By Bill Nigut
There's no question that the issue of undocumented workers in this country needs to be debated openly.
Legitimate voices representing various perspectives on this thorny problem should be heard, whether they favor returning all those who entered this country illegally, support proposals that will integrate workers into mainstream American life or propose other approaches.
The Anti-Defamation League believes that our current immigration system must be reformed in a comprehensive manner that will serve America's security and advance our humanitarian and economic interests. We also believe that the tenor of our national debate on immigration will test America's character. Will we allow prejudice and bigotry to infect this essential dialogue? Or will we address the complex problem as women and men of good will?
When MDJ columnist D.A. King writes in the pages of this newspaper, he speaks with a reasoned voice to a mass audience. But this hasn't always been the case. His past speeches and writings use racial stereotyping and fear as weapons in his war against the undocumented.
Three years ago, writing for MICHNews.com, King said this: "We have become sadly acquainted with the absolute and brazen disregard for the law that comes from the Third World horde that is allowed to swarm over our border with Mexico … when the mostly Mexican mob illegally 'migrates' into our nation, it brings with it the culture of lawlessness and chaos that is responsible for the very conditions that they flee in the rapidly deteriorating example of democracy without the rule of law that is Mexico." (Emphasis mine.)
In fact, there are presumed to be as many as 12 to 20 million undocumented workers now living in the United States, and crime statistics make it clear that the vast majority are living here peacefully. If King wishes to argue that their presence is a threat to full-employment for American citizens, fine. But instead he raises a specter of fear by characterizing Mexicans in offensive and pejorative terms.
In a speech to a handful of Georgia Republicans in Covington earlier this year, King cleverly intertwined our legitimate fears of the threat from Islamic terrorists with a rant against undocumented Mexicans. At one point, according to a report in the Rockdale Citizen newspaper, he displayed a mock-up of a Mexican photo ID card, filled in with the name supplied by King: "Al Qaida Gonzalez."
When he told the gathering that "They're not here to mow your lawn - they're here to blow up your buildings and kill your children, and you and me," King says he was speaking of the Islamic threat. But since Muslim yard services tend to be few and far between, his intentional mixing of images seems clear: He is out to create fear about all illegal immigrants, be they Islamic terrorists or Mexican gardeners. And once a climate of fear about undocumented immigrants becomes widespread, how quickly do we as a people begin looking at all Hispanics living here with a jaundiced eye?
To his credit, King has now distanced himself from inflammatory remarks about illegal immigrants and others that he once posted on a Website called VDare. ADL hopes King has decided to remain in the mainstream of political debate on immigration.
The ADL perspective on this issue is informed by our keen awareness of how Jews have been marginalized and demonized over the centuries. It is entirely appropriate that we speak out when we see tactics of dehumanization used against other groups of people who have no voice of their own. And so it was disturbing to see a columnist for this newspaper scornfully dismiss our deep concern for civil discourse and our call for an end to the bigoted characterizations of Mexicans that have crept into a crucial debate.
If this nation of immigrants tries to solve its current immigrant crisis using the bludgeons of bigotry and fear, then we will truly have forgotten our roots and abandoned the principles Americans uphold with such justifiable pride.
Bill Nigut is Southeast Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League.
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Posted Comments
The fact is, our nation has already forgotten our roots and abandoned the principles of upholding our laws. And we should indeed FEAR the hoards of illegals. Whatever words are needed to wake up the uninformed and the enablers to this AMERICAN tragedy need to be spoken if not shouted! And if the truth of the matter is realized, FEAR is the appropriate motivator of much needed change.
Oh, I see, the ADL is the patron saint of harmony, the defender of liberty, and the protector against defamation and bigotry? Well, I say take off the shirt with the large S, remove the cape, and then pinch yourself to wake up from your dream. Oh, and stop invoking the Jews situation as an indirect or direct comparison to that of illegal immigrants...its not the same. From my vantage point, the ADL has done that which it accuses Mr. King of. Also, I find it interesting that you refer to crime statistics since they cannot be even close to accurate. First, there's not an exact count of the number of illegal immigrants and within this group, most crimes against illegal immigrants (whether by another immigrant or by someone else) go unreported. So the statistics you refer to that clearly show illegals are living here peacefully are drastically flawed and inaccurate.....but this is a typical tactic of the ADL.
