As you are sure to recall, two years ago, hundreds of thousands marched in support of rights for illegal aliens in coordinated events across the U.S.
Today, as they plan to march again, the rights for illegal aliens movement appears to have lost its enthusiasm:
Now, as they prepare for another round of May Day demonstrations in support of more liberal laws, some Austin organizers say fear and fatigue have sapped some of the marches' vigor.
"When year after year you fight and you fight without any kind of real attention and concern by our legislators, it's only logical that people might wear themselves out and maybe get discouraged from coming out again," said Luissana Santibañez of Familias Unidas por la Esperanza (Families United for Hope).
"The enthusiasm has diminished," said Josefina Castillo of the American Friends Service Committee.
[. . .]
Declining participation in the marches may also be due to a feeling among immigrants that the demonstrations haven't accomplished much and that they are powerless to make a difference, organizer Antolin Aguirre said.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, organizers are plan rallies and marches in downtown Austin:
Protesters plan to walk past the jail during the march, which starts at 5:30 at the Capitol and ends with a rally at Austin City Hall.
Thousands marched last year, though fewer than in 2006, when police estimated that 8,500 people protested in Austin. (Organizers said the turnout was closer to 40,000.)
In Chicago, up to 50,000 are expected at a downtown march and rally. "Activists" hope to revive the stagnant immigration debate, in time for the presidential election, demanding comprehensive immigration legislation - including pathways to citizenship for the 12 million illegal immigrants estimated to be living in the U.S.:
Organizers say they have extended their message to include unity among different races and, for the first time, gay rights activists. Representatives from the Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and the Nation of Islam are expected to attend events Thursday.
[. . .]
Organizers say this year's efforts are focused less on protests and more on voter registration and setting an agenda for the next president.
Seattle, where organizers are preparing for a ninth annual march, they complain about enforcement.
All and all, the news is now better for those who wish to stop, or at least slow, the flood of illegal immigration:
- The border fence is being constructed.
- Enforcement is improving, both nationally and at the state level, as is evidenced by the protest organizers' complaints and plans to march past the jail, as well as complaints from businesses.
- The Border Patrol is continuing to expand, more resources to prosecute illegals have also been made available.
I realize that immigrants are an extremely vital element of our economy. Nevertheless, the only way I can see to stem the endless stream of illegal aliens is to establish a guest worker program that doesn't reward those who came into the U.S. illegally, punish those that hire illegal aliens, and make a serious effort to control the border.
I supported the Senate's 2006 compromise on immigration reform, which the Democrats scuttled. My main objection to other "comprehensive reform" proposals that give legal status to illegal aliens is those proposals would encourage more illegal immigration, as did the amnesty authorized by the 1986 Immigration Reform Act.
Allowing those that disregard the nation's immigration laws to remain here and pursue citizenship sends a simple message - get into the United States anyway you can because eventually, you will be legalized.
I commend President Bush and Senator McCain for their willingness to try and reform immigration. True reform might well include some path to citizenship, but it must be seen to discourage the flood tide of illegals constantly crossing the border.
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