Let this day be marked as a special day in my life.
I had missed my attorney's call, confused by the unknown number I listened to my message, it was the attorney asking me to call her back.
When we get on the phone, she says, "Maria, how're you? Are you sitting down? I have some good news and some bad news for you, which would you like to hear first?". Without hesitation I said the bad news. So she says, "I just got off the phone with the Chief of Immigration." I sit at my desk waiting for her to go on, silence, I say, "is that it?" She assures me it is, "And now to the good news, the Chief has approved our request" at which point I immediately start shaking (still am shaking now two hours later) and laughing and crying, and I manage to say, "that's great" (barely audible). She continues to tell me that the chief was very impressed with the letter we had submitted, one I had written up outlining my accomplishments while living here in the U.S. She assured him she had nothing to do with it and it was all me. This entire time I'm trying not to wail. She also tells me that she wants me to be a lawyer with her . . . sigh of relief, total bliss . . . still fighting the wailing. I keep thanking her, and she tells me not to celebrate quite yet, "let's wait until we get that letter from him (the Chief)" and then we can start celebrating. She tells me to tell my parents to start getting the money together and I tell her "we already have it", and she goes, "well then let's just wait for that letter because as soon as we get it, we will need the money to start processing for the green card." THE GREEN CARD!!!!!
There is nothing absolutely nothing I've wanted more, nothing more important in my life, I've wanted more than this. It is finally going to happen. Within the next couple months, the world will not see what's coming. My life will finally be in my hands. A job! A real person!
Things are not changing quite yet, but we are moving closer to the end of this journey. The last time I cried out of joy this intensely was when I found out I wasn't going to have to go to community college and would indeed be going to a real university, UCSB.
Life I love you and everything you've given me so far, the sour and the sweet.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Multifaceted Individuals
The first image that comes to mind when 'undocumented immigrant' is mentioned is the day laborer, nanny, housekeeper, gardener, janitor, bus boy, farmer, what else comes to mind? I could come up with a really long list for what conservatives think of, but it is unnecessary and a waste of time because they are all stereotypes.
Undocumented immigrants are people too, aspiring artists, writers, musicians, scholars, lawyers, teachers . . . everything that every American has ever wanted to be, firefighter, police officer. There are many undocumented immigrants who have gone into the armed forces despite their questionable residency. I must admit I once considered going into the armed forces myself, but it would have been for one reason only and would not have been the right reason to make such a huge commitment to a country that denies my existence.
Last week a friend of mine invited me to an art gallery, told me it showcased immigrant artists, nothing more had to be said. Here is some of the stuff I saw (you can click on each image while holding the 'Ctrl key' to enlarge it in a different window to better appreciate it).
This one has to be one of my favorites, it can't express more clearly the situation you find yourself in when you finally manage to graduate from college.
This one cracks me up, the poster the people are holding reads: "We are here and are not leaving! And if you throw us out, we'll be back!" It's funny because it's so true, in general, the human race are a determined bunch and will not give up the things we want. And the unique thing about Latinos, we don't hold back the truth, ever, we say it like it is. And if you take something we want from us we will fight for it, even if it means our lives and thousands of people have died trying to come back to the land of "opportunity" and the "land of the free".
This again couldn't express more clearly how I've felt for a very long time, partially invisible. I admire artists because I don't think I could physically illustrate how I feel, I think I'm better off as a writer (or a speaker perhaps one day).
There were some poems the artists made which I identified with completely, for the most part:
It's about living life a day at a time, enjoying every minute of it and that's how you should life your life regardless, you don't have to be an undocumented immigrant.
This is a dreamer I personally admire, I don't regret being a bit of a coward and sitting back while others put themselves on the line but everyone has different priorities. I know the circumstances I and my family has faced and am not willing to sacrifice myself for others, selfish but it is what it is.
Seeing these poems is so empowering, knowing that there really are people out there going through what I've gone through.
Please check out the post about what's going on in Arizona, and last night's post as well. Lost of interesting stuff is happening out there.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Undocumented immigrants are people too, aspiring artists, writers, musicians, scholars, lawyers, teachers . . . everything that every American has ever wanted to be, firefighter, police officer. There are many undocumented immigrants who have gone into the armed forces despite their questionable residency. I must admit I once considered going into the armed forces myself, but it would have been for one reason only and would not have been the right reason to make such a huge commitment to a country that denies my existence.
