Antonio & Delfino #1

The current state of immigration seems to be a double edged sword. Everyone is both a winner and a loser. American businesses benefit from employing people who will work long, hard hours for minimal pay and benefits. The American government and citizens carry the financial burden of providing those who are here illegally with medical care, educational services, and residential benefits although they do not contribute to the taxes in their communities, and send the majority of their earnings back to Mexico. As our economy weakens, many Americans are also having a hard time finding work. Some of those positions may be filled by those who are here illegally. Mexicans benefit by escaping a homeland that can not provide for them. Mexicans, unlike many other previous immigrants, face a unique challenge due to the proximity of their homeland. When my great grandparents fled war torn Sicily at the turn of the century, they knew that no matter how much money they made in America, they would probably never make enough money to return, even for a visit, to their beloved homeland. Mexicans living in America are faced with the challenge of living between two worlds. Many choose to relocate to America out of necessity, yet their pride and loyalty to their heritage make returning to their homeland just across the border extremely tempting. Like Antonio and Delfino, many Mexicans see America as an opportunity to prove their self worth and success, and obtain things that would be far beyond their reach in Mexico. I was enthralled by the outcome of the public upheaval in South Gate. The way the community banded together to ensure that their new home did not become corrupt like the Mexican government they fled was amazing. It inspired me to think that perhaps if we found a way to integrate Mexicans into our community, provide them with additional assistance, and the means to bring their families it may encourage people to immigrate legally. If their families were here, it would certainly keep the revenue they earn in our economy instead of sending the majority home to Mexico. Any immigrant is bound to have a love of their homeland. However, if we could integrate them into our communities here and make them feel at home, perhaps they would feel the same loyalty for America. Of course, many Mexican immigrants have become citizens and already possess these feelings of loyalty for America. The question is, how does America reach out to the huge influx of Mexicans who have recently come to our country?