You Otter Dream like an American

In tow with the ever growing debate, this edition of The Otter Realm sheds light on immigration issues. In an area with rich agricultural roots, we are first hand witnesses to the immense amount of work ethic migrant workers, some undocumented, show. Waking up in the early hours of the morning, many undocumented workers will work up to three jobs. Ask any migrant worker their purpose for the long hours of back breaking work and their response will be money to support their family and dreams. Bottom line, undocumented immigrants work low paying jobs that help the wavering U.S. economy.

The Otter Realm’s fourth issue features the CAMP program and the many ways it helps children of migrant and seasonal farm workers complete their first academic year of college. The CAMPers club further assists CAMP alumni in the remaining years of their university education and because of the recent passing of the Dream Act, the CAMPers can now fundraise and award undocumented students financial aid. Furthermore, this past July, California passed a law allowing undocumented students access to state government financial aid in community college and the CSU system.

When I was in elementary school I learned the concept of critical thinking. Looking at an issue from all different angles allows one to make well informed decisions. The key to this however is truly allowing yourself to see. Opening your eyes not just to what you already agree with or feel is unjust, but also to opposing viewpoints. This requires research, discussions, and a willingness to remain openminded and learn. As adults we must all be critical thinkers. Once a person has truly looked at an issue from all sides, then and only then can they truly step into the world with not just a public opinion, but a well informed one as well.

I believe there is a way to look at immigration reform without belittling, minimizing or dehumanizing a group of individuals. In recent news, attention has been brought to the many anti-immigration groups which have locked their eyes on the latino population (an error on its own seeing as not all immigrants are of latino descent). This narrow mindedness has in turn caused a rise in anti-latino hate crimes. Republican debates have magnified the fears of immigration. Conversations about building double layered walls and electrified fences along the U.S.- Mexico border only further escalate the tension and does not help in the progress towards immigration reform. And the use of language such as “illegal immigrants” (humans can not be illegal) creates mental walls that do not contribute to our civil conversation.

As a second generation American of Mexican descent, I understand the beauty of the United States is the pursuit of ones dreams and the opportunity available to anyone. As a country we have consistently said the “American Dream” is something everyone should aspire for. Considering our history as a nation, we have in the past opened our arms to different cultures and humans in an attempt to help and spread our hunger for living our dreams. Why are we damning others for taking us up on our offer?

America used to mean possibilities- it used to mean hope. The Declaration of Independence says it, “all men are created equal,” and all have the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.