The great American boycott

Many Mexicans are planning to boycott American products on May 1 (which is Labor day in the rest of the world) to show their support for immigrants and their disapproval of the bill voted by the House of congress, which takes a tough stand on illegal immigration. I believe that such a boycott would be a mistake for numerous reasons.

1. It would give a chance to those who are against immigration to argue that immigrants are not really Americans for they are using citizens for other countries to shape American immigration policy.

2. It would polarize the debate and make it about Mexico and about whether a foreign country should have a say in the legislating agenda of the United States.

3. The immigration debate is one which although it interests many nations should remain here in the United States and should happen among Americans whether they were born here or whether they came here. Although it is understandable that Mexicans want to show their support for Latin immigrants, they should to use a crude expression, butt out and let Americans deal with their own issues.

4. The best way for Mexicans and other foreigners who want to express their views on American immigration policy is to do it by supporting organizations which help immigrants through donations and by volunteering their services.

Comments

[Neal]

You misunderstand. The protestors are Mexicans living inside of the United States. The US is overwhelmed with illegal immigrants from Latin America. The Latin Americans living inside the United States are protesting and demanding amnesty (automatic citizenship status).

[Kevin Wu]

Go ahead, have a ball! I miss a day without a Immigrant, no traffic, quiet, they never work, all they do is complain.

What if I showed up to your house, washed your dishes, and looked after your kids. Then I demanded that you pay for my medical plans, retirement, and insurance.