Another Perspective on Illegal Immigration

A column found in October 25th’s Rocky Mountain News by Tina Griego focuses on Evangelina Hernández, a journalist from Mexico City who challenged Colorado’s Mexican consul general to visit his people. Griego recounted how Hernández also went into the city to speak with legal and illegal immigrants about their life in America. As a Mexican native, Hernádez discussed her embarrassment about immigrant income, and how that amount of money is second to what oil brings into the country. She also discussed how, in her opinion, the money that Bush intends to give to help prevent drug trafficking would be better spent on education.

Hernández continues on about a Mexican’s perspective but then concludes with her most controversial comment: ‘“I know [illegal immigrants] go to school and they use services, but it's not free and it's ignorance to suggest Mexican people here receive everything free. They are making money for this country without any rights, without a single right. Nuestras mejores manos, las más trabajadoras, están aqu'. Our best hands are working here. We miss them. We need them.”’

Scroll down to the “Reader’s Comments” and it’s evident there aren’t many who claim the same perspective. Some angered readers express their distaste with a few choice words that clearly illustrate that what Griego is writing is far from the social norm.

Griego makes no attempt to address the other side of this issue. Personally, I feel her bias in this particular instance is justified. The other side to the story is well known, a common attitude of “Go back to… Mexico.” An equally divided article would seem counter-productive to the purpose of her column.

Also note Griego writes as a columnist. She doesn’t try to pass anything as a solid fact, but aims to enlighten those who might not see things from another perspective.

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