Bravo to the ADL for pointing out the sometimes subtle and sometimes not so subtle language of dehumanization which leads to prejudice and bigotry. The term "illegal" itself is dehumanizing and is not even accurate. There is no such thing as an "illegal" person or "illegal immigrant". If there is then we are all "illegal" if we have ever broke a law--like speeding. There are only human beings, some of whom may commit an illegal act (most of us fall into that category, whether we get caught or not). Even technically, by the law of our land, no criminal law has been broken by anyone entering this country undocumented. It is a civil matter, like a divorce or a lawsuit. So spiritually, technically and legally there is no such thing as an "illegal immigrant". The only reason, therefore, to even use that term, is to belittle another group of human beings and that is bigotry. We were all called such terms by the dominant group of the time--two recent examples are the "n" word used to demean African Americans, and "WHOP" (without papers)used to demean Italian Americans. It is time to grow up as an American people and realize that what makes this country great are immigrants from all countries and backgrounds, and that we don't have to engage in childish schoolyard antics and call other people names in order to feel superior ourselves. The current Latino immigrants have earned the right to be here by working hard and abiding by our laws, just as everyone of your ancestors did before them. My family has started a movement in Cobb County (which is spreading nationwide), made up of ordinary white and black Americans who want to welcome and protect our recent Latino, Asian, African immigrant neighbors, no matter what their immigration status, and help them assimilate into and continue contributing to the growth of our great nation. If you would like to join in or continue this dialogue feel free to write us at pilgrim1@mindspring.com .
Well, Nigut, trying to change your spots? Nice try, no cigar. Your previous sophomoric essay is still ringing in the ears of the MDJ readers. Your excuse, in this hat in hand essay, does not pass the smell test. The ADL has an adgenda; it is an open borders nation, with an anti-American prejudice mixed up in your plans for the new America. You were out of step with Georgia when you were on Atlanta TV; your current position with the ADL, and your rantings, has only worked to expand that disconect to the vast majority of Law abiding U.S. Citizens. Can you say "Rule of Law" Nigut? How about Freedom of Speech? When your only argument in a debate is to scream racist, bigot, and oh yes, legitimate voices, you have lost the debate. D.A. King is a legitimate voice, Nigut. He is as legitimate as any other citizen; D.A. is just more knowledgeable and articulate than you will ever be in regards to the issue of illegal, criminal, immigration. Next time, try doing some research on the issue of illegal immigratin, then, may be you will not look like a fool when you get published.
Wrong, on all counts. We DON'T need a debate. We need our officials to respect and uphold the laws of the land. If not, they should be run out of town on a rail.
Nigut is exactly the kind of word-mincing, dancing, spinning, deceitful clown that makes my blood boil. Let me give just two examples. 1."The Anti-Defamation League believes that our current immigration system must be reformed in a comprehensive manner that will serve America's security and advance our humanitarian and economic interests." Translation: "We support another amnesty, even knowing that the last one was a total failure, and we lack the honesty and integrity to admit it. We much prefer to dance around the word." Deceitful, dishonest smoke-blowers ALWAYS prefer to use terms like "comprehensive reform." 2. "In fact, there are presumed to be as many as 12 to 20 million undocumented workers now living in the United States, and crime statistics make it clear that the vast majority are living here peacefully. If King wishes to argue that their presence is a threat to full-employment for American citizens, fine. But instead he raises a specter of fear by characterizing Mexicans in offensive and pejorative terms." Totally deceitful garbage. Ahhh, 12-20 million workers?" NO. 12-20 million ILLEGAL aliens. Using the term "workers" is a common ploy used by the pro-illegal spin-meisters. Pew said out of their total of 12 million illegals, 7 million were working and 5 million WEREN'T! And out of their 7 million I don't know if they included those that only worked P/T. Crime statistics? My foot. Most don't keep track of crimes by illegals. Let me give Nigut a little dose of reality. EVERY illegal alien in this country is violating our laws. That's not 5% or 10%, that 100%. That's why they're called "illegals." AND, according to Pew, 60% entered the country in violation of federal law which makes them guilty of committing a misdemeanor. Add those figures to the number of associated crimes/felonies including tax evasion, lying on federal documents, carrying and using forged documents, etc... and the tally goes higher. I loathe deceitful people. I've never felt any need to lie and deceive when debating this issue. Nigut, via his blatant attempts at deception, discredits himself and his organization. He's hoping the American people are stupid enough to buy his trash.
