Immigrant labor unnoticed

By Marcos Moreno

I rarely ever get political in this column, but there is a very important debate raging in Washington right now, and I just have to say something. Politicians are trying to approve a law that will be very detrimental to immigrants and laborers working in this country. You may not think that immigration reform has anything to do with you, but you're wrong -- especially as a student in California, where the presence of immigrant labor is strikingly obvious.

So, why is the President trying to make it a felony to cross the border? I wish I knew.

This country was built on a foundation of immigrant labor. People from all around the world came here, built it up and stood united -- that's what makes this country so great. It's written on our money, "E Pluribus Unum," "from many, one." We shouldn't forget where we've come from because it's important for our national identity.

This is the land of opportunity -- for everyone. If we deny immigrants the right to make a living, who's next? A person should have the opportunity to work, regardless of who he is. Michele Enos, a community facilitator in Swig, said, "Our country depends on [immigrant labor] more than we realize, and it would be a detriment to us if we didn't allow it anymore."

Most people without citizenship do menial labor such as janitorial work, food service, etc.Junior Martha Whitmore said, "People don't realize how much immigrants contribute to our workforce; people complain about immigrants taking over jobs, but they are doing all the jobs that no one else has taken the initiative to do." I couldn't agree more. Let those who want to work, work.

Junior John Sabine said, "Immigrant labor is underappreciated. Immigrants take jobs that aren't glamorous but jobs that are necessary. And that should be respected." Apart from illegal immigrants, employers also benefit from America's labor practices. Though they take a risk by hiring foreign workers, they often find dedicated employees who are willing to take the opportunity to work. America has remained idle while immigrants have come in to help us, cleaned up our messes, fed us, looked after our kids -- all for lousy wages. Immigration reform is an insult to all the people who babied us while we bitched and moaned.

So what can be done about it? Business major Brendan Harper said, "The more vocal, the more visible, and the more conspicuous any group of workers is, the more power they have, and when you don't have power, you get taken advantage of." So, be vocal, be visible and make a difference.

Marcos Moreno is a junior English major.