Saul Arellano Heads to Washington

Well the long coming trip to Washington has happened.  You can read the story here.

Only thing that really interested me in this piece was the comment made by Elvira Arellano, to reporters, regarding Latinos that think she has set back the immigration movement by breaking the law, twice. 

It is not ignorance Ms. Arellano.  It is obvious that someone out there understands the importance of fostering a good relationship with the country they are immigrating to.  It is not ignorant to search for a way to work and look for ways to help others come to this country legally. 

It is ignorant to think that people are just going to forget that you have broken laws and look the other way.  Actions like that, are not going to help anyone or their cause. 

Now I Have to Listen to This!

First I had to listen to Arellano and supporters say that she should be allowed to remain free in the States because Arellano’s son is a natural born citizen. 

Then I had to listen to Arellano speak to the Mexican assembly and detail why it was the United States who is to blame for her breaking our laws.

 When I read the press report about Arellano seeking a diplomatic position so that she can promote peace and justice, here in the country where she broke several laws, I wanted to roll over laughing. 

 For the last week and a half I have been unable to put any of my thoughts down.  I can’t believe the nerve of some people.  Part of me wonders if Arellano actually thinks about what she is going to say before she opens her mouth. 

For example, in this video Arellano is clearly confused.

It is clear that immigration reform is needed, but failing to enforce the law is not the same as breaking it.  That concept is clearly missed on Arellano. 

 Then I read this article, in which Arellano told reporters, “What I’m asking for is a diplomatic visa so that I can be an ambassador for peace and justice because I’m not a terrorist and the United States can’t continue treating undocumented migrants as terrorists.” 

Excuse me?  Has anyone ever told Arellano how terrorists are treated?  Undocumented migrants are treated as law breakers, not terrorists. 

 I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mexican President gave Arellano the Peace Ambassador position that she is asking for.  In his State of the Union address, Calderon expressed similar concerns for undocumented Mexicans in the US and his intent to fight for their rights while they are here.

I won’t even go into Calderon’s “Mexico doesn’t end in Mexico” statements, because it was the comments he made about the humiliation illegal immigrants from Mexico have to live with. 

If Presidente Calderon really cared, and I really mean it, he would encourage his citizens to go about gaining work visas through legal channels, instead of turning a blind eye to the masses crossing the border illegally and then reassuring them once they were here.  By doing that Calderon could then stand up and demand respect from the United States, its citizens, and for the Mexican citizens residing in the US.   

If he wants to talk about humiliation that people are experiencing, I have a thing or two to say to him.  What is humiliating is being American and being treated like a second class citizen by a good percentage of the population based on your heritage.  What is humiliating is listening to someone speak on behalf of immigrant families, when they are ignorant of the very issues they are speaking on. 

I am American, and yes I have a Mexican heritage, but that doesn’t make me ignorant.  I, for one, am sure as hell tired of being treated like I am ignorant just for being Mexican, it happens to damn much right now.  If Calderon actually cared, he would see that the blatant disregard illegal immigrations have for the laws of this country are the cause for any mistreatment to undocumented immigrants and Americans of Mexican heritage.  People do not respond well to ignorance or lawlessness.  

Whoever is writing Arellano’s speeches, try thinking about what you have her say next time.  And Calderon, try addressing the real issues next time.

  

Arellano in Tijuana

Arellano: Where She Belongs?

I heard that Arellano was arrested yesterday right after it happened.  A friend was in Cali and went to listen to what she had to say.

Of course, the two of us disagree on Arellano and plenty of other things concerning illegal immigration, but that’s beside the point. 

What happened to Arellano is exactly what I think is wrong with the deportations.  At the same time, the way Arellano and her suporters went about getting things done, or making a stand, pissed me off too. 

First I want to say, I understand that deportations are going to continue, and I think they should.  I don’t agree with letting every illegal stay just because they made it. 

I think cases involving illegal immigrants who have been living here for several years and are raising families deserve extra consideration.  Separating parents from children is not something we should be doing, especially when the deported is the breadwinner of the family. 

Arellano’s case pissed me off for several reasons.  First, I was upset that she was taking refuge in a church, that was low. 

Secondly, Arellano had clearly broken several laws and had the nerve to think that she shouldn’t be punished for it, based on her illegal status and the fact that she had a child.  How many female, legal citizens are in prison for crimes they committed while their children are on the outside?  Does Arellano have any clue what a stolen SS number does to the real owner’s life? I do. 

Lastly, I really have a problem with Arellano being touted as the face and voice of immigrant families and individuals.  There are so many honest, hard working immigrants living in the States.  People that respected the law, came here with permission, work hard, and didn’t go around publicizing the fact that they broke a law and felt they had the right to defy any authority sent to carry out justice.

“From the time I took sanctuary the possibility has existed that they arrest me in the place and time they want,” she said in Spanish. “I only have two choices. I either go to my country, Mexico, or stay and keep fighting. I decided to stay and fight.”         

On the first of the two choices, Arellano should have stayed in Mexico till she had everything in place to come work in the States.  Start the fight in your country first. 

On the second, again I ask.  How can you honestly expect to be listened to now, after the fact?  Convicted criminals are treated as such, they are convicted and either do time or repay society in some way.  If they decide to “fight”, flee, or ignore their sentence then they can expect to pay for that as well.  Be reasonable.

I think we all knew she was going to be arrested.  I am surprised a warrant wasn’t issued and no one went into the church to arrest her, it would have happened to anyone else. 

Do I think ICE is wrong for the way it has responded to Congress not passing the immigration bill that was introduced earlier this year?  YES

Do I think ICE was wrong for letting this situation drag on for as long as it did?  YES

Do I think Arellano is where she belongs? No, but only because I think she belongs with her son, and she is not.  This situation should have been handled differently.  I don’t think deportation was the answer.

What do you think?  Is Arellano where she belongs?

News Coverage , which has more background info if you need it. (fixed that link)