Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Immigration to be hot topic at Texas State U. forum
By Hayley Kappes
The University Star (Texas State U.-San Marcos)
10/09/2007

(U-WIRE) SAN MARCOS, Texas — Build a wall. Keep them out.

This is the mentality of some Americans who think illegal Mexican immigrants have no place in society north of the border.

Mark Hernandez, president of the Latino fraternity Phi Iota Alpha, will participate in the Immigration Forum Tuesday at the LBJ Teaching Theater. He said the purpose of this forum is to clear up any misconceptions people may have about the immigration debate.

"We want to help fill in the gaps for everyone about the legislation going on right now regarding what to do about immigration, so when people go to the polls in 2008, they are educated on the issue," Hernandez said.

The forum is being presented by the Latino Student Association, the College Democrats and Phi Iota Alpha. It will focus on conservative and liberal positions regarding how to address illegal immigration and options for immigrants other than deportation.

Hernandez said building a wall is not an efficient way to defer people from crossing the border under the radar.

"We have huge oceans on both sides of the United States. Immigrants can come through there. Not all illegal immigrants come from the south border," he said. "A wall isn't going to stop anyone. In my opinion it's a waste of our money."

To Hernandez, the situation is ironic because many people complain about illegal immigrants, yet Americans are willing to capitalize on cheap labor immigrants are eager to perform.

"There are people in the U.S. who feel that their lives and their way of living are at risk due to immigration, but people are willing to hire illegal immigrants for $3 an hour rather than a U.S. citizen for $8 an hour," he said.

He said in order to decrease illegal immigration, one has to look at the root of the problem.

"I'm for creating work permits that are easily obtained and for building Mexico's economy. If their economy was better, people wouldn't have a reason to come here looking for work," Hernandez said.

Another event featured for Hispanic Heritage month is the screening of The Lost City, a film about the Cuban Revolution, at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the LBJ Teaching Theater. Phi Iota Alpha will also be handing out fliers for El D'a de la Raza, a celebration on Friday commemorating pride in one's respective Latin country.

Recent University of Texas Spanish graduate Ryan Simonson said the idea of a wall separating Mexico and the U.S. would harm foreign relations.

"It would not look good to other countries to see the U.S. putting up physical barriers around the border. It sends the message that no foreigner is welcome," Simonson said.

He said he does not support illegal immigration, but there should be easier ways for Mexican nationals to get work visas or even citizenship.

"Many people came to this country looking for a better way of life. That idea should not be exclusive to anyone," he said.

For Abby Moreno, vice president of Latino Student Association, Hispanic Heritage Month is about a celebration of culture and diversity.

"I think it is important to celebrate Hispanic heritage as it would be to celebrate any other culture," she said. "By celebrating, people become more aware and knowledgeable of the culture. Not all Latin cultures are the same."

Last week, Moreno participated in a discussion panel at Texas State addressing questions from an audience about common stereotypes associated with Latinos.

"Sadly a lot of people have stereotypes of the Latino community. Some people asked if all Latino women know how to cook or if men know how to fix cars," she said.

Moreno grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, where she used to cross the border into Mexico to grab a taco occasionally because it was so close to her home. She said attending Texas State has opened her eyes to the many different cultures that exist.

Moreno said she will be attending the Immigration Forum because she wants to become more informed on the issue.

"I want to see where both sides stand on the immigration debate. It's good to get people involved and have debates and discussion on issues like this," she said. "Students like us are trying to do something instead of just sitting back and watching the government make decisions for us."

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