By Lee Martínez
Emotions surrounding undocumented immigrants are unsettling even within the Hispanic/Latino community. What is different about the Utah perspective is that Utah Latinos have unsuspecting allies. Despite conclusions formed from news media, most Latinos desire, indeed intend, to be law abiding and respectful residents. Latinos may be more likely to have personal connections to undocumented immigrants. This makes us more likely to see the gray in what for others is a black and white contrast of right or wrong. Ironically, undocumented immigration to Hispanics is similar to the issue of polygamy in its relationship to the dominant culture and religion of Utah.
Until 1848, what is now Utah was part of the northern region of Mexico. At the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico was forced to sign over the northern half of its territory to the United States. The treaty stipulated protections for Mexicans left in what became U.S. - my families among them - and those with relatives on the other side. The treaty allowed free and unrestricted travel back and forth for these people. Other provisions included protection of language and culture, but that is fodder for another article.
Over the years, free and unrestricted access continued until the United States unilaterally imposed restrictions to protect her borders. Today, given our cultural, linguistic and religious similarities, Hispanics are more likely than the majority population to know Latino immigrants and thus, some in undocumented status. Being closer to the issue allows us to see the human side of this issue to a degree others may not.
I agree with the need for the U.S. to protect her borders and how we accomplish this, both issues for another article. Similarly, this isn’t an attempt to rationalize why those who follow the rules, apply for citizenship, and wait their turns, should be set aside while dealing with “amnesty” for undocumented immigrants. These are all legitimate issues but for other discussions. I want to deal with why more Utahns should better understand the human side of this issue. I hope during this holiday season of bounty for some, all would take the time to consider these thoughts.
When the original Mormon pioneers settled in Zion, they settled in northern Mexico and brought with them the practice of polygamy. While most in the western world condemn this practice, many Utahns have historical ties to it. Some have family members or know friends who practiced or still practice polygamy. Many current leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are descendants of polygamists. As a result of the government’s heavy-handed enforcement of its federal laws, many Mormons hold contempt for the federal government. Early church leaders were persecuted, prosecuted, jailed and shamed. In short, many Mormons could and can see the human side of that issue while still recognizing the illegality of the situation.
Over time, official Mormon doctrine modified with respect to polygamy. Not all from pioneer stock, though, are unanimous in their understanding or acceptance of the new doctrine. Indeed, when former-Governor Leavitt stated he believed polygamy enjoyed certain First Amendment protections, he received both a backlash of criticism and some support. Polygamy, though, is illegal and those who practice it are, well, illegal. Like undocumented immigrants within the Hispanics population, polygamists represent a small percentage of former Mormons.
There is no unanimity among Hispanics on the undocumented immigration issue. Some Hispanics have roots in what is now U.S. that predate the Plymouth Rock pilgrims. Hispanics have served this country in every war or conflict, since. More recent immigrants have come through an assortment of means, mostly legal. Still others, a minority, came via clandestine means through whatever means it takes. Most come to work, live, buy homes, and invest in their futures and those of their children.
We understand the rules, the laws, and the rule of law. Whether we agree with U.S. immigration laws, we accept it as the law. We also, however, more readily see and accept the positive sides immigrants possess, in part, because we know many of the faces. We see those who demonstrate positive aspects of hard work, sacrifice, humility and, above all else in Latinos households, family.
Like our Mormon counterparts with polygamy, we see the effect of families torn apart in the U.S. version of “apartheid” or “ethnic cleansing”. Many of us see, talk with, and personally know people who come to work, are law abiding, but who are slandered for not taking sufficient care to manicure their lawns while working two or three minimum wage jobs. They, and we by extension, are further slandered for squeezing too many into one home to assist with bill and home payments. Too few, though, complain about the low wages they receive that create these situations. Instead, some focus on parents who don’t seem to care for their children because they don’t attend P.T.A or community council meetings. What critics most often prefer to focus on are those immigrants who drift into the public light. This is much like the outspoken, civilly disobedient polygamists that others see as representative of a Utah that is, in reality a minority, and no longer doctrinally acceptable by the official church or the state.
Both communities, though, have so much to offer our society. Both have already given so much. While some choose to open their eyes and hearts, others can only see one perspective. In the words of Spanish proverb or dicho: “Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.” (Eyes that don’t see, a heart that doesn’t feel.) Many wish both issues would just go away. But neither will, not so easily. Yet, knowing our shared experience, I’m left to wonder why many Utahns criticize one experience with a hard heart while turning a blind eye to the other.
I admire and appreciate the willingness of various state leaders who demonstrate compassion in their efforts to work with and understand the complexity of both issues through sensitive, progressive ideas. These leaders deal with the issues in realistic, humane methods, not suffering victims to be further victimized. I’m hopeful that in time, the body will catch up to the wisdom of those leaders, especially considering how much we really have in common. Yes, we all understand what “illegal” means. We further understand that child brides, like children of undocumented immigrants, aren’t at fault. What I don’t understand is why some address the illegality question in stark, black and white terms, but then, in reference to only one group. My hope is that we all work to understand the humanity in both complex situations.
