I recently attended a meeting held by the May 1st Coalition (www.may1.info). A centerpiece discussion was the need for solidarity from all human rights groups. The main objective of the forum was to brainstorm ideas on how to achieve solidarity, which was described as being an act of reciprocity and identification. There was concern that the May 1st coalition and May Day protests in NYC were being confused with being solely for immigrant rights. This is not to say that the coalition is not, however from what I gathered, the statement of purpose for the May 1st Coalition and the historical roots and May Day focus on Worker Rights, which happens to encompass immigrant rights as well. There seemed to be great concern and avid discussion around how vital it is for the coalition to remember this.
I left the meeting invigorated about the niblets of knowledge I learned about the coalition, the people who are involved, and the other causes and movements happening all around the city and the country. One of the advocates I met was David L. Wilson, the co-author of “the POLITICS of IMMIGRATION: Question and Answers.” David shared that one of his interests is informing immigrants about their surroundings and options: socially, legally, and financially. I spoke with him briefly to express my own interests in providing undocumented immigrants. One of the lessons I learned was the importance of not getting lost in one’s cause and forgetting the rest of the world. To paraphrase: one of the speakers pointed out how important it is not to settle for just defending one’s plight, but it is also equally important to make a claim.
This event was my first of such meetings and everyone was extremely welcoming and eager. As I looked around the room washing my eyes over all of the faces, everyone felt familiar. It was as though I’d met them in my dreams, where I am safe and I am strong.
I am an immigrant. I migrated to the U.S. from the Philippines. Although it wasn't always the case, today I am learning to peel the shame I used to feel about being an immigrant. Some cringe at the word "immigrant"; some take and use it as an insult. Many believe that it's an F-word; a word that's a curse, a taboo, something dirty, a word people aren't suppose to use, it's thrown around like a weapon of hate.
The history of the word, from my understanding, is that it was used to place an identifier on a group that was seen as an 'other.' It has been posed to me that perhaps the word "immigrant" should not be used in the first place. But I disagree; eradicating the word isn't a protest of disregard of the power of the ruling class. but rather it's an admittance of their power.
Instead of using "immigrant" as an F-word, I'm suggesting that people remember that language is ours; We determine its meaning and its development, not the other way around. I am an immigrant; I migrated from one place to another. There is nothing wrong with that.
(My particular interest is in the undocumented immigrant experience, particularly undocumented immigrant youth. This blog seeks to journey into learning about the lives of immigrants, documented and undocumented alike, and the politics surrounding the subject.)
The history of the word, from my understanding, is that it was used to place an identifier on a group that was seen as an 'other.' It has been posed to me that perhaps the word "immigrant" should not be used in the first place. But I disagree; eradicating the word isn't a protest of disregard of the power of the ruling class. but rather it's an admittance of their power.
Instead of using "immigrant" as an F-word, I'm suggesting that people remember that language is ours; We determine its meaning and its development, not the other way around. I am an immigrant; I migrated from one place to another. There is nothing wrong with that.
(My particular interest is in the undocumented immigrant experience, particularly undocumented immigrant youth. This blog seeks to journey into learning about the lives of immigrants, documented and undocumented alike, and the politics surrounding the subject.)
"google that!"
Immigrant Rights are Human Rights; If a group of people can be oppressed, who decides who's next?
Inform yourself and others, go to google.com and youtube.com and check out things like:
I.C.E. Detention Center / Hutto Dention Center / DREAM Act
Inform yourself and others, go to google.com and youtube.com and check out things like:
I.C.E. Detention Center / Hutto Dention Center / DREAM Act
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