By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| “Illegal” immigration has been the defining characteristic since before our country began. So I cannot help but cringe whenever I hear anti-immigration protesters use “stop illegal alien invasion” and “make America, American again” as a means to get their point across. In my opinion, this type of abrasive language contributes to the animosity towards immigrants which allows these individuals to be dehumanized. On top of that, it makes me question the logic behind anti-immigration supporters. Have they forgotten that this country was established by immigrants and not once were they referred to as alien or … [Read more...] about Immigrants shouldn’t be deemed “illegal”
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Independent film sends a message
By Devin Ramos | Staff Writer | The independent film, “Smuggled,” directed by Ramon Hamilton, is a genuine drama created to answer "why immigrants cross the border," and put viewers in the shoes of the illegal immigrants. The film was screened at CSUSB in the John M. Pfau Library Oct. 10 and tells the story of Miguel and his mother as they embark on a journey towards America as stowaways on a bus. Miguel, played by Ramsses Letrado, is being questioned by two police officers, played by Cisco Marcial and Garrett Marchbank, whom are trying to help Miguel but struggle to gain his trust as he suspects that they are trying to deport him. “Smuggled” is a strong independent film that … [Read more...] about Independent film sends a message
Tolerance for undocumented immigrants rising
By Andrew Hucks |Staff Writer| It’s been nearly 20 years since Proposition 187 was passed in California barring illegal immigrants from using publicly funded education and healthcare. According to a recent poll by USC Dornsife/LA Times, sentiments have swayed quite a bit in favor of leniency on illegal immigrants already here, while getting more stiff on border security and enforcement. Proposition 187 has five major sections: it barred illegal immigrants from using public education and public health clinics, required proof of legal status for cash assistance, required service providers to report illegals to the INS, and it made the use of false documents a felony, according to … [Read more...] about Tolerance for undocumented immigrants rising
DREAM Act calls for federal action
By Louis Penna |Managing Editor| [Originally published in 11/17/11 print edition, pg. 7] http://issuu.com/coyotechronicle/docs/10_17_full_issue Starting 2013, certain undocumented migrant students will be able to qualify for state financial aid at public universities and community colleges. Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 131, the second half of the California Dream Act. This bill’s passing puts illegal immigration at the forefront of political controversy one again. Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-San Bernardino), a former border-monitoring Minuteman, calls the bill “morally wrong.” “We have just created a new entitlement that is going to cause tens of thousands of people to … [Read more...] about DREAM Act calls for federal action
Undocumented, unafraid and unapologetic
By Courtney Sims |Staff Writer| Twelve Immigrant Youth Coalition (IYC) protestors were arrested on Jan. 24, outside of City Hall in San Bernardino during a sit-in called “Undocumented and Unafraid.” Of the 12 arrested, 10 may face deportation. Protestors sat-in in front of the Department of Homeland Security’s field office and Downtown City Hall to protest the treatment of undocumented residents. “No papers, no fear. Immigrants are marching here,” chanted group members. Other hot button issues included the Secure Communities program, in which the FBI automatically sends fingerprints to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to check against its immigration databases to … [Read more...] about Undocumented, unafraid and unapologetic