The Minute Men Project is an exemplar of extremist
right wing thought process regarding immigration. A ‘Minute Man’ is typically an
older, white man whom takes on the vigilantly role of border watchman. They see
immigration – and its illegal counterpart – as the biggest threat to the
preservation of American culture. Their views somewhat smudge the definitions
of nationalism and xenophobia.
I find some of the imagery on their
website particularly interesting. They have a ‘JOIN US’ section which is reminiscent
of the Uncle Sam propaganda used in world war II. It poses as an America flag
with two rifles in a cross laid over the top. ‘Interested in being a Minuteman?
Start here!’ it suggests. The militant undertone of this section of the website
is troubling as it points to enrolment in a force that is dedicated to
fighting immigration. Which would surely manifest itself in a fight with the immigrant
population? A hypothetical which would be disastrous once you've taken into
account the shear number of Latino immigrants and their concentration in
certain locations, such as Southern California.
As an immigrant viewing this website I think
you would certainly feel misunderstood and threatened by the Minute Men Project’s
intentions and their willingness to lead with their second amendment rights.
Latinos Progesando (LP) is an organization
that leads Chicago in support for Latino Immigrants. Their founder set up the organization
as a loan volunteer with “the goal of instigating neighbourhood
transformation: building a culture of high expectations, developing and
sustaining innovative service-delivery models and engendering an unmatched
spirit of collaboration.” Its worth
investigation why the growth of LP has been so strong from its establishment to
becoming the “largest Latino-led family based immigration legal services
program in the State of Illinois.”
For this type of organization to find its services in high demand
suggests that life for immigrants in the US is hard. However, for a Pro-Latino
immigration organization to become so popular similarly means that it must be
helping a large number of Latinos to become more prosperous and generally successful
in life. Their website stresses that its aim is to help Latino’s thrive and its
whole vibe is one of optimism and positivity.
The optimism on the PRO side of the debate indicates that Latinos feel
as if they have a secure place in the US. It does make historical sense: Having
lost a large chunk of territory (to America) in the Texan and Mexico wars in
the 1840’s. Therefore, with groups like LP and a shared ancestry in parts of
America, coupled with the densely populated clusters in which they often live, immigrants
are justly optimistic in regard to the longevity of their residence in America.
I should note that the election of Trump as president would of course jeopardise
the security of that standpoint.
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