Some Immigrants Reluctant to Boycott (Un Dia Sin Immigrantes)

Monday has been set aside for immigrants to boycott work, school and shopping to show how much they matter to their communities. But with some growing tired of street protests, and others afraid they'll be deported or fired for walking out, people are planning to support the effort in myriad ways.

Some will work but buy nothing on Monday. Others will protest at lunch breaks or at rallies after work. There will be church services, candlelight vigils, picnics and human chains.

The range of activities shows both how powerful the immigrants' rights movement has become in a matter of weeks, and that organizers don't yet have a clear focus on its next step.

"It's highly unpredictable what's going to happen," said Harley Shaiken, director of the Center for Latin American studies at the University of California, Berkeley. "What unites everyone that's going to do something on May 1 is they are making visible their strong feelings."

Thanks to the success of previous rallies plus media attention, planning for Monday's events, collectively called Un Dia Sin Inmigrantes - A Day Without Immigrants - is widespread.

Officials in Los Angeles braced for huge crowds: Assistant Police Chief George Gascon said as many as 500,000 people could take part.

In smaller cities such as Allentown, Pa., Omaha, Neb., and Knoxville, Tenn., immigrants and their allies have been going door to door with fliers, making posters and sharpening speeches. In New Mexico, restaurants cooked meals this weekend that they'll donate food for Monday picnics in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

In Pomona, Calif., about 30 miles east of Los Angeles, dozens of men who frequent a day labor center voted unanimously to close Monday, said Mike Nava, the center's director.

"If anyone even comes around looking for work that day," Nava said, "the men want him suspended."

Some insist that a boycott is the next key step - beyond marches - to show the nation just how much economic power undocumented workers hold. "The marches are a tool, but they are being overused," said Mahonrry Hidalgo, head of the immigration committee of New Jersey's Latino Leadership Alliance. Like civil rights boycotts of decades past, he said, "this could finally be the spark for our people to advance."

In New Jersey, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, people boycotting work will march to the offices of elected officials to urge them to support pro-immigrant legislation. In California, although a spokeswoman for Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said a boycott would "hurt everyone," Democratic state senators passed a resolution supporting walkouts.

"To encourage people not to go to work or children not to go to school is counterproductive," Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., said Sunday on CNN's "Late Edition."

Opponents of illegal immigration spent the weekend building a fence to symbolize their support of a secure border. About 200 volunteers organized by the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps of California worked on a six-foot barbed-wire fence along a quarter-mile stretch of rugged terrain near the U.S.-Mexico border about 50 miles east of San Diego.

Many worry that not working or spending money will alienate business leaders, and that cutting classes sends an anti-education message. Even Los Angeles' Spanish-language disc jockeys, who helped fuel marches hundreds of thousands strong in recent weeks, have toned it down. "We have to demonstrate that we came here to succeed," said Eduardo Sotelo, whose morning show, "Piolin por la Manana," is syndicated nationwide.

Some marches and voter information meetings are scheduled for after work and school hours. Those who go to school or work are being urged to wear white clothes or white armbands. Several school districts have sent letters home to parents and threatened punishment if students have unexcused absences, but some plan to focus on immigration issues in classes and seminars on campus.

In each of New York City's five boroughs, thousands of workers are expected to take work breaks shortly after noon to link arms with shoppers, restaurant-goers and other supporters along city sidewalks for about 20 minutes. "This will symbolize the interdependence of all of us, not just immigrants, but all of society," said Chung-Wa Hong, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition.

Organizers in Phoenix hoped to have enough people to make a 25-mile human chain winding through the city to symbolize the unity of the Latino community on the day observed elsewhere around the world as International Workers' Day. However, they canceled that plan because of safety concerns and instead set out several smaller demonstrations.

Many hope that workers' bosses also will join their efforts - and some already are showing their support.

Some big businesses are shutting down operations, corporate spokesmen said: Six of 14 Perdue Farms plants will close; Gallo Wines in Sonoma, Calif., is giving its 150 employees the day off; Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, will shut five of its nine beef plants and four of six pork plants.

Greg Schirf, owner of Wasatch Beers in Utah, said that when some of his Latino employees sheepishly asked if they could take off Monday, he responded: "How about this? We'll just take a company holiday. We'll call it 'Latino Appreciation Day.'"

Such attitudes are quelling some of the anxiety that has bubbled up nationwide since federal officials arrested more than 1,100 immigrant employees and seven managers at 40 sites of IFCO Systems, which makes crates and pallets. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he plans to step up workplace enforcement of immigration laws.

"During information we've been presenting to different organizations (about Monday's events), we usually spend 20 to 30 minutes just explaining if we were to have or not have a raid," said Houston activist Maria Jimenez of the Central American Resource Center. "We've seen a lot of fear in the community."

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged immigrants to attend Mass instead of boycotting, and suggested that churches toll their bells in memory of immigrants who died trying to come to the U.S.

