“But, I’m not Mexican,” she replied.
“You’re a beaner.”
“What is that? I’m Cuban, not Mexican.”
Identity is important in every person’s life. It is also important to realize when everyone needs to come together for something larger than an individual’s country of origin. And, this does not mean giving up that identity. It means realizing that amongst the many differences there are also a load of similarities.
Miami had fewer protesters than every major city in the United States. In a city where most of the population was born in Latin America or the Caribbean, one would think that people would turn out in droves when asked to support immigrants’ rights. However, a disappointingly low 10,000 spread among 4 separate protests was all Miami could muster. Denver had 75,000 people, Oakland with 17,000 and New York and LA each gathered a whopping 400,000 people.
So, why the low numbers in Miami? Despite cries to come together as one large “American” immigrant community, the answers lie in countries of origin. There is no shame in identifying country of origin. It does not imply dissent, when used to express identity.
Our largest immigrant community, Cuban Americans, unlike Haitians, Mexicans and others, have rights and benefits thrown upon them in Miami. In the hotly debated "Wet Foot/Dry Foot" policy, any Cuban who reaches land is eligible for political asylum in the US. This policy does not apply to any other people who attempt the same dangerous pursuit. Namely, it does not apply to Haitians, who are the second largest group to attempt long sea voyages to Miami in search of asylum. If they are caught, they are first held in horrible prison-like conditions, and then sent back to Haiti. But, I digress. To be sure, there are many immigration issues which are not only unfair, but also unjust. Primarily responsible for low numbers in Miami, low Cuban turn-out.
Why Miami immigrants did not feel part of yesterday's Day of Action? Cuban Americans already benefit from the unjust system in place now. Haitians have a lot to lose by gathering in large numbers to protest the US government, and I do not think many felt safe enough to take bold actions. As Marlene Bastien, executive director of Haitian Women of Miami, explains, Haitians attempted to boycott shopping, but went to work "because they don't know their rights" (Herald article 5/2/06). Unlike Cubans, Haitians feared being fired from work, found out as illegal, being viewed as illegal even if they are not, and need to keep up a good public image.
Across the country it seemed that there was an idea that this Day of Action was aimed solely at Mexican Americans. I do not believe this to be the intent, but many here in Miami may have felt that this was not their issue to debate. There was a belief that traversing the waters from Latin America, the Caribbean or other country to the US is not the same as crossing a “land border.” But, borders are borders, and they come in many sizes, shapes and spaces. Crossing them requires different tactics of negotiation and risk, but they are being crossed, no less.
Portrayed as a Mexican American issue, many rallies addressed issues of farming and work in related fields. Here in Miami, there are many Mexican American immigrants who do work in farming. They work in Homestead and turned out for the rallies and protests. Many of the growers were in favor of the Day of Action, and gave their employees the day off. (This gesture, I think, has much to do with their need for labor at cheap rates. If their workers are legalized, then they would ultimately face less risk of punishment for hiring “illegal” workers.) In fact, according to the front page article in the Herald today, this was the largest rally in Miami, with 5,000 people.
(from BBC, Homestead Protest)
Finally, what goes unrecognized are the thousands of people who are “in limbo” – not with papers, but not without. Many of these people have been waiting patiently for years on end for their day to come, for immigration officials to send them their precious promised documents. I know many people in this situation, and they do not have the same concerns as those who have come on a more “illegal” basis – ie rafting, swimming, running to shore. These people have tried to pursue all “legal” lines of residency and citizenship, and yet still await any official action. Herein lies the dilemma. If some sort of “legalization” occurs, will it provide any benefit to those people still waiting in line? Or will they be asked to take a back seat, and wait patiently for a few more years while they process everyone else? These are major questions which need to be addressed before any official immigration action can be taken by Congress. And, these people need to stand up and let themselves be heard as well.
It thrills me to see so many people stand up, nationwide, and demand to be heard. This is only one step, and cannot possibly stand for every voice. Miami, in particular, is in a unique situation, with people coming from many countries trying to form this diverse city.
3 comments:
Hey ! Thanks for these words, I really like what you are saying, how you start and move this piece.. Your writing sounds really good. This is the first time I've seen your blog, .. it is great!
yes, this is really great writing!!
i am especially appreciative of the decentering of the immigrant=mexican thing--the only way we can make this a *real* movement about immigration is if we stop accepting what the mainstream press is telling us and start talking to other communities...i really appreciate that you did that here...
Awesome . . . thank you both for your remarks. I do continue to be hopeful that there is a way to break down barriers between groups, while maintaining identiy, in the attempt to reach our goals.
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