Time for the ADL to wake up and realize that Mr. King is the good guy on the ILLEGAL issue. It is time for the United States to enforce our laws and secure the borders.
DA King makes a reasoned case for enforcing immigration laws. I am offended that you would label him antisemitic. Those cheating employers who hire illegal aliens deserve the strictest punishment.
Bill Nigut said there has to be a debate. What a lie. Criminal illegals are illegal. What is there to debate about? If I don't pay my taxes can I debate with the IRS? He's really an idiot. What laws can we break? None.
D.A. King should be applauded. He is one of many who feel that our laws have been trampeled by illegal aliens and illegal employers. Nigut is a typical liberal who calls someone a racist whenever he loses an argument. FYI I am an American of hispanic decent.
Big talk from a bunch of limousine liberals who probably live in some gated community all safe and sound. You should try living out here in the real world sometimes. You people have no idea what it feels like to watch your neighborhood turn into a third world country to use a term that seems to evoke disgust in you Bill Nigut, you should try living in it if you want to see real disgust.
As an Arab-American, I get offended by Hispanic illegal aliens who claim that they should be allowed to remain despite their actions because "we're not terrorists, we're only here to work". I also get offended by claims that Americans are too stupid or too lazy to do the jobs that H1-B visa holders and illegal aliens, respectively, are doing. So, Mr. Nigut, before criticizing those of us who object to an illegal alien invasion of this country, perhaps you should look to eradicating racism and "offensive" commentary by those who support violators of our laws.
I am confused. Why is it necessary to debate the problem of illegal immigration? Illegal means unlawful. They do not belong here. Period. They need to go home. I am sorry that their governments do not see fit to take care of their citizens, but it is not our fault with the exception of our government who, by failure to enforce our laws, has allowed the invasion. Now, they are trying to make up for 20-30 years of neglect on this issue. I suppose better late than never can be said, but get it done. Build the fence, the money has been appropriated. Make it double strength and line it with Border Patrol or members of our armed forces. I'm also tired of hearing the excuse that if we build a 12-ft. wall, illegals will have 13-ft. ladders. Do these apologists really think illegals are going to carry heavy ladders all the way across the deserts or mountains? So, get going - it works! Then, workforce attrition. Businesses need to sign up for the EIS - this is a simple system that allows employers to quickly find out if one is illegal. Next, cut out the freebies and the anchor baby insanity. Voila! they go home and, hopefully, demand their own leaders to improve their economies.
Mr. Nigut and the ADL are in the business of promoting racial strife for profit and ideological and political purposes. There well financed and supported by corporations and open borders elitist individuals who want nothing but the destruction of are borders and the American culture. Mr. King on the other hand has sacrificed his carrer and untold years to preserve and defend what Mr. Nigut and his sponsors which to destroy, America and the rule of law. Remember, people who are left with no argument and devoid of fact always play the race card as their last defense. Go Mr. King!
If one is going to write about illegal immigration..one needs to correctly address the facts of the negative impact of illegal immigration. This is something you chose not to do. The ADL would like all Americans to believe they are no more than racist if they oppose this flood of illegal immigrants. You state we are a nation of immigrants however the majority living in the United States are native born and we have the absolute right to know who is in this country. For you to imply we need to do the human thing and embrace those with no respect for our laws, our people, our country or our flag is open border rherotic. Instead of admonishing the American people you should spend you time admonishing the Mexican government for the use of their people as human chattel. You should admonish Mexico, the wealthiest country in Latin America with the highest consentration of wealth in the world for their failure to care for their citizens.