A simular article orginally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, November 15, 2003. Watch for more from Lee Martinez on The Utah Amicus.
Until 1848, what is now Utah was part of the northern region of Mexico. At the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico was forced to sign over the northern half of its territory to the United States. The treaty stipulated protections for Mexicans left in what became U.S. - my families among them - and those with relatives on the other side. The treaty allowed free and unrestricted travel back and forth for these people. Other provisions included protection of language and culture, but that is fodder for another article.
Over the years, free and unrestricted access continued until the United States unilaterally imposed restrictions to protect her borders. Today, given our cultural, linguistic and religious similarities, Hispanics are more likely than the majority population to know Latino immigrants and thus, some in undocumented status. Being closer to the issue allows us to see the human side of this issue to a degree others may not.
I agree with the need for the U.S. to protect her borders and how we accomplish this, both issues for another article. Similarly, this isn’t an attempt to rationalize why those who follow the rules, apply for citizenship, and wait their turns, should be set aside while dealing with “amnesty” for undocumented immigrants. These are all legitimate issues but for other discussions. I want to deal with why more Utahns should better understand the human side of this issue. I hope during this holiday season of bounty for some, all would take the time to consider these thoughts.
When the original Mormon pioneers settled in Zion, they settled in northern Mexico and brought with them the practice of polygamy. While most in the western world condemn this practice, many Utahns have historical ties to it. Some have family members or know friends who practiced or still practice polygamy. Many current leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are descendants of polygamists. As a result of the government’s heavy-handed enforcement of its federal laws, many Mormons hold contempt for the federal government. Early church leaders were persecuted, prosecuted, jailed and shamed. In short, many Mormons could and can see the human side of that issue while still recognizing the illegality of the situation.
Over time, official Mormon doctrine modified with respect to polygamy. Not all from pioneer stock, though, are unanimous in their understanding or acceptance of the new doctrine. Indeed, when former-Governor Leavitt stated he believed polygamy enjoyed certain First Amendment protections, he received both a backlash of criticism and some support. Polygamy, though, is illegal and those who practice it are, well, illegal. Like undocumented immigrants within the Hispanics population, polygamists represent a small percentage of former Mormons.
There is no unanimity among Hispanics on the undocumented immigration issue. Some Hispanics have roots in what is now U.S. that predate the Plymouth Rock pilgrims. Hispanics have served this country in every war or conflict, since. More recent immigrants have come through an assortment of means, mostly legal. Still others, a minority, came via clandestine means through whatever means it takes. Most come to work, live, buy homes, and invest in their futures and those of their children.
We understand the rules, the laws, and the rule of law. Whether we agree with U.S. immigration laws, we accept it as the law. We also, however, more readily see and accept the positive sides immigrants possess, in part, because we know many of the faces. We see those who demonstrate positive aspects of hard work, sacrifice, humility and, above all else in Latinos households, family.
Like our Mormon counterparts with polygamy, we see the effect of families torn apart in the U.S. version of “apartheid” or “ethnic cleansing”. Many of us see, talk with, and personally know people who come to work, are law abiding, but who are slandered for not taking sufficient care to manicure their lawns while working two or three minimum wage jobs. They, and we by extension, are further slandered for squeezing too many into one home to assist with bill and home payments. Too few, though, complain about the low wages they receive that create these situations. Instead, some focus on parents who don’t seem to care for their children because they don’t attend P.T.A or community council meetings. What critics most often prefer to focus on are those immigrants who drift into the public light. This is much like the outspoken, civilly disobedient polygamists that others see as representative of a Utah that is, in reality a minority, and no longer doctrinally acceptable by the official church or the state.
Both communities, though, have so much to offer our society. Both have already given so much. While some choose to open their eyes and hearts, others can only see one perspective. In the words of Spanish proverb or dicho: “Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.” (Eyes that don’t see, a heart that doesn’t feel.) Many wish both issues would just go away. But neither will, not so easily. Yet, knowing our shared experience, I’m left to wonder why many Utahns criticize one experience with a hard heart while turning a blind eye to the other.
I admire and appreciate the willingness of various state leaders who demonstrate compassion in their efforts to work with and understand the complexity of both issues through sensitive, progressive ideas. These leaders deal with the issues in realistic, humane methods, not suffering victims to be further victimized. I’m hopeful that in time, the body will catch up to the wisdom of those leaders, especially considering how much we really have in common. Yes, we all understand what “illegal” means. We further understand that child brides, like children of undocumented immigrants, aren’t at fault. What I don’t understand is why some address the illegality question in stark, black and white terms, but then, in reference to only one group. My hope is that we all work to understand the humanity in both complex situations.
A simular article orginally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, November 15, 2003. Watch for more from Lee Martinez on The Utah Amicus.
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