As a nation founded on immigration and established by the workforce of millions of immigrants, it often takes us aback that the intolerance for people of other races, ethnicities, and nationalities has reached the level that presidential candidates are calling for self-deportation of illegal immigrants.
Let us imagine a nation without immigrants. For the moment, we'll ignore the fact that this country was founded primarily by European immigrants seeking a better way of life.
In an agricultural system built on exploitation, tough immigration laws are getting rid of one of the easiest groups of people to exploit: undocumented immigrants who have everything to lose if they attempt to report labor violations or assert their rights.
New laws are being passed that have severe consequences for immigrants, none more controversial than SB 1070, the new Arizona immigration law.
Under a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy called “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” young illegal aliens meeting certain requirements would be eligible to apply to avoid deportation for up to two years and get a work permit.
Although there is much talk about it today, the DREAM Act has been around for quite some time. The main purpose of the bill is to provide conditional permanent residency to certain undocumented residents.
