Pass The Quilt

We share common surnames, live side by side in many communities, and as “immigrant minorities” often pulled into the conversation in support for immigration rights.  For legal immigration this is just, but in the case of illegal immigration, Mexicans and Filipinos are on opposite sides of the fence…however, it seems as though Fil-Ams passively support those who have hopped over and made it over to this side of the fence, while many of their own relatives sit on stacks of paperwork, file fees, and making considerations for agencies to get them visas at the expense of their working freedom.  Its simply an issue of cutting in line.

The logistics are plain to see.  It’s considerably easier to hop a fence and take a chance with the only repercussion of having to try again.  It is an absolutely more difficult chore to scale oceans. 

Don’t get me wrong, I support filling job roles in any way possible even if it is filling from the outside in.  I think we all benefit from it.  Even with free education, free emergency care…I still think the benefits outweigh the cost.  BUT, the inequity of how those positions are filled is what we’re talking about.  There are so many Filipinos waiting to put their money up to come over here and make a go of it, hard labor and all.  My cousin recently asked me what does he have to do.  He doesn’t know some wait decades. 

I’m for legalizing who’ve made it here.  It’s too costly in many ways to do otherwise.  But until visas become more universally accessible and there is free competition, there should be a line drawn on the further cutting in line, the further unfairness with regard to opportunity. 

For Filipinos, especially Fil-Ams, we have to give this some thought.  It’s easy to be passive and fall into categories others make for us.  It’s especially easy for Fil-Ams because we’re already here, and the people grouped with us are our current neighbors where we live.

Although it sounds this may be anti-Mexican.  It really isn’t.  It is about being engaged in the topic.  If we’re for supporting illegal immigration for its benefits, then support expansion of visas to your cousins, who are quietly waiting.  Then let the competition for work and roles in society commence.