Last week a friend of mine invited me to an art gallery, told me it showcased immigrant artists, nothing more had to be said. Here is some of the stuff I saw (you can click on each image while holding the 'Ctrl key' to enlarge it in a different window to better appreciate it).
This one has to be one of my favorites, it can't express more clearly the situation you find yourself in when you finally manage to graduate from college.
This one cracks me up, the poster the people are holding reads: "We are here and are not leaving! And if you throw us out, we'll be back!" It's funny because it's so true, in general, the human race are a determined bunch and will not give up the things we want. And the unique thing about Latinos, we don't hold back the truth, ever, we say it like it is. And if you take something we want from us we will fight for it, even if it means our lives and thousands of people have died trying to come back to the land of "opportunity" and the "land of the free".
This again couldn't express more clearly how I've felt for a very long time, partially invisible. I admire artists because I don't think I could physically illustrate how I feel, I think I'm better off as a writer (or a speaker perhaps one day).
There were some poems the artists made which I identified with completely, for the most part:
It's about living life a day at a time, enjoying every minute of it and that's how you should life your life regardless, you don't have to be an undocumented immigrant.
This is a dreamer I personally admire, I don't regret being a bit of a coward and sitting back while others put themselves on the line but everyone has different priorities. I know the circumstances I and my family has faced and am not willing to sacrifice myself for others, selfish but it is what it is.
Seeing these poems is so empowering, knowing that there really are people out there going through what I've gone through.
Please check out the post about what's going on in Arizona, and last night's post as well. Lost of interesting stuff is happening out there.
MUCH LOVE!!!
SB 1070 goes into effect
Gary Tuchman went to work in grape fields in Delano California. This farm has been open since 1985, no Americans have expressed any interest in working in the fields.
Right now there are many protests going on around Arizona, particularly at Sheriff Arpaio's office. Many arrests have happened today as rallies came together and those who were willing to be arrested were certainly arrested - those brave brave people. I personally could never do that to my parents or my life.
We're seeing protests in New York, representing both sides of this debate, although the bigger numbers are coming from those opposing SB 1070, that woman who talks on the video just looks crazy because she says that the majority of the legal voters are behind SB 1070 . . . so where are they?
It's terrible that people are failing to see that SB 1070 was a violation of human rights, it has nothing to do with being American or not. Amnesty International has a clearly written article on this, A Small Victory for Arizonans, A Bigger Victory for Human Rights. Like always people fail to see what's wrong with what they're doing because they are choosing to do it, but if someone else acts the way they do, they go and bomb them.
Arpaio is so far up his ass, with that last name he's straight-up denying that his ancestors were immigrants too. No one called his ancestors "illegal aliens", please, please, please for those of you who read me, change the language you use to refer to people who aren't in the U.S. with government permission, we are undocumented immigrants, not extraterrestrials. Here's a link to a video from yesterday before the changes to SB 1070 were decided on, this old man is so scary, he's the kind of people who haunted my dreams when I was a little girl.
I think that's enough for now, I will keep my eyes and ears out for more developments on this.
I am so lucky my parents chose to live in California.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Right now there are many protests going on around Arizona, particularly at Sheriff Arpaio's office. Many arrests have happened today as rallies came together and those who were willing to be arrested were certainly arrested - those brave brave people. I personally could never do that to my parents or my life.
We're seeing protests in New York, representing both sides of this debate, although the bigger numbers are coming from those opposing SB 1070, that woman who talks on the video just looks crazy because she says that the majority of the legal voters are behind SB 1070 . . . so where are they?
It's terrible that people are failing to see that SB 1070 was a violation of human rights, it has nothing to do with being American or not. Amnesty International has a clearly written article on this, A Small Victory for Arizonans, A Bigger Victory for Human Rights. Like always people fail to see what's wrong with what they're doing because they are choosing to do it, but if someone else acts the way they do, they go and bomb them.
Arpaio is so far up his ass, with that last name he's straight-up denying that his ancestors were immigrants too. No one called his ancestors "illegal aliens", please, please, please for those of you who read me, change the language you use to refer to people who aren't in the U.S. with government permission, we are undocumented immigrants, not extraterrestrials. Here's a link to a video from yesterday before the changes to SB 1070 were decided on, this old man is so scary, he's the kind of people who haunted my dreams when I was a little girl.
