Submitted by Alison Gonzales from Los Angeles, California – USA
Immigration is a major issue not just in the U.S. but in other parts of the world. People claim their inherent right to exclude other races and cultures from coming into their countries. People of color specifically are perceived as being dirty, ignorant, lazy and as people who weigh heavy on public support systems. I can say personally that this is not true. Mexicans are just as intelligent and diligent as others and we should have a right to live side by side with others in America. I want to tell you to the story of Lolita, a young Mexican immigrant who is a mother, wife and daughter.
Lolita and her husband arrived in the US in 2010. They came to work in the agricultural industry. Both were very hard working people trying to make a better life for themselves and their families as they sent money home on a regular basis. Her husband was merely walking down the street one day and was attacked by Americans. He was badly beaten and taken to the hospital where he later died. Lolita suffers.
Juanita came to the US in 2007. Since she was here she had two children. Though also a very hard worker, doing the best she could to provide for her children, she was eventually discovered to be illegal and immediately deported. She tried to tell the officer that she had children in daycare, but they would not listen to her. She was put out of the US without even being able to see her children. Fortunately, she was able to get in touch with the woman who was was watching her children while she worked and is making arrangements for them.
There is the story of Rosita, who was raped and murdered during the perilous journey across the desert to America. Her murders will never be known and brought to justice.
These are just three stories that are indicative of the hardships my sisters face in trying to come to America to work and create better lives for themselves and their families. Believe it or not, there are some that are even far more horrific. I make an appeal to the American people, especially to women, to stand up and speak out against the discrimination that our sisters face. Please support immigration laws that allow human beings to be treated as human beings, not a creatures and things that should be discarded. We are sisters, mothers, wives and daughters, just like you.
If you are in fear of being deported, please seek legal help from immigration attorneys. There are people out there who want to help you.