. It behooves the Senate to put together a package that will force the House to reconsider its xenophobic and unprincipled anti-immigration bill. The Senate Judiciary Committee's bill, which initially received bipartisan support, must be brought to the floor in its original language. It remains the only piece of legislation that effectively tackles border enforcement and the issue of our nation's illegal immigrants.
The bill, sponsored by Sens. John McCain and Ted Kennedy, would allow the country's 11-12 million illegal immigrants to apply for a work visa after paying back taxes and a fine, and undergoing a background check. After four years, visa holders would be able to apply for their green card and begin the process of applying for citizenship. It would also create an expanded guest-worker program, allowing 400,000 more people a year to enter the United States legally.
Additionally, the bill calls for strengthening and enhancing our nation's borders. Increasing the number of border patrol guards and investing in technology that will deter illegal immigrants from entering the country is necessary in preventing terrorists from infiltrating our borders. While some have advocated for the deportation of any illegal immigrants found in our country, this preposterous idea would violate family unification principles and run counter to the values of American society.
In classrooms throughout the United States, young children learn of the guiding principles our country was built upon. They are taught to embrace diversity, tolerance and equality. For generations, immigrants have flocked to our country's shores because of the values we continue to promote. In order for the United States to remain competitive in a global economy, we must continue opening our arms to those brilliant immigrants hoping to succeed and prosper.
While President Bush has tacitly endorsed the Senate Judiciary Committee bill, he should begin to push Republican Senators to accept this reasonable and compassionate piece of legislation. The bill will remedy one of country's most glaring problems while continuing to promote and foster our country's greatest asset: openness.
Josh Moskowitz ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science and journalism.
