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 Editorials | May 2006 
As We See It: After the Marches and Boycott
 santacruzsentinel.com
| | Demonstrator Lubian Piedras holds up a sign while wearing a sombrero at a planned protest in San Diego, California May 1, 2006. In what organizers called 'A Day Without Immigrants,' rallies across the country closed hundreds of restaurants, shops and factories. Construction projects were disrupted, day labor jobs went begging, children stayed home from school and waves of humanity poured through city streets. (Reuters/Fred Greaves) |
Now that the great boycott and demonstration of May 1 is history, it's fair to ask: What comes next for this country's immigration discussion?
The event Monday was remarkable in a number of ways. Here in Santa Cruz County, the events were peaceful and even amiable, as the largely Latino marchers in Santa Cruz and Watsonville made their way through the streets — American flags waving — to demonstrate what immigrants mean to the American economy and way of life.
Of course, the issue at hand is far more complex than any demonstration can communicate. We admit to wondering what, exactly, demonstrators hoped to achieve from the march.
Now, after it's all over, we hope that the conversation can continue in the same respectful manner in which it began.
Of course, one of the main areas to consider is the difference between legal and illegal immigration. Right now, illegal immigration is being fueled by a huge difference in the economies of the United States and Mexico. Mexican towns that had never exported workers to the United States are now losing workers who are almost being forced to come north to look for work.
While some Americans are opposing the influx, others are profiting. Illegal immigrants are filling low-end jobs — and they're doing these jobs at much lower pay than American citizens would accept. That financial payoff is fueling illegal immigration.
The other side of the coin, of course, is that the influx of those living in poverty is putting stress on public services, particularly here in California. That's fueling considerable anti-immigration feelings, because taxpayers here who are already struggling to get by find themselves supporting a system of governmental services that are being overwhelmed.
One solution, offered by those on both sides of the political spectrum, is to just back away from trying to control things and just allowing immigration to continue unchecked. The thought is that people are simply going to move to where the jobs are, and that our economy ends up benefiting because of the cheap labor.
We don't accept that argument. Not only do our government services have limits, but so do our communities. There's already too much traffic and too much demand for housing. The impact on our health care system is immense. Allowing low-end workers to arrive here without limits also depresses salary levels, and has a huge impact on those American citizens who live in poverty. The continued low wages that result from unchecked illegal immigration should not characterize the American economy.
What that means is increased enforcement. We don't blame people for wanting to come to America and work. In fact, we understand why they do it. But we must continue enforcement, both at the border and in places where illegal immigrants congregate to find work.
In addition, there are security concerns. It's not just potential workers who want to come here illegally. There are drug dealers, and even worse, there are sworn enemies of America who pose a threat. Security is a huge concern.
We may have to seal off the border with large fences and walls. Doing so feels wrong in many ways, but it might be the only solution.
What prompted Monday's demonstration was an ill-considered, anti-immigration measure in Congress. That measure, which could have resulted in harsh penalties for illegal immigrants, has been essentially tossed away.
We hope that the next proposal will make more sense — and will take into account two apparently opposing principles: that people should not be considered felons for just wanting to improve their lives, and that people in the United States legally deserve to have their quality of life protected. |
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