Bill Nigut is uninformed and biased. If he had to live in an area overrun with illegal invaders and endure the gunshots, graffitti, robbery, and outright thuggery which accompanies the formation of these "new barrio's" he wouldn't be so quick to beg and whine for "civil discourse". Are some immigrants wholly law abiding, with the exception of violating our borders and stealing social services and usually someones ID? Sure. But that does not mean we need to pander to these criminals and allow them to stay, uninvited, in this country. The fact that some cheating company is willing to employ them, does not suffer the majority of US taxpayers to abide their presence.
16 comments and the score is 15-1 against Nigut and his open borders/come as you want position.
Wow, there is a lot of anger out there and time for some "forgiveness" but I have to say maybe it is not the immigrants at all that are our problem because: I live in the same Cobb County, not in a gated community but in a blue collar area of Mableton surrounded by Latino, African and White immigrants of all background (after all, we are all immigrants, and many came here undocumented)--and I don't see any of the problems that some of these writers see with our immigrant neighbors. And many of the Christian evangelical churches around here don't see these problems as they are offering spiritual sanctuary to the immigrants regardless of status. And the police on the crime prevention teams I am working with don't see any problem with them as they want to protect them from crimes, regardless of their status. And the business owners I speak to say that not only are the Latino immigrants some of their best customers but they also pay their bills on time and are the least credit risks, compared to us whites and blacks. And even two of the Cobb Commissioners have reached out to assist them. And at my children's schools the Latino kids are winning many of the excellence awards. In my neighborhood, they are working hard, speaking better English every day, keeping their yards clean, and driving safely. Many of my white and black friends say similar praises and I have yet to meet anyone who said a Latino immigrant took their job (and I do job counseling and placement). Hmmmm... Now I don't doubt that you complainers are hurting, if you say that you are, but perhaps the cause is within, so rather than blaming others, take some time to look within yourself and find the cause. Then forgive yourselves and move on. Your outlook on life and others will change and be infinitely brighter. We can help...pilgrim1@mindspring.com .
United States Immigration and Nationality Act 237 GENERAL CLASSES OF DEPORTABLE ALIENS SEC. 237. [8 U.S.C. 1227] (B) PRESENT IN VIOLATION OF LAW.-Any alien who is present in the United States in violation of this Act or any other law of the United States is deportable. - It is unlawful to enter the U.S.A. without inspection - illegal entry. PRESENT IN VIOLATION OF LAW. - It is unlawful to not register with Immigration Authorities. PRESENT IN VIOLATION OF LAW. - It is unlawful to overstay a visa, not register with Immigration Authorities while on visa, not comply with Immigration Authorities for deportation, etc..... PRESENT IN VIOLATION OF LAW. All illegal aliens are present in violation of law, a federal offense. Reliable documents that accurately indicate the status and identity of the bearer are critical to the effective administration of immigration law. A range of documents, including immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, permits, border crossing cards, and alien registration receipt cards, enable an alien to enter the United States. The integrity of the immigration system depends on the genuineness of (1) the documents indicating the eligibility of a non-citizen (alien) to enter and remain in the United States.... (2) the records and papers submitted to obtain such documents. To enter or remain in the United States aliens must comply with a number of document requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Attempts to circumvent these document requirements have been prohibited and punishable at least since 1924. IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ALIENS TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WITHOUT COMPLYING WITH DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT. Certain fraudulent actions may carry criminal penalties under both the INA and the United States Criminal Code.
Bill Nice read. Great work of fiction. You live in a box. Have you thought about another line of work? you obviously fail to see the bigger picture. You right it's all about the poor Mexicans. I think they should live with you.
I have read the postings on the ADL attacks on King and am curious. WHEN CAN I VOTE FOR HIM? He makes more sense and shows more courage that most of the politicians in Georgia!