As I reflect on the last day the Georgia legislature has to pass anti-immigrant legislation, I know HB 87 is not the biggest threat to immigrants and people of color in our state. I agree with legal experts that say HB 87 would legalize racial profiling; and it seems many agree with what some legislators still deny-that HB 87 is an Arizona copy-cat bill.
Lest we forget what is happening in Arizona, the federal government strongly and swiftly intervened, ruling the key components of the law unconstitutional and blocking them. Not too mention the enormous price they have paid for that litigation and from boycott revenue losses.
No, the real threat towards our communities is the divisive fear of change and anything or anyone different. This is the fear that incites hateful legislation like HB 87. Like the Indigo Girls sang that day, “shame on you.”
It is shameful to target the most vulnerable among us. It is joyful when immigrants in Georgia can rise above the attempts to dehumanize, criminalize, and frighten them. It is shameful how many children are living in Marietta, Georgia without a sense of safety, security or belonging. They live everyday with the very real fear their parents will be ripped away from them because of the 287(g) program. There are so many adults labeled “illegal immigrants” who had no say in the matter. Their parents brought them here out of love, in the spirit of self-sacrifice, with the promise of work, and the hope to one day find a path to citizenship.
But for all too many immigrants that path to citizenship has proven to be a false hope. It is a lie to say they need to get in line and comply with our laws. Let me speak clearly, it is not too expensive or too time-consuming but for too many undocumented immigrants to become legal, but currently impossible. We are all less safe when a group of people is left so vulnerable. We need the DREAM Act now and comprehensive immigration reform.
I would consider hearing Rep. John Lewis’s speech at the Rally for Truth on March 24th, 2011 as one of the highlights of my life. Being born and raised in Georgia, our courageous civil rights leaders hold a certain place of reverence in our hearts. Rep. Lewis said, “If any one of us is illegal, then we are all illegal.” It is in this spirit of solidarity and neighborly love that I attended the rally.
I still feel somewhat unable to comprehend the magnitude of the dedication that Rep. John Lewis gave, or the breadth of collective sacrifice that became the American Civil Rights Movement. I have not had to make a perilous journey to provide for my children like so many parents that are currently undocumentable. But I will say that I draw courage from them all. The courage that leads to a commitment to speak out against the devastation of families, the denial of human dignity, the death of opportunities for children, and for a future without fear for all Georgians.
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