I think that's enough for now, I will keep my eyes and ears out for more developments on this.
I am so lucky my parents chose to live in California.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
History is Happening
Tomorrow or soon to be today Thursday July 29, SB 1070 the anit-immigrant law from Arizona is going into effect. It is going to be a crazy day.
Today has already been an eventful day as changes were made to this law at the very last minute. Judge Bolton blocked the most controversial parts of SB 1070.
What're the changes that have been made?
Without a court order, police will not be allowed to randomly stop people to ask for papers to prove their status in the state - so racial profiling no longer allowed . . . technically
Day laborers are allowed to seek day jobs on the street
People are not allowed to stop and pick up day laborers - so yes this is confusing, a person seeking laborers is not allowed to transport the day laborers and the laborer is not allowed to be transported . . . so I supposed it's ok as long as the day laborer walks to the location of labor.
It will be illegal to transport anyone or in any way shelter undocumented immigrants to shelter them in the state of AZ - so if you're undocumented, stay out of AZ unless you already live there, cops aren't allowed to ask you for your papers unless they have a court order.
What will see happen first thing this Thursday July 29th? Raids, yes Sheriff Arpaio is preparing himself for the sun to come up and round up undocumented immigrants.
For once since the immigration debate has been this heated, Mexican embassies are promising to take care of their own, to make sure to look after the civil rights of their citizens who are residents of Arizona.
When daylight hits tomorrow I will be stuck to the news to see what's happening and giver you as much as I can. This next week is going to be crazy.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Today has already been an eventful day as changes were made to this law at the very last minute. Judge Bolton blocked the most controversial parts of SB 1070.
What're the changes that have been made?
Without a court order, police will not be allowed to randomly stop people to ask for papers to prove their status in the state - so racial profiling no longer allowed . . . technically
Day laborers are allowed to seek day jobs on the street
People are not allowed to stop and pick up day laborers - so yes this is confusing, a person seeking laborers is not allowed to transport the day laborers and the laborer is not allowed to be transported . . . so I supposed it's ok as long as the day laborer walks to the location of labor.
It will be illegal to transport anyone or in any way shelter undocumented immigrants to shelter them in the state of AZ - so if you're undocumented, stay out of AZ unless you already live there, cops aren't allowed to ask you for your papers unless they have a court order.
What will see happen first thing this Thursday July 29th? Raids, yes Sheriff Arpaio is preparing himself for the sun to come up and round up undocumented immigrants.
For once since the immigration debate has been this heated, Mexican embassies are promising to take care of their own, to make sure to look after the civil rights of their citizens who are residents of Arizona.
When daylight hits tomorrow I will be stuck to the news to see what's happening and giver you as much as I can. This next week is going to be crazy.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Making a Change
Jorge Ramos is a Mexican born naturalized American news anchor who has been with Noticiero Univision for 21 years. He has won eight Emmy's and is a well respected journalist among English speaking networks like CNN, ABC, and CBS. This man is a man that can cause change and realizes that and for that reason wrote WHEN SPEAKING OF IMMIGRANTS, WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE about what we need to do to set ourselves up for a better outcome in immigration reform.
We cannot see change in the world from one day to the next without making small changes one day at a time. It all starts with one person, someone posting an article, their network of friends read it and those people post it and so on. Even as simple as talking about it is enough to start the ball rolling.
A change as simple as the language we use can help transform the way people perceive a certain group of people. What is the most common way the media refers to undocumented immigrants? "illegal aliens"
Besides entering into the U.S. without government approval, what about these people is illegal? Their existence? Their way of life? Picking lettuce is illegal? Cleaning your house and feeding your children is illegal?
And what makes these people alien? Alien to me means extraterrestrial . . . last I checked all these people come from places around planet earth.
For those who seriously want to see a change need to change their vocabulary so that those who are intolerant of undocumented immigration start to perceive undocumented immigrants as people and not aliens.
One thing people forget about is why there are so many undocumented immigrants. Money, money and money, not the only factor but the number one factor. If you don't have money for an attorney, filing fees, immigration fees, you have your hands tied.
What other factors affect the high volume of people in the U.S. that are undocumented?
