It’s amazing, that after applauding the elections that would supposedly change the perception of the immigrants in the American Congress, more than 12 million human beings, the biggest “illegal” population in the world, continues to pray for its legalization, without greater recognition. At this time we begin to celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving Day, forgetting that the pilgrims that chose to come to these land were also immigrants.

Pay attention to what is said and written about this day; from asking a child of the meaning of this celebration to what is displayed in the annual parade, as well as in the commentaries; and you will notice that all venerate with pride the pilgrims of the 17th century. But who were those pilgrims? The pioneers, conquerors, precursors, founders, adventurers, explorers. And whom do these words describe? Who are these strange, different, unusual, rare, exotic, individuals considered from absurd to extraordinary by the way that expressed their customs?

The North American people cannot continue to forget those who forged their history. That spirit of extraordinary courage to leave everything back; their loved ones, their families, their properties, their environment, towards a new life. We cannot continue to leave behind these men, women and children who are in a state of civil violation (not criminal), and they become inadmissible, unacceptable and fugitives of the law.

In this traditional dinner of this Thanksgiving Day, after thanking God, let’s not forget to pray for our undocumented brothers, so that they may leave that state of persecution, humiliation and captivity, and as people, enjoy the freedom that they deserved, obtaining their legalization.

 

INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANTS FOUNDATION
33 years, Guiding, Legalizing, and Educating Immigrants since 1973
O.N.G. UNITED NATIONS E.C.O.S.O.C.
IMMIGRANTS BUILDING: 7 W. 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10036

(212) 302-2222 – email: www.InmigrantsFoundacion.com

 

*Edward Juarez Studied sociology, International laws, and specialized in immigration.  In 1973, established the International Immigrants Foundation, a non-profit institution created to educate, help, and defend immigrants. In 1984, he established the American Multicultural Coalition and the International Cultures Celebration, conferences in the United Nations, and the Parade and Festival to promote intercultural relations.  With the goal of emphasizing the contributions of immigrants, Juarez established the “Immigrants Building” in 2003, located at 7 West 44^th Street in Manhattan, NYC, where the Foundation continues developing programs that improve the quality of life for immigrants. Currently, he is am active writer, speaker, immigration columnist in El Diario la Prensa, and host of The Immigrants Voice radio and television programs.