Well, actually much of the Vatican material supports what many Catholic voices are saying in this debate. I realize that many are criminals but again many are not.

I just found it ironic that some got so heated up over this part of the article.
"Many are expected to find solace in religious services.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged immigrants to attend Mass instead of boycotting, and suggested that churches toll their bells in memory of immigrants who died trying to come to the U.S."

What in Heavens name is wrong with that. Its like the Catholic Church is damned if it does and damned if it doesn't. It seems that people here are not thrilled with this boycott. The Church says don't boycott but when you get off work come pray. Come to mass. Oh and its tolling bells in some places for folks that died in the desert. Its seems that most people's problem is that the Catholic Church is even speaking at all. Well that's my screed. I know everyone is all in a huge state of excitement because of tomorrow's activities so I will try to post less so not to irritate the World tonight. At least try to keep it under a hundred lol.

This is a response regarding the illegal immigration issue that I encountered on the EWTN website:

illegal immigration
Question from Anonymous on 4/7/2006:

I am against "illegal" immigration. Is it better to stay away from confession and receiving our Lord when I know I will feel the same way after leaving the confessional?

Answer by Catholic Answers on 4/10/2006:
Dear A,

It is not against Church teaching to be against illegal immigration. The State has certain rights that are proper to itself. Our Lord said to render to Caesar the things of Caesar and to God the things of God.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.

Source:

http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?number=465927&Pg=Forum4&Pgnu=1&recnu=5

"I want this immigration problem solved. But I don't want America to lose its soul in the process. I feel this most strongly as regarding family units that are established here where one member or more is a illegal. At some point the cure becomes immoral."

The "Cure" is for them to stand in line and wait for LAWFULL entry. Then they will not find themselves in that predicament. Even if they make a choice to immigrate legally, they make a decision to leave family behind. That is reality, and a conscious CHOICE. That choice does not excuse them from the Cesar's laws, which scripture tells them they must obey as well. There is a LAWFULL process they can use to bring relatives into the country.

When they break the LAW, they must pay the penalty of doing so. I don't understand how you can sit there and say "you want to see this problem resolved". We already have LAWS do deal with these problems. These people have decided to break those laws, for what? There own greed. They do not fit the designation of "refugees" in the Vatican's dictionary. They are criminals who's situation is a result of their own actions, mostly greed.

The "Immoral" part of the cure comes from their own hand. They obviously haven't been taught scripture well the church in the country of origin.

As for America loosing it's soul... where have you been for the last 50 years? Allowing crimminals to flood into the country isn't going to add to the number of salvagable souls in America, it's only going to degrade it further.

I guess we should just throw up our hands, and allow all other nations in the world to dump their criminals and unwanted in this country. The Church will fix everything.

Have you ever asked yourself why it is these same people who are touted as such good and skillfull workers, and an asset to the nation, can't seem to make the countries they come from into good, decent places to live?
Or is it easy to simply say it's their bad government's fault? It's the people who make those governments, and the same people who corrupt them. They can also overthrow them if they wanted to. But they don't. Why?
Because it's always easier to come and take what others have built. Then once there is nothing left to take, they move on to the next greener pasture.

Excuse me, but do you honestly think the LIBERAL USCCB really speaks for most Catholics in America?! I, and most other Catholics that *I* know want the government to build a fence, deport illegals and enforce the laws! Most of us descended from immigrants - Polish,Slovak, Italian, Irish, etc. - who came here LEGALLY! My grandparents made sure their kids learned English. They were proud to be here, and proud to be naturalized American. Mexicans need to get in line just like my grandparents did.
Please don't bash my religion because some outspoken bishops express a personal opinion. They DON'T speak for the rest of us!

" suggested that churches toll their bells in memory of immigrants who died trying to come to the U.S."

Why? Are they hero's? Why doesn't the church toll it's bells for the hero's that died fighting for the freedom enjoyed in the USA?

Are they saints?

The church won't even toll it's bells for Saints anymore. Or for prayer. But they will toll them for fools who died while trying to break the law looking for greener pastures and a easier way? I thought the bible taught that one should work hard to make his life better, using the WORD and LAW for help and a guide.

I am not sure of the perfect solution for illegal immigration but in my heart I feel that the answer might be the following:

1. Enforcement of our current laws dealing with Border Security and people who have landed here in an illegal status.

2. Develop laws that require all illegal aliens to register and pass the pass all of the background checks of legal immigrants.

3. If the illegal immigrants do not pass the background checks, they should be deported to their country of origin.

4. If the illegal aliens pass the background checks, they should be placed in the end of the waiting line for all immigrants that are currently waiting to enter the country or are waiting to complete the process for citizenship.

5. The illegal aliens in the waiting line should have gaps in the line to allow people who have played by the rules regarding immigration to this country to have priority consideration & advance ahead of them for processing their citizenship documents.

6. Illegal aliens who commit crimes should be deported ASAP!

7. Illegal alien's children born before the completion of the citizenship process should not be granted automatic citizenship until their parents have completed all of the requirements for citizenship.

