Sunny beaches, warm weather and Disneyland. These are the characteristics we proudly boast of when we speak of our precious California. Unfortunately, this image has been overcast with a cloud of selfishness, self-empowerment and discrimination since November when Californians voted for Proposition 187. This action has branded California as a place where humanity is not given a chance.
The Los Angeles Times recently polled about 1,400 California residents. Of those polled, the 52 percent majority stated that the measure needs to be implemented immediately and not delayed further by the courts, who have set hearings on the matter to begin Sept. 5.
This state seems particularly anxious to deprive children, the sick and hardworking from a productive life. People did not only prove their inhumane attitudes when they cast their votes, but now many are wanting to get Prop. 187 on the road and start the deprivation.
The measure is no longer seen as a message to Washington to acknowledge the problem of illegal immigration. Now the voters who brought the measure into possible law want it implemented—let the discrimination begin.
Currently, one in five residents feel that the measure has increased discrimination against minority groups. California cannot wait to see this statistic skyrocket. It is not as if the state of California does not have its hands full with current racial problems. Citizens are quick to agree that there are racial tensions in the state. However, it very well seems that the residents are ready to add more.
Most Californians are ready and willing to see young school children yanked out of classrooms, sick people roaming the streets due to being denied medical care, and people without a roof over their heads because they have lost their jobs. It will be a sight to see, and some people just cannot wait.
For many, 1995 will be the year when their education came to an abrupt end. California will not let them enhance their knowledge in a learning environment. Another state will not offer the programs to help the children learn English to reach the caliber of the other students. If they return to their native countries, many will have no choice but to become the breadwinners for their families. This action will add to making underdeveloped countries stay that way due to citizens with half an education.
The measure plans to deny medical care to illegal immigrants in non-emergency situations. Therefore, if you do not have a green card, do not get sick. If you are going to get sick, make it serious or no one will pay attention. What kind of reasoning is this? Don’t people understand that by denying medical care they are not only putting single lives in danger but the health of all Californians? Why would we be so anxious to get sick?
Illegal immigrants, who have become the work force behind the jobs many do not wish to have, will once again be sent a reminder—you are not wanted. The low wages these people work for are reminder enough. They will just have to do these jobs in another state and add to that state’s economy.
The most disappointing aspect of Prop. 187 is that so many Californians are ready to see it put into action and that it is plainly inhuman and largely supported. How can we get past the prejudices that plague our society when we want to immediately implement a measure that has as its objective to pick out and divide the masses?
A green card—for California this plastic square is a requirement to allow people to live like human beings and strive to be productive members of society. Without one, an immigrant is branded as someone with no right to try to build a future for himself and his family. People who have one need to practice flashing it at every available opportunity, because California has stated that it cannot wait to see Prop. 187 initiate the discrimination it is sure to entail.