- Lack of network, not knowing who to go to if they don't have friends who have been through the status adjustment process.
- Language is huge factor, it limits the resources they have available to them which can also limit the quality of service they can get from certain attorneys.
On a separate note, no update from the attorney. There will be no mention of it until I actually hear from the attorney, no point in posting everyday telling you I have no news.
May life be brewing some goodies for me :)
MUCH LOVE!!!
We cannot see change in the world from one day to the next without making small changes one day at a time. It all starts with one person, someone posting an article, their network of friends read it and those people post it and so on. Even as simple as talking about it is enough to start the ball rolling.
A change as simple as the language we use can help transform the way people perceive a certain group of people. What is the most common way the media refers to undocumented immigrants? "illegal aliens"
Besides entering into the U.S. without government approval, what about these people is illegal? Their existence? Their way of life? Picking lettuce is illegal? Cleaning your house and feeding your children is illegal?
And what makes these people alien? Alien to me means extraterrestrial . . . last I checked all these people come from places around planet earth.
For those who seriously want to see a change need to change their vocabulary so that those who are intolerant of undocumented immigration start to perceive undocumented immigrants as people and not aliens.
One thing people forget about is why there are so many undocumented immigrants. Money, money and money, not the only factor but the number one factor. If you don't have money for an attorney, filing fees, immigration fees, you have your hands tied.
What other factors affect the high volume of people in the U.S. that are undocumented?
- Lack of network, not knowing who to go to if they don't have friends who have been through the status adjustment process.
- Language is huge factor, it limits the resources they have available to them which can also limit the quality of service they can get from certain attorneys.
On a separate note, no update from the attorney. There will be no mention of it until I actually hear from the attorney, no point in posting everyday telling you I have no news.
May life be brewing some goodies for me :)
MUCH LOVE!!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Happenings in Utah
This lovely information was passed on to me by my very close friend, thank you :)
Utah residents collected private information of 1,300 Latino-origin individuals and sent it to ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) requesting that all those people listed be deported immediately. The letter attached to the list of names stated that they had sent this list of names to the Customs and Immigration Office in Salt Lake City, but as they have seen no action they are sending this information to ICE. This anonymous group wants action as they are tired of seeing "[these illegal immigrants] in [their] neighborhoods, driving [their] streets, working in [their] stores, attending [their] schools and entering [their] public welfare buildings." Some people weren't taught to share.
The truth is a lot of the people on the list are actually citizens.
It's so amusing to me how afraid some people are of certain groups of people, of course I am referring to those who collected all those names. These are probably the people who think Mexicans have come back to this part of the U.S. to take back what used to be ours. Who holds on to things like that? Who has the time to think about that?! Some people seriously need more things to fill up their time.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Utah residents collected private information of 1,300 Latino-origin individuals and sent it to ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) requesting that all those people listed be deported immediately. The letter attached to the list of names stated that they had sent this list of names to the Customs and Immigration Office in Salt Lake City, but as they have seen no action they are sending this information to ICE. This anonymous group wants action as they are tired of seeing "[these illegal immigrants] in [their] neighborhoods, driving [their] streets, working in [their] stores, attending [their] schools and entering [their] public welfare buildings." Some people weren't taught to share.
The truth is a lot of the people on the list are actually citizens.
It's so amusing to me how afraid some people are of certain groups of people, of course I am referring to those who collected all those names. These are probably the people who think Mexicans have come back to this part of the U.S. to take back what used to be ours. Who holds on to things like that? Who has the time to think about that?! Some people seriously need more things to fill up their time.
MUCH LOVE!!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
What supporters are doing right now
Anyone watch 'The Colbert Report'? I don't usually, but a close friend of mine insisted I watch a particular episode. It aired July 8, 2010, Colbert had Arturo Rodriguez, the president of the United Farm Workers of America as the special guest. Woo I actually found it, Full Episode - July 8, 2010! A great episode in general, I'm glad I watched it especially because of the discussion on immigration.
Yes finally all those against "illegal" immigration who swear on their lives undocumented immigrants are taking the jobs of Americans are getting the chance to take their jobs back! Mr. Rodriguez said, "Americans do not want to work in the fields . . . the conditions are horrid", weather conditions are awful, there are no desks for you to sit at, you get paid ridiculously low for literally breaking your back picking the veggies that will be served at fancy restaurants for health conscious Americans.
