Geog. 301:Group Presentation on Debates around Mexican Immigration in the U.S.

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Geog. 301Group Presentation on Debates around
Mexican Immigration in the U.S.

• By Toka Valu and Chris Allen

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Mexican Immigrants brief Background

• Mexican immigration occupies a complex position
  in the U.S. legal system and in U.S. public
  opinion. Immigration law has swung back and forth
  throughout the 20th century, at times welcoming
  Mexican immigrants and at other times slamming
  the door shut on them. The public reception of
  this immigrant group has also been unpredictable
  Mexican immigrants have been able to make a place
  for themselves in communities across the United
  States, but frequently have had to battle hostile
  elements in those same communities to survive. In
  many ways, this push-and-pull dynamic continues
  today.
• web site titled Immigration under Mexican

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Cartoon Representation (1) on Immigration in US

• General Description
• Very anti-immigration
• Mood of picture is very dark
• Illegal immigration viewed as cracking
  Californias society as a whole

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Connections to readings and discussions

• Metaphorically creates borders of who is included
  and excluded (Illegal Immigrants vs. Native
  Californians)
• Cresswell quotes, But we are also willing to
  protect our place against those who do not belong
  and we are frequently nostalgic for places we
  have left (pg.21).
• What are your interpretations of this comic?

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Cartoon Representation (2) on Immigration in US
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Continued (2)

• General Descriptions
• Anti Immigration
• Physical Border creates exclusion literally!
• Depict Mexicans as the immigrants
• Whats the difference between US war and
  immigration?

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Connection to readings and Class Discussions

• The US war on terrorism is disturbing other
  peoples places, which they have built up meaning
  and is that any different than immigration coming
  in? (accept war on front vs. not accepting
  immigration)
• Said writes, in short, Orientalism as a Western
  style for dominating, restructuring, and having
  authority over the Orient (pg. 3).
• Thus, the Mexican immigrant is almost
  orientalized, being told that they cant come
  into the US.
• What is your interpretation of this comic and
  picture?

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Recent events Proposed Sensenbrenner bill

• HR 4437 would make illegal immigration a felony
  create crime of employing or aiding undocumented
  migrants, orders physical infrastructure
  enhancements along more than a third of the
  US/Mexico border
• Supporters of the bill say
• Entering the US illegally threatens us
• Endangers the illegal immigrants themselves
• Shows disdain for US laws
• Bill may help curtail drug and human trafficking

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Mexican Unity Song Movement

• Discuss article provided to class
• Los Angeles Times, Unity, yes, but still no
  anthem Many causes have a song that galvanizes
  people. The immigrant rights movement is
  searching for one
• Form of resistance, which emulates video shown
  in class of African songs of resistance
• What are their reasons? They are political and
  economical as well as social.

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Ending Remarks

• The issues surrounding US Mexican Immigration is
  very complex economically, politically, and
  socially.
• We have tried to understand the current debate in
  showing representations through comics, a
  political policy analysis, and forms of
  resistance through song.
• What are your thoughts concerning US Mexican
  Immigration given our presentation and its
  analysis provided?