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.)

"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


Thursday, February 5, 2009

Thousands of US troops to join annual war games in

More than 5,000 US troops were due to arrive in the
Philippines to participate in annual joint military
exercises, a military spokesman said Thursday.

The annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises
aim to enhance the preparedness and cooperation
between the two forces in times of crisis and
conflict, Major Ramon Zagala said.

From 5,500 to 6,000 US troops were expected to
participate in the war games, which are be held mainly
in the eastern region of Bicol from February 25 to
April 30, Zagala said.

The bulk of the US troops would arrive on March 16.

About 2,500 Filipino troops would also join the
exercises, Zagala said.

He said Washington would spend at least 2 million
dollars on the exercises and would bring in a number
of warships and aircraft, including F-16 fighter
planes.

Representatives from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand,
Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Australia, New
Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom would
observe the war games.

Balikatan 2009 is to be the 25th annual event of its
kind under the Mutual Defence Treaty between the
United States and the Philippines, reported dpa.

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