How do Americans get their jobs back? Mr. Rodriguez started the Take Our Jobs Campaign, inviting American citizens to come out and work in agriculture picking crops, now you can pick your salad and have it too!
How many Americans have signed up for this? All of three! Make it four since Colbert added himself to that list. What do you have to say for yourself you hateful Americans? I thought undocumented immigrants were taking your jobs . . . maybe this campaign just hasn't had enough mainstream publicity . . . please pass this site around to anyone who won't stop running their mouth about undocumented immigrants and encourage them to take their job back.
If only there was organizations representing all those undocumented people who are nannies, gardeners, housekeepers, construction workers, kitchen workers . . .what else is there? Maybe those jobs can be taken back too.
You know what else I've been doing, telepathically talking to my attorney, telling her to call me and give me some good news :X I'll let you in on the loop when I have something good or not, to share.
May life be fair to me sooner rather than later.
MUCH LOVE!!
Yes finally all those against "illegal" immigration who swear on their lives undocumented immigrants are taking the jobs of Americans are getting the chance to take their jobs back! Mr. Rodriguez said, "Americans do not want to work in the fields . . . the conditions are horrid", weather conditions are awful, there are no desks for you to sit at, you get paid ridiculously low for literally breaking your back picking the veggies that will be served at fancy restaurants for health conscious Americans.
How do Americans get their jobs back? Mr. Rodriguez started the Take Our Jobs Campaign, inviting American citizens to come out and work in agriculture picking crops, now you can pick your salad and have it too!
How many Americans have signed up for this? All of three! Make it four since Colbert added himself to that list. What do you have to say for yourself you hateful Americans? I thought undocumented immigrants were taking your jobs . . . maybe this campaign just hasn't had enough mainstream publicity . . . please pass this site around to anyone who won't stop running their mouth about undocumented immigrants and encourage them to take their job back.
If only there was organizations representing all those undocumented people who are nannies, gardeners, housekeepers, construction workers, kitchen workers . . .what else is there? Maybe those jobs can be taken back too.
You know what else I've been doing, telepathically talking to my attorney, telling her to call me and give me some good news :X I'll let you in on the loop when I have something good or not, to share.
May life be fair to me sooner rather than later.
MUCH LOVE!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Patience is a Virtue
I apologize for leaving you hanging like this. I actually had a pretty involved day yesterday and totally forgot to call the attorney, by the time I realized this, it was definitely past business hours.
First thing I did this morning, called the attorney. I really was expecting to find something out, but same story, the receptionist doesn't know anything (which isn't such a bad thing). So I left a message for the attorney to call if there is an update. Therefore I may not hear from her in a while or she may call me to tell me that she's been trying to work her way into the head honcho's schedule which would be quite nice to hear. Or maybe even has already set an appointment with him (wishful desperate thinking)!
In the meantime I've got plenty to keep me busy.
(In the most unselfish way) May life bring me what I deserve, sooner rather than later :)
MUCH LOVE!!
First thing I did this morning, called the attorney. I really was expecting to find something out, but same story, the receptionist doesn't know anything (which isn't such a bad thing). So I left a message for the attorney to call if there is an update. Therefore I may not hear from her in a while or she may call me to tell me that she's been trying to work her way into the head honcho's schedule which would be quite nice to hear. Or maybe even has already set an appointment with him (wishful desperate thinking)!
In the meantime I've got plenty to keep me busy.
(In the most unselfish way) May life bring me what I deserve, sooner rather than later :)
MUCH LOVE!!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Update
I should probably wait until I have concrete news but I haven't said much lately on the matter. A month later I finally get the go-ahead from the parents to bug the attorney, yay! I've been anxious since the first week to be completely honest, but I realize this isn't about filing paperwork. It's about working into a powerful person's schedule, and that is exactly what my attorney is attempting to do.
So I will give it 'til the afternoon tomorrow and call the office to see what is up. Hopefully I'll have something good to report, if not I will not let it crush me because it's not the end of the world.
On a separate note, celebrations for my brother's, boyfriend's and my birthday have passed they were all very successful. Cheers to another year of this gift called life. May we all have health and happiness.
MUCH LOVE!
