Day Without an Immigrant = Absent From School?

I would like to applaud those that took to the streets, stayed at home, or chose other peaceful protests to bring to a head the importance of the issue of immigration here in this country. Truly, we are at a crossroads with how we handle the vast number of individuals who desire entrance into this country, often with the motive of giving themselves or their children a better life. That in and of itself is honorable, and it says a lot as to the accomplishment of this country from the fledgling society we started out back in 1776, when we declared independence from England by stating "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." However, that success has also driven the immigration issue we face today- since the United States is perceived to be the country where one must go to achieve a level of economic and personal security, with the relative safety of respect for cultural individuality thus fostering our populous diversity, there exists large numbers wanting to cross our borders, both legally and illegally.

Many come and work hard to achieve these goals. In fact, we have the dilemma of wanting cheaply produced and thus cheaply sold products in this country, as evidenced by the impact the Wal-Mart concept has had on consumer shopping. No where is this more evident than in two different areas in our economy- agriculture and construction.

Last fall, there was fear of a worker shortage in Arizona, where during November 35,000-40,000 workers are needed to harvest the produce- lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli and celery- necessary to deliver to your corner grocery store. Like a head of broccoli for under $2? Then you have just voted for allowing illegal aliens across our borders by using your wallet. The same goes for the keeping the price of fruit, cotton, and other agricultural products low. In a time of $3 a gallon gas, I think an increase in the price of food and socks would surely make people stand up and take notice.

Then there is the construction industry. In many parts of the country the housing market has been booming thanks to low interest rates and the large number of individuals wanting to buy homes. But tell me, have you seen many non-Hispanic faces on the work crews? How many of your friends would work 10+ hour days 6-7 days a week for less than $15/hour? Take into consideration that a lot of these people are also sending a good portion of their incomes back across the border for their immediate and extended family members. Their dedication to hard work and for their family is something we can all learn from.

This leads us back to the "Day Without an Immigrant" 6 days ago. Again, it seemed like those most affected by immigration law would want less attention drawn to them, for if any change is made to further determine the legality of a person's presence here in this country, those that would be at risk would not want to stand out by having their absence noted in the workplace. But, taking a stand for something you believe is something this country was founded on (see above), and this shows the incorporation of American ideals into the diverse ethnic and cultural peoples who chose to make their presence known. If these same people can become legal citizens, can you imagine what their presence can do in the polls if they continue to take their civic responsibility so seriously?

However, one thing does show me the Americanization of the immigrants may have been too complete. Almost everywhere you will read that those here both legally and illegally are here to better themselves and/or their children. In fact, three high school students, all undocumented who are here with their undocumented families, stated in an NPR interview on May 2 that they reason the United States should allow them to stay was that they were "studying hard" in school. But why were they out of school on May 1? Does this not contradict their reason for staying?

Here locally it was reported that the absence rate for Hispanic students in Metro Nashville schools was 30%. Again, if parents of minority students, some of whom are certainly immigrants and here to better the lives of their children, would appreciate the fact that in order to accomplish that goal attendance in school is an absolute necessity. Has school attendance, as it has to many of the American students who are natives of this country, become a convenience to these students as well?

I, as an educated American would call this contradiction ironic. It is a pity that those who were taking a stance may be missing the point of their purpose in being here, and may be more like us than they know.