Recently since the presidency has been switched In California we have seen videos online of “ICE” raids which are the immigration officers going into highly populated cities and detaining so-called “aliens”. The term alien is now being used to describe the men women and children who are not citizens of the United States.
These events occurring in our country sparked a feeling in those who are proud children of immigrant parents and don’t want the United States to see them as less than they are. We saw many movements in the streets protesting loud and proud you should be for who you are. All the people seen in the videos across social media are protesting for their blood, blood that comes from generations and generations and are highly proud of it. On February 3rd the nation came together with a movement called A Day Without Immigrants which focused on how much this country relies on immigrants to keep the nation together. People were encouraging immigrants and those who wanted to join, to stay home from school, and work, and avoid spending money in order to show how much impact is caused without immigrants in the country.
This movement was felt across the country as at schools classes were left empty. When walking hallways you were able to feel the difference and presence of those who didnt show up. Teachers were left to change their plans for the day as many students were going to be left out of lessons. The movement had that effect in the classroom just imagine in the country. In the job sites, many managers were left empty-handed as their employees did not show up. What was to be done now? well, action had to be taken and jobs were running more lowly than usual making businesses not function the way they would normally do so. The economy was not the normal way it was, with people avoiding stores and spending the economy also felt the shake. Some immigrant businesses and store owners even decided to close their stores for the day making where they stand clear. The immigrants cannot be held invisible as the February 3rd protest made it clear of visible and how much we rely on immigrants and those who stand with them.
Although many people participated in the day without immigrants many people were left helpless. Some people mainly adults and parents with kids, said that they couldn’t afford a day off. Those families have to keep working in fear of immigration officers harassing them for trying to help their very own families. The field jobs that produce most if not all the fruit and vegetables in the United States are jobs that immigrants work in because no one else wants to and is capable of doing so. The families who work those jobs are now working and earning hard work money in fear of not being forced out of the country leaving them there children and partners empty-handed.
Isaura De Leon expressed strong support for the February 3 protest, “A Day Without an Immigrant,” highlighting its significance in showcasing the impact of the immigrant population in the U.S. While she personally supported the protest, her role as a teacher compelled her to remain at school to support her students. As head of the Latino club at Buena Park, she noted a split within the club regarding participation in the protest, with some members feeling the need to take action and others prioritizing their presence at school.
Isaura emphasized the importance of promoting their culture and hoped for increased involvement in the club to positively represent
their roots.
Katie: Okay, who are we here today?
Ms De Leon: Isaura De Leon,
Katie: How do you feel about the February 3 protest that happened?
Ms De Leon: I feel that the day without an immigrant is a very critical day because it shows the impact that the immigrant population in the US have in this country. So I supported in the sense that I would like to see the people out there, you know, taking a stand and making their voices be heard. But as a teacher myself, I felt also the obligation to be there for the students that were here. So even though my roots tell me yes, you know, I also feel I had a moral obligation to be here as well.
Katie: And then, as head of the Latino club here at Buena Park, Do you guys talk about it, or did you feel like it impacted your club in any way?
Ms De Leon: I feel like we haven’t really had a full discussion on it, even though we all seem to be on board on the issues and what’s going on, there is a split idea about, you know, those that feel like we do need to do more, but others feel the obligation to still be here at school. And I think it’s more of a moment to like come together and and show the school that how many of us are here and be more proud of our roots. So hopefully more people get involved and more people promote our culture so they can’t be seen in a good way and not just a negative way.
