Sid
11-16-2006, 09:08 PM
At a recent strategy session, Hispanic political activists debated ways to characterize the 700-mile fence along the Mexican border approved last month by Congress. "Berlin Wall" was the language used in the meeting agenda. "Better to call it the 'Apartheid Wall' because of the racial implications," one man said.
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"We should call it what it is - an extension of the 'Tortilla Wall,'" another activist suggested, referring to the derogatory name Mexican immigrants gave fences built around Tijuana in the 1970s.
With the Democrats set to take control of Congress next year, pro-immigrant groups are meeting around the nation to devise a new strategy to win amnesty for illegal immigrants, repeal of the Secure Fence Act and more visas for foreigners.
Activists say they have a better chance of gaining reforms under the Democrats than under the Republicans, but believe it will still require intense political pressure and efforts to mold public opinion.
"We are not taking it like the Democrats are a panacea for immigration reform," said Armando Navarro, coordinator of the National Alliance for Human Rights, an umbrella organization for Hispanic groups in Southern California. "But if they hope to capture the White House in 2008, they better listen to us."
Immigrant groups prepare for reform push (http://dwb.bakersfield.com/24hour/nation/story/3421361p-12563092c.html)
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"We should call it what it is - an extension of the 'Tortilla Wall,'" another activist suggested, referring to the derogatory name Mexican immigrants gave fences built around Tijuana in the 1970s.
With the Democrats set to take control of Congress next year, pro-immigrant groups are meeting around the nation to devise a new strategy to win amnesty for illegal immigrants, repeal of the Secure Fence Act and more visas for foreigners.
Activists say they have a better chance of gaining reforms under the Democrats than under the Republicans, but believe it will still require intense political pressure and efforts to mold public opinion.
"We are not taking it like the Democrats are a panacea for immigration reform," said Armando Navarro, coordinator of the National Alliance for Human Rights, an umbrella organization for Hispanic groups in Southern California. "But if they hope to capture the White House in 2008, they better listen to us."
Immigrant groups prepare for reform push (http://dwb.bakersfield.com/24hour/nation/story/3421361p-12563092c.html)