Traditions are very near and dear to our hearts, they remind us of home, keep us rooted in our culture and remind us of who we are. As we sit down with families and friends this holiday season lets remember that the plight that we are facing today is part of America’s tradition of xenophobia and hate towards immigrant groups.
Progress in the U.S. has often come with violence, unjust policies and racism. We should stand up to those who believe they can intimidate us! This is a country of immigrants and we are here to stay whether they like it or not.
In 1776 most of the “New” Caucasian inhabitants of what is now the United States were European immigrants and those white people of good character who had been living in the United States for 2 years were given citizenship.
In 1815, the Irish Came to the United States. They faced poor living conditions, outright racism and violence and in 1849 the first American anti-immigrant party formed.
In 1880 the Chinese were coming to the United States in Droves as well as Italians, and Jews. In 1882 the U.S. passes a law barring Chinese immigrants from entering the United States.
In 1907 the U.S. and Japan sign a “gentlemen’s agreement” to slow Japanese 10 years later in 1917 other laws were passed to stop Asian immigrants from entering the U.S. The Japanese later were put in internment camps.
So, remember this increased racism is part of the American Tradition. When someone tells you to go back to your country tell them that this is your country you found it the same way Christopher Columbus found America.
Abraham Cepeda, Cultura Law
