Xenophobia in the USA
concerns
UN Special Rapporteurby
Ernesto Cienfuegos
La Voz de AztlanLos Angeles, Alta California - June 12, 2007 - (ACN) The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants, Jorge Bustamante, expressed deep concerns over the increased xenophobia in the United States. In a radio interview in Tijuana, Baja California, Mr. Bustamante said that expressions of xenophobia were particularly virulent during the recent debates on immigration reform in the US Senate.
Jorge Bustamante said yesterday, "In reality, the forces of xenophobia who are supporting the most negative positions of the members of a political party against a proposal of a president of the same party is notable and very disturbing." The Special Rapporteur lamented that the immigration debate "causes so many divisions among Americans."
Immigration from Mexico, if not managed with great wisdom, has the great potential of destabilizing the United States on many fronts. For one thing, the USA can not afford to alienate and make Mexico an enemy in a time when the country is in a life and death struggle against Islam.
Oil rich Iran, for example, has already made deep inroads into Latin America as was demonstrated by the recent official visits between Iran and the heads of state of Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua. If Senator Lieberman of Connecticut and Israel get their wish and the USA is pushed into attacking Iran, the Strait of Hormuz would likely be closed sending the price of oil to over $250 per barrel. Not only will Iran mine and close the Strait of Hormuz, where over 20% of the world oil exports have to pass, but the entire US southern border would be vulnerable to the passage of nuclear devices and foreign operatives. With Mexico as an enemy, the already weakened National Guard would have a much more difficult task protecting the country. It must also be remembered that Mexico is the number two importer of oil to the USA.
Another potential destabilizing effect on the United States is the internal social upheavals that may occur if the forces of xenophobia continue to run amok. We have already seen a disturbing rise in hate crimes against Mexican immigrants within the United States but nothing like could occur if things get out of control. In addition, border vigilantes as well as US Border Patrol agents have utilized unjustified acts of violence against Mexican migrants, a situation that, if it escalates, could result in an all out border war. The situation is grave not just along the US/Mexico border but also in major cities like Los Angeles, California . On May 1st of this year, the City of Angels witnessed a horrific incident in which the Los Angeles Police Department brutally assaulted hundreds of peaceful Latino immigrants and news reporters.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrants is right in being concerned about the rising xenophobia in the United States. These xenophobes are a danger to the USA and do not know what is good for the country, their own president told them so.
Related La Voz de Aztlan article:UN Special Rapporteur concludes investigation of immigrant rights abuses