So I will give it 'til the afternoon tomorrow and call the office to see what is up. Hopefully I'll have something good to report, if not I will not let it crush me because it's not the end of the world.
On a separate note, celebrations for my brother's, boyfriend's and my birthday have passed they were all very successful. Cheers to another year of this gift called life. May we all have health and happiness.
MUCH LOVE!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
AZ getting it's medicine . . . hopefully
Government is finally responding to Arizona's craziness, if you haven't heard or read about it, check out this article:
Feds Sue Arizona Over SB1070
We are finally seeing government taking a blatant stand against this outrageous law Arizona is due to put into effect by the end of this July. The hearing for this lawsuit is for July 22nd . . . so I suppose when the Supreme Court turns down Arizona SB1070 will immediately be stopped and will not be able to go into effect the very next week?
It's crazy that states already have ways of doing exactly what SB1070 wants to do, so if Arizona has had this arrangement with ICE why are they wanting to pass a law? Suppose they don't get enough resources and do have their hands tied as to how crazy they can get with punishing "illegal" immigrants.
It's no surprise though, about 287g, I just finally know what allows for so many raids throughout Los Angeles which keeps my mom on edge all the time. She's always telling me there was a raid here and there, but luckily because of where we live, it would be a waste for ICE to come over here and try to round up a couple of undocumented immigrants. Nice to know the name of this thing that allows for so many people to be picked up randomly and ripped from the little promise they have to a better life.
Let's hope government does what it's supposed to do and stops this obnoxious law from going into effect.
I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter, even if you wish the law gets passed - give me a logical reason for why it should be passed don't go on crazy talk.
MUCH LOVE!!
Feds Sue Arizona Over SB1070
We are finally seeing government taking a blatant stand against this outrageous law Arizona is due to put into effect by the end of this July. The hearing for this lawsuit is for July 22nd . . . so I suppose when the Supreme Court turns down Arizona SB1070 will immediately be stopped and will not be able to go into effect the very next week?
It's crazy that states already have ways of doing exactly what SB1070 wants to do, so if Arizona has had this arrangement with ICE why are they wanting to pass a law? Suppose they don't get enough resources and do have their hands tied as to how crazy they can get with punishing "illegal" immigrants.
It's no surprise though, about 287g, I just finally know what allows for so many raids throughout Los Angeles which keeps my mom on edge all the time. She's always telling me there was a raid here and there, but luckily because of where we live, it would be a waste for ICE to come over here and try to round up a couple of undocumented immigrants. Nice to know the name of this thing that allows for so many people to be picked up randomly and ripped from the little promise they have to a better life.
Let's hope government does what it's supposed to do and stops this obnoxious law from going into effect.
I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter, even if you wish the law gets passed - give me a logical reason for why it should be passed don't go on crazy talk.
MUCH LOVE!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Presidential Address on Immigration
Finally something in English discussing immigration! No need for translations.
Obama on Comprehensive Reform 2010
I gotta say I was very pleased with everything the President said.
I love that that he was very realistic about the causes of immigration, people come here to improve their own lives as well as that of their family. Immigrant labor has helped in the success of many businesses as well as the lives of individuals. He recognizes that the immigration system is broken.
He recognizes that much of the reason for so many undocumented immigrants is because of the high cost of processing and attorney fees. Something that I've never heard being stated as a reason for so many undocumented immigrants.
One thing that irks me to the core is that government (including the Chief of Justice) insists on criminalizing undocumented immigrants. He says that in order for people to become "right with the law" undocumented or as he refers to us, "illegal immigrants" will be required to "admit they have broken the law, pay taxes and learn English". Nothing wrong with paying taxes and learning English, you can't really be an integral member of American society without being able to communicate or giving back to the state and nation with your money.
It just KILLS me that government insists on calling me a criminal, a law breaker . . . they just make it seem like we woke up one day and said, "I'm going to break the law now, here I go crossing the U.S. border, breaking the law, yay!" UGH . . . how is fighting for a better life a crime? I suppose I can't rationalize this as I am the one being called the lawbreaker and I REFUSE to be called a lawbreaker. Attorneys will say, no, you didn't break the law, your parents did. And to that I say, Excuse me, but my parents are not criminals, providing a better life is not a crime! It's like I was saying earlier about my mom, why is she being punished for being a good mother? :-/
I am not saying there shouldn't be laws regulating the coming and going of people, but the government is the one who dropped the ball on this. Why should the people be punished for it? And by 'the people' I mean undocumented immigrants. This is something I was discussing with my parents as I was reading the article about Obama's address.
