Isn't it funny that a country which declared itself a place where "all men are created equal" over 200 years ago still battles with Civil Rights today? Even more interesting is the fact that the United States was built off of the blood and sweat of immigrants and still thrives off of the practically free and often inhumane labor of these same freedom seekers.

This past Monday, thousands of immigrants rallied on the mall in Washington DC, along with others in various cities around the country including New York City. The masses fiercely objected the potential law which will essentially reduce and make immigration to the U.S. much more difficult. Some have referred to it as the Hispanic Civil Rights movement. To me it represents the entire population of immigrants: past, present and future. Though I come from a family of non-American-born citizens I have never taken this issue into much consideration. But when I think of my family, along with the hundreds of thousands of others, that came here and paved the way for their children, who are now huge intellectual and powerful resources for this country, I can't quite understand the need for further restriction. It almost feels like biting the hand that feeds you. Afterall, who works our farms, constructs and cleans our buildings, and assmebles all of our frivolous material needs?

Sometimes it still blows my mind that the Civil Rights Bill was passed only 40 years ago. Up until 40 years ago we had segregated schools and a part of our population wasn't even allowed to vote! 'Slowly' seems to be the pace and 'surely' is the hope -- but we indefintely have a long and winding road ahead of us.

Read the whole article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/11/us/11immig.html?ex=1144987200&en=3658f0b9ffb8fc6b&ei=5087%0A