"WHO WINS, WHO LOSES" REPORT & OPINION

On Wednesday Sept. 30, 2009, the Latino/Latina Roundtable hosted the “Who Wins, Who Loses” immigration panel at the Lady of our Assumption Church in Claremont, CA.

     The evening welcomed over 100 guests, bringing together a diverse group of people. The discussion panel was opened by Angela Zambrano, an organizer for the Pomona Habla [Speaks] Coalition who reinforced the importance of an immigration reform. Zambrano said, “It is important that we understand the debate…and [that] our communities don’t end up being the losers [in the immigration issue]”. The evening speakers were introduced; Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights of Los Angeles [CHIRLA] and Esther Lopez, director of the United Food and Commercial Workers Civil Rights and Community Action Department.

    
     Salas clarified that “[immigration] reform” is the “legalization [of immigrants] with a path to citizenship.” As a director for CHIRLA, Salas said that “[they] are fighting for the laws that keep families together…which make communities stronger.” They are also fighting for immigrant workers and access to higher education for undocumented students. Salas believes that “it is about creating community power” and the ability to communicate with our leaders so that they become supporters of an immigration reform. 
 

     During the intersession my friend and journalism colleague Cesar S., and I approached a woman who had been acting suspicious all evening. We had been told that this woman and her company of people were from the minutemen. From the beginning, this woman tried to intimidate the audience by photographing the audience continuously, walking around and recording videos. In the short interview she introduced herself as Robin Hvidston. She has a B.A. in English, and is a protestant Christian. Conducting the questions, Cesar S. asked what organization she represented. Hvidston said, “I am a grassroots worker for the We Are the People…coalition” and said no more. Arriving at home, I decided to really figure out who this woman is. Hvidston, a resident of Upland, CA, is a representative for the minutemen, a co-founder and director of the FIRE Coalition, a national Rally Coordinator for the minutemen, and other numerous titles of anti-immigration groups. People refer to Hvidston as a "great American."

     It is with great disappointment that this Christian woman would work for such organizations. Growing up in the Christian church they always preached about welcoming people, about accepting them and uniting them for the glorification of God. The church also teaches its members not to lie or hate other; the scriptures say that one should love their neighbor. This is a Christian woman that believes in the separation of families, the deportation of hundreds of people who struggle day to day and the unequal access to “the American dream”. She said that “Mexico should fix their own internal problems.” From first hand knowledge, she does not understand what goes on in Mexico. Like any other third world country, there is tremendous corruption that does not allow for the advancement of its citizens. Their politicians are overwhelming concerned with becoming wealthy and powerful. Feeling deceived, I strongly believe that people need to begin to practice what they preach and not lie.

Based on an actual event and personal opinion. 
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