8. Illegal aliens should comply with all requirements for state & Federal Taxes.

10. Develop legislation that generate whatever type of VISAs that are required for any new workers in the various categories of work.

11. Implement a stringent control of all of our borders.

Reaganesque, as I'm sure you're aware President Reagan fired the PATCO air traffic controllers because they were breaking the law. As a result of doing the right thing, he solidified the respect that his supporters had for him, earned the respect of `fence-sitters' and put the fear of God in Democrats and unions.

Paging President Bush . . . Your country, please pick-up line one . . .

"The party you are seeking to reach is currently unavailable. Please leave a message after the tone."

Ok, just a few thoughts on that. First, I know its the Gospel for many to classify these people as criminals. However, for the past 30 years we as a Country and a Society have allowed this to continue. Basically, the Govt and Society has turned a blind eye to receive the economic benefits. I am fully aware that many were not for that choice. But it happened. The problem is their here in great numbers and its a huge mess. We can talk about consequences to illegal migrants but, that in my viewpoint is a two way street. Some people here have been here for decades and in fact have families here. Thats a issue. A massive blanket deportation policy without taking that into consideration is problematic to some.

Second, the Church recognizes the right for Govts to have the right to sane immigration policies. Its not really a open border issue. No one is saying that its the US responsibility to take care of the World's masses. At least no one sane

Third, the poverty some of these folks is astounding. I am not sure that many are leaving for "Greed" Many are leaving for basic survival. Now, these workers come from some places that have horrible Govts. However, this is not much different from other immigrant groups that have been successful.

Finally, I am not for throwing up my hands and doing nothing. The illegal immigration problem must be solved. In fact immigration from certain Countries needs to be slowed. I suspect thats going to take various solutions. Its also going to take a much more aggressive and different policy toward Mexico and Latin America as a whole. It seems since the Communist were defeated the whole area has progressively gone off our radar screen.

I agree.

It's totaly selfish of Mexican's to think they should be able to walk across at their own whim to take advantage of free medical, schooling, and other social programs designed and payed for by citizens in this country for citizens in this country. They are simply greedy freeloaders, and they bring a crime wave along with them.

Maybe the church should toll it's bells for all the children in this country who have died from the methamphetamine these "immigrants" cook up in their meth labs. Next week they can toll them again for all the women and children raped by thse illegal immigrants. The week after that toll the bells for those killed by illegal immigrant drivers. The week after that....(endless list)

There are many other immigrants from many other countries waiting patiently who's lives are actually in danger. They should go to the back of the line for trying to cheat.

Actually I agree with most of those things you posted. As to number 7 I have no problem with that as long as its not applied retroactively. In other words since the laws have said "anchor babies" are citizens I would be very nervous if the Govt stripped that designation from that many people. But I could see that being enacted from a Legislative date forward.

I guess point 4 is where it gets sticky. I have no problem with a guest worker program. If people have immediate family(Nuclear family) here some accommodation can be made for them in my view. That would alleviate much of the moral problems for me. IN fact a gradual reduction in numbers of that worker program would be essential. That way not only could it be regulated for economic conditions here but also cause less havoc in Mexico and other areas by not having all these folks returning at the same time and thus causing us problems. In the end the numbers from South of the border must be slowed because I do feel in 20 to 30 years we might have massive migration from Europe. Some of the demographics as to the Muslim population might cause "Christian or even nominal Christian" Europe to flee. I suspect the same situation will occur to a lesser degree from Asia. I hope I am wrong on that and perhaps Radical Islam might have moderated by then. However, some the early signs are not good. Anyway, there must be some equalization of immigration from different countries in light of that possibility. Who knows maybe at that point the situation in South and Central America might have approved by then to take in the flow

See post 29.

Many will just have to face the consequences of their actions.
There is no perfect solution.

There are many in THIS country who live in appauling poverty. Mexican's and other latin South Americans are concerns of their governments. The solution isn't to take in their populations, it's to take out corrupt governments, and let those people find their own way out of poverty. If they keep corrupting themselves, there just isn't much more we can do.
Then again there are idiots in this country who think we shouldn't even do that. Perhaps they should travel to these countries and show them how to make their lives better. Nothing would make me happier than to see every anti-war peacenik leave this country on flower delivery missions to the governments of these places and show them the errors of their ways, that it is their responsibility as a government to provide free everything to their people, and the people should all have free housing, free food and medicine, and live happily ever after.

What REALLY torques me is that not too many years ago, on Easter morning, a little 7 yo Cuban refugee who was supported by his American relatives had a freaking SWAT team come after him to deport him. Supposedly that was about the rule of law or some damn thing.

But the illegal aliens, who supposedly live in a democracy and not a dictatorship like Cuba--where's the SWAT team when you need them? Or even support for a few rules and regulations? The National Council of Churches wouldn't even let one kid stay--what's their position on illegal immigrants?

This is a psychotic episode in the history of our country.

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