The majority of the people who come to the U.S. by crossing the border by land can't afford to get a passport, some may not even know they need a passport let alone a visa - it may seem ridiculous to us but the majority of people coming to work in the farmlands of the U.S. are people from rural areas of Mexico. Hunger and poverty doesn't hold off until your visa is approved so you can go make better money in the U.S.
That's another thing, Obama said he hopes to make businesses, government and individuals accountable to the immigration system. So there will be ways for businesses (basically anyone employing people) to verify whether the documents their employees are using legitimate documentation. So it's supposed to become more difficult for people to use stolen identities, and eventually discourage people from coming into the U.S. to find jobs and better lives. Newsflash, businesses have been able to verify identities for a while now and many do not do it because they know they can pay these people less.
Think about it though, there are so many restaurants, homes that have undocumented immigrants working in the background, have been paying people far below minimum wage, this accountability is also supposed to prevent worker abuse which is very prevalent today in unchecked businesses etc. Realize that it's supposed to be difficult today for people to cross the border, find a job etc, and yet, people have found a way. It's human nature, we always find a way. So good luck with that Obama.
One of my favorite parts of Obama's speech is when he draws a comparison between the Jewish immigrants and the immigrants of today. I think it really brings the point home because the Jewish population is so influential in the U.S. and many are conservative. What I have to say to conservative Jews? Stop being hypocrites! What if you were made to get in line to get your residency rather than living the wonderful life you have achieved by coming here?
Latin America may not be going through a blatant persecution, but large industries are sucking the people dry. THIS is why I don't think Obama's plan to make it harder for people to find jobs etc, will discourage people from coming the U.S. Life in Latin America (if you are not ridiculously wealthy) is nothing but suffering, so even suffering in the U.S. is a better life by comparison.
All-in-all a great message, gives people a lot to think about.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about his speech :)
MUCH LOVE!!
Obama on Comprehensive Reform 2010
I gotta say I was very pleased with everything the President said.
I love that that he was very realistic about the causes of immigration, people come here to improve their own lives as well as that of their family. Immigrant labor has helped in the success of many businesses as well as the lives of individuals. He recognizes that the immigration system is broken.
He recognizes that much of the reason for so many undocumented immigrants is because of the high cost of processing and attorney fees. Something that I've never heard being stated as a reason for so many undocumented immigrants.
One thing that irks me to the core is that government (including the Chief of Justice) insists on criminalizing undocumented immigrants. He says that in order for people to become "right with the law" undocumented or as he refers to us, "illegal immigrants" will be required to "admit they have broken the law, pay taxes and learn English". Nothing wrong with paying taxes and learning English, you can't really be an integral member of American society without being able to communicate or giving back to the state and nation with your money.
It just KILLS me that government insists on calling me a criminal, a law breaker . . . they just make it seem like we woke up one day and said, "I'm going to break the law now, here I go crossing the U.S. border, breaking the law, yay!" UGH . . . how is fighting for a better life a crime? I suppose I can't rationalize this as I am the one being called the lawbreaker and I REFUSE to be called a lawbreaker. Attorneys will say, no, you didn't break the law, your parents did. And to that I say, Excuse me, but my parents are not criminals, providing a better life is not a crime! It's like I was saying earlier about my mom, why is she being punished for being a good mother? :-/
I am not saying there shouldn't be laws regulating the coming and going of people, but the government is the one who dropped the ball on this. Why should the people be punished for it? And by 'the people' I mean undocumented immigrants. This is something I was discussing with my parents as I was reading the article about Obama's address.
The majority of the people who come to the U.S. by crossing the border by land can't afford to get a passport, some may not even know they need a passport let alone a visa - it may seem ridiculous to us but the majority of people coming to work in the farmlands of the U.S. are people from rural areas of Mexico. Hunger and poverty doesn't hold off until your visa is approved so you can go make better money in the U.S.
