‘Show your Papers,’ Arizona-style policy yesterday – where next tomorrow?
At a time of increasing debate about immigration from Mexico, filmmaker Christian Rodriguez looks at the roots of the issue, its current state, and where it is headed. By interviewing immigrants from Mexico that have lived in the United States for varying amounts of time, the film offers a unique view into the often overlooked reasons for immigration across the border. It explores the reality of being an immigrant in a new land when the act of being an immigrant itself is at the center of a contentious national debate. In essence, this documentary is about the struggle of trying to be an American in the 21st century. updates @: www.Twitter.com/CitizenMeMovie
On Friday, President Obama signed into law a $600 million dollar US-Mexico border bill, with the Congressional passing of an emergency supplemental appropriations for border security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, (H.R. 6080), in the House (the version that was signed into law) and (S.3721) in the Senate.
“The resources made available through this legislation will build upon our successful efforts to protect communities along the Southwest border and across the country … these steps will make an important difference as my administration continues to work with Congress toward bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform to secure our borders,” said Obama in a statement issued Friday.
In brief a conversation with Congressman Grijalva’s office yesterday, I asked what the Congressman thought about the signing of the bill? I was told that “it was not a final solution, but a necessary step to move the conversation now to immigration reform” and I was told to refer to his statement made after the House passage on July 30th.
Does that mean “some kind of” comprehensive immigration legislation has a better chance of passing during this election year?
What did we learn from Arizona or as some say “Errorzona”? Will we be informed and organized in the upcoming elections, both in Congressional but also in local races to make sure we hold elected officials accountable to a more justice immigration policy, one that we want? Or tomorrow will Florida’s gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum be the next Jan Brewer?
According to a statement by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart on Friday made to POLITICO, he disagrees with a proposal from “his choice for Florida governor that would create an Arizona-style law against illegal immigrants in the Sunshine State,” yet he still “believe[s] that Bill McCollum is best positioned to lead the state of Florida as governor, and [he will] continue to support his candidacy.”
I say if we have not already, we must inform ourselves on where our elected officials stand when it comes to humane immigration policy. It’s time to score card them! And that also includes very localized “elected” officials, like Sheriffs.
Pa’Lante, Angelica Salazar
