An element of fear exists in the debate – (immigration commentary from Yuri Cunza president of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)

Today, as frustration grows about the pending business of our broken immigration system, diligent state and local legislators attempt to bring relief to those who find more than one reason to justify the persecution of a group suspected of violating the law. If any of this legislation passes, we could start worrying about the people we know, the places we go, our food choices, including the Florida oranges we like so much or those delicious avocados coming from a state where the No. 1 industry isn’t Hollywood but agriculture. But who is doing the hard work behind the scenes?

A welcome and enforcement

The enthusiasm in addressing this issue no doubt has an element of fear. That would explain how such a welcoming state turns into an immigration enforcement battlefield, a modern-day Island of Dr. Moreau where Hispanics are the guinea pigs to test anti-illegal immigration laws. Are we pro-legislation that will make us accomplices if we fail to report a neighbor suspected of not having a legal permit to stay? What about our bus drivers, schoolteachers and landlords? Up to now, it seemed OK ripping the benefits of this labor force. We are all accomplices, then, because we need those now becoming a target. Why then are we so afraid to admit it? We are working against ourselves if we affect the much-needed revenue of businesses that will have to close their doors.”*

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