Letters to the editor
Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: Opinion
Arkansas bill denies immigrants basic rights
The purpose of this is to inform all fellow Arkansans of the injustice and human rights violations that several legislative officials and their constituents are working toward.
HB 1093 has been introduced to the House Judiciary Committee. This act is a simple reminder of our bitter yesteryear when African Americans where denied simple human rights, and it proves that we still face the struggles of discrimination and inequality.
HB 1093, authored by Rep. Bill Sample, brings to the table violations against undocumented people in the state of Arkansas by denying higher education opportunities, transportation and shelter.
Our immigrant community has always been America's strength, the boat that carries the weight, the people who do labor and care about America just as much as any other American, and this continues to be the same today.
Many of our fellow classmates, co-workers, friends and everyday people are immigrants who every day help to shape our community, our state and our country to be stronger.
Today already, many of our immigrant friends are struggling, living in a society that has begun to deny their human rights and deny the American dream, the same American dream that our ancestors held their hope in and eventually succeeded.
How can we as a society deny talented students filled with possibilities and the potential to be a positive force in our society simply because they are missing paperwork for documentation?
How can we progress as a people when we shut the doors to future lawyers, teachers and doctors?
We are not human when we start talking about denying shelter and transportation to immigrants who find themselves at the bottom of society.
Fellow Arkansans, let's do something about this injustice that has begun to roam around and sneak into the realm of peace and prosperity.
Let's have our voices be heard today!
Daniel Diaz
Senior
History
The purpose of this is to inform all fellow Arkansans of the injustice and human rights violations that several legislative officials and their constituents are working toward.
HB 1093 has been introduced to the House Judiciary Committee. This act is a simple reminder of our bitter yesteryear when African Americans where denied simple human rights, and it proves that we still face the struggles of discrimination and inequality.
HB 1093, authored by Rep. Bill Sample, brings to the table violations against undocumented people in the state of Arkansas by denying higher education opportunities, transportation and shelter.
Our immigrant community has always been America's strength, the boat that carries the weight, the people who do labor and care about America just as much as any other American, and this continues to be the same today.
Many of our fellow classmates, co-workers, friends and everyday people are immigrants who every day help to shape our community, our state and our country to be stronger.
Today already, many of our immigrant friends are struggling, living in a society that has begun to deny their human rights and deny the American dream, the same American dream that our ancestors held their hope in and eventually succeeded.
How can we as a society deny talented students filled with possibilities and the potential to be a positive force in our society simply because they are missing paperwork for documentation?
How can we progress as a people when we shut the doors to future lawyers, teachers and doctors?
We are not human when we start talking about denying shelter and transportation to immigrants who find themselves at the bottom of society.
Fellow Arkansans, let's do something about this injustice that has begun to roam around and sneak into the realm of peace and prosperity.
Let's have our voices be heard today!
Daniel Diaz
Senior
History
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 21
Bman
posted 2/16/09 @ 3:16 AM CST
Please use the term "illegal" before immigrant. That would be more fair and accurate a term.
Also, please list your address, so I can come to your place sometime, it will be unannounced so be prepared, and receive food, shelter, health care, and tutoring. (Continued…)
Will Watson
posted 2/16/09 @ 11:41 AM CST
Again, this poster /\ makes another laughable contribution to legitimate discourse. The thin veil that covers the racism of your statement is as offensive as the ignorance that these sentiments exhibit. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 2/16/09 @ 2:42 PM CST
To compare (illegal) immigrant's plight with that of the African-American's is blatantly irresponsible. The labor provided by the current (illegal) immigrant is a choice, and perhaps the better of two evils. (Continued…)
J.
posted 2/16/09 @ 6:24 PM CST
I feel compelled to enter this discussion, much to my own chagrin.
Bman, while your underlying logic is fairly sound, I encourage you in the future to employ a less sarcastic tone. (Continued…)
Bob Tiberius
J.
posted 2/16/09 @ 6:39 PM CST
Yes, trespassers. Most people who are completely fine with what is in effect an open border policy in violation of a less porous border law simply don't understand the ownership foundation of this country. (Continued…)
naffel
posted 2/16/09 @ 7:19 PM CST
I would only add; Daniel, please fix your distinction between human and citizen rights. It would be a violation of human rights for me to walk down the street shooting (nonthreatening) illegal immigrants. (Continued…)
Alioth
posted 2/16/09 @ 7:24 PM CST
Still waiting on that address. I'm intending to hold a nude love in at your house and then demand that you claim the babies as part of YOUR household. (Continued…)
Will Watson
posted 2/16/09 @ 9:47 PM CST
Contrary to what you might think, I am actually quite pleased to see that my comment provoked an intelligent response, rather than the type of vitriol that the first comment embodies. (Continued…)
J.
posted 2/16/09 @ 11:15 PM CST
Bman does tend toward vitriol. My perception of your emotional response was not to disparage you, but to point out to Bman that his post was not profitable beyond perhaps providing humor to people that already agree with him. (Continued…)
Will Watson
posted 2/17/09 @ 1:44 AM CST
Again, J, I want to thank you for your argument. I believe that this kind of conversation is what we should be having, and I think it makes our country better to do so. (Continued…)
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