An Ideal Right

By: Act Locally SF (View Profile)

Regarding our American history, we see in too many Americans a fear of immigrants who may not fit their vision of what a real American looks like. Such ignorances have all too often punctuated our history as a nation. But our history has always proven that an expanded definition of citizenship—regardless of race, religion, wealth, gender, disability, or ethnicity—has built this nation into a blessed place of opportunity and possibility for everyone.

In New Haven we prefer to define each other not by an ignorance, a prejudice, or a fear—but by each other’s name.

By John DeStefano, Jr., Mayor of New Haven, CT

Related Story: Silvia Henriquez: Reproductive Health Care for Latinas

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posted: 11.28.2007
Colton Delaney
this is all very touching , but to compare this hispanic invasion to american immigration past is naiive. You give them licences and you slap the face of every immigrant who came before, worked hard went throught the proper channels and followed the rules without the benefit of having translators on every phoneline. whats their excuse ? "I didn't know my visa expired or didn't know what to do about an expired visa." Pick up a phone every social service agency across america has a button your supposed to push to get to a spanish speaking customer service rep. I'm sure any questions about visa'a could be answered there. as for the illegals who climbed the wall and creeped over our border I just wonder what else they brought. By allowing this invasion to occur our country is now divided by language, we have 20 million illegals here who have no intension of being americans , Its like having a house guest who over stays his welcome, refuses to speak to me and costs me money and my job.
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