The debate over what to do with the immigration system in this country has elicited an important and long overdue discussion; but unfortunately more often it has served to dehumanize immigrants, in general, and Latinos, in particular. The hostility is most evident in radio and TV shows and in messages from politicians of all levels and from all parties. But the most insidious ramifications strike home: right here, workers are living in fear with no certainty about their future, families are divided across two countries with no hope for reuniting in a reasonable timeline, and whole communities are retreating to further isolation.

At Conexión Américas, we see the effects of our outdated immigration laws every day. As we continue to assist Latino families in their quest for a better quality of life, we will also continue advocating for immigration policies that truly respond to the social and economic realities of our times.

Our hope for the future is nurtured by the lessons of this nation's past. It will take awhile, but Americans --and our government's policies-- will embrace Latinos as an essential part of the nation's social fabric, as has been the case with immigrant groups before us. After all, Latinos come to Tennessee for the same reasons as white, poor Tennesseans from the Appalachian region migrated to Detroit and other northern cities during the Great Depression- to escape poverty, earn a living and send money to feed their families back home.

We support local, state and federal policies which recognize Latino immigrants as contributors to the progress and vitality of our communities and which contribute to the well-being of Hispanic families and the community at-large.


Local level:

Conexión Américas is an active, founding member of the Coalition for Education About Immigration, a grassroots organization devoted to facilitating educated, rational and informed conversation on immigration and related issues.

If your organization, workplace or church would like to learn more about immigration in our community by hosting an educational forum or speaker, please contact Avi Poster at aviposter@comcast.net.


National level:

Conexión Américas advocates for comprehensive immigration reform in the following ways:

• We support the development of opportunities to allow hard-working immigrants who are already contributing to this country to come out of the shadows, regularize their status after satisfying reasonable criteria and, over time, pursue an option to become lawful permanent residents and, eventually, United States citizens, if they choose to do so.

• We support effective border protection policies that are consistent with American humanitarian values and with the need to treat all individuals with respect. These policies will allow for the critical and legitimate tasks of identifying and preventing entry into the United States of terrorists and dangerous criminals, implementing immigration policy, and maintaining the integrity of national borders.