That's another thing, Obama said he hopes to make businesses, government and individuals accountable to the immigration system. So there will be ways for businesses (basically anyone employing people) to verify whether the documents their employees are using legitimate documentation. So it's supposed to become more difficult for people to use stolen identities, and eventually discourage people from coming into the U.S. to find jobs and better lives. Newsflash, businesses have been able to verify identities for a while now and many do not do it because they know they can pay these people less.
Think about it though, there are so many restaurants, homes that have undocumented immigrants working in the background, have been paying people far below minimum wage, this accountability is also supposed to prevent worker abuse which is very prevalent today in unchecked businesses etc. Realize that it's supposed to be difficult today for people to cross the border, find a job etc, and yet, people have found a way. It's human nature, we always find a way. So good luck with that Obama.
One of my favorite parts of Obama's speech is when he draws a comparison between the Jewish immigrants and the immigrants of today. I think it really brings the point home because the Jewish population is so influential in the U.S. and many are conservative. What I have to say to conservative Jews? Stop being hypocrites! What if you were made to get in line to get your residency rather than living the wonderful life you have achieved by coming here?
Latin America may not be going through a blatant persecution, but large industries are sucking the people dry. THIS is why I don't think Obama's plan to make it harder for people to find jobs etc, will discourage people from coming the U.S. Life in Latin America (if you are not ridiculously wealthy) is nothing but suffering, so even suffering in the U.S. is a better life by comparison.
All-in-all a great message, gives people a lot to think about.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about his speech :)
MUCH LOVE!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
who's counting time?
It's been three weeks but who's counting?
Haven't heard from the attorney. Damn you impatience and anxiety!! I understand that what she's trying to do requires time, she's trying to get an appointment with the head honcho . . . I still can't help but feel anxious.
Remember that I've never been this close, so I'm bound to get anxiety and restlessness from this.
Good news is I've found another passion, food! Most of you who know me know I love to eat. I also love to exercise whether it's at the gym or beach volleyball. So now I'm considering becoming a Registered Dietician and pair that with my trainer certification. How badass is that? I think it sounds pretty awesome. So that's what I've been occupying my time with lately. I'm taking a nutrition class which I thought was going to be a joke of a class (reason why I'm taking it in the summer), but I'm actually getting lots of priceless knowledge that is bound to change my life.
I remain hopeful but sometimes it's a challenge, usually when I find myself with way too much time on my hands. Other times it just takes over and no matter what I have at hand I can't focus on anything else but on 'what I don't have' or 'could have'. Regardless of where my mind wanders the torture fest ends with a recognition of what I do have. And that is a life many in my place only dream of (or possibly couldn't even dream of), a wonderful family (yes friends included), health and endless limited opportunities (yes endless limited opportunities it's not a typo, it's what it is).
That's where things stand, may everything work out.
I encourage you to share my blog with your friends, just keep my location and identity to yourself please (until the time is right, and I will tell you when that is, but I am sure you will know).
MUCH LOVE!!
Haven't heard from the attorney. Damn you impatience and anxiety!! I understand that what she's trying to do requires time, she's trying to get an appointment with the head honcho . . . I still can't help but feel anxious.
Remember that I've never been this close, so I'm bound to get anxiety and restlessness from this.
Good news is I've found another passion, food! Most of you who know me know I love to eat. I also love to exercise whether it's at the gym or beach volleyball. So now I'm considering becoming a Registered Dietician and pair that with my trainer certification. How badass is that? I think it sounds pretty awesome. So that's what I've been occupying my time with lately. I'm taking a nutrition class which I thought was going to be a joke of a class (reason why I'm taking it in the summer), but I'm actually getting lots of priceless knowledge that is bound to change my life.
I remain hopeful but sometimes it's a challenge, usually when I find myself with way too much time on my hands. Other times it just takes over and no matter what I have at hand I can't focus on anything else but on 'what I don't have' or 'could have'. Regardless of where my mind wanders the torture fest ends with a recognition of what I do have. And that is a life many in my place only dream of (or possibly couldn't even dream of), a wonderful family (yes friends included), health and endless limited opportunities (yes endless limited opportunities it's not a typo, it's what it is).
That's where things stand, may everything work out.
I encourage you to share my blog with your friends, just keep my location and identity to yourself please (until the time is right, and I will tell you when that is, but I am sure you will know).
MUCH LOVE!!
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