Eddie Hinojosa: " I am from Mexico. Our ancestors could traverse the land without any borders. We are the indigenous people. If we're called Latino or Hispanic, those are imposed identities. As indigenous people we have the right to traverse the land."
Zoe McDonald, with Maya and Joie Gadsden: "I want it to be more regulated, but I'd like to see it fair for all parties. I'm not sure exactly what that would mean. I'd like it so people here aren't hurting because of illegal immigration, but the people that are already here -- I'd like to see their chances sped up so they can integrate into society."
Richard Jaeggi: “It’s not apparent to a lot of us how we benefit from immigration, how we have low inflation rates because of the influx of cheap labor, and so it’s pretty hypocritical to enjoy the benefits but complain about the illegal aliens.”
Yoshiko Zenfuku: “When I came here the first time [and my purse with my green card was stolen] the immigration office treated me, and other people, terribly. They were acting like police. I told them this country is made of immigrants — their ancestors were immigrants. They should give more welcome feeling; they should greet us. They were looking at us like we were slaves or criminals.”
Barbara Francisco: "I welcome immigrants and their cultural offerings to the U.S. However, in the countries of immigrants' origin there needs to be a serious development of services, a range of job creation, education, and health care, including reproductive health care available, so that people in all countries can have fulfilling lives. The consequences of U.S. support for a war or a dictator in Central America or in Africa can be immigrants coming from very difficult circumstances.
Here in the US, I'd like to see wages increased, so that working people can afford housing and don't need to work two jobs. This may be disruptive to some people's ability to get inexpensive restaurant meals or hire cheap labor in the service sector. But if Americans respect everyone's right to a decent standard of living, I think it would be worth it."
Carol Jaka (below): "Immigration was a founding principal of this country, so I think 'when did we decide to junk this philosophy?' I can see both sides, but only Native Americans and bison can really claim to belong here. At least immigrants now don't treat people the way the first immigrants treated the Native Americans and bison. Clearly, there's a lot of discord going on. We have to do something, but we have to do it together."
Mike Becker: “I’m just not happy with the illegal stuff that happens; they smuggle people over and they die in the back of vans. But other than that I think the whole US is made up of immigrants — we are all immigrants.”
Melissa Vivas [pictured with Luis]: "It's just sad what's going on with all the policies now. I hear they want to categorize people by how long they've been here. I wish they'd just go back to anyone can come here and live the American dream."
John Donovan: "Well, I'm from the Virgin Islands. I think immigration drives this country. It's necessary. A lot of work Americans don't want to do, immigrants are willing to do. And diversity is nice -- you don't want to see all the same people all the time."
Velma Taylor: "Well, I don't think someone coming to this country illegally should be granted immediate citizenship. This country is made of a lot of immigrants but it's those who stood in line and it's unfair that people who've been waiting years to go through the process are pushed to the back of the line for those who've come across illegally to be pushed to the front."
Myesha Taylor: "If you want to come over here just wait your turn and come legally."
