We Are America

The recent defamation of immigrants in Arizona and across the country is not a new phenomenon in American history.

Throughout our history, Irish, Asian, Jewish, African, Middle Eastern, and other ethnic groups have all been publicly scapegoated and vilified by politicians and by the law itself.

This week, Arizona signed into law a bill that eliminates ethnic studies, such as African American and Native American Studies from all Arizona schools.

A divisive bill that’s trying to erase the many contributions of various cultures that make up America.

However, with every attack, people from every nationality have historically stood together in the name of peace and justice.

Three weekends ago, I stood on the steps of the Arizona State Capital with thousands of my White, Black, Asian, and Latino brothers and sisters committed to stopping the implementation of SB 1070, Arizona’s anti-immigrant law.

Standing with my fellow brothers and sisters, it became clear to me that SB 1070 and any other law that unfairly targets a certain group of people makes it unsafe for everyone regardless of nationality or skin color.

Arizona’s laws make us all unsafe because it’s unconstitutional to start singling out people because of who they look like, how they talk, or even how they dress.

Arizona’s laws make us all unsafe because a large number of people living in America – undocumented or not – will be less likely to work with law enforcement in solving crimes for fear of being seen as a suspect themselves.