Hernandez discusses immigration at forum (Photo by Brittany Oswald, The Daily Campus)
Students and faculty gathered in the commons area of Hughes-Trigg Tuesday afternoon as College Hispanic American Students presented Dr. Juan Hernandez, author of the book “The New American Pioneers: Why Are We Afraid of Mexican Immigrants.” Hernandez came to SMU to speak on the controversial topic of immigration reform in the United States.
Hernandez arrived on campus just days following one of the largest demonstrations ever to take place in downtown Dallas. Dallas police estimated that there were between 350,000 and 500,000 people gathered on the streets to protest peacefully about immigration reform.
Hernandez said there are about 12,000,000 undocumented immigrants that live throughout the United States and that even though “there is a great division” within America, he believes the times we live in now have the chance to be “historic moments.”
Hernandez explained how almost 85 percent of immigrants have already been in the United States for more than five years and that the average age of an immigrant is around 24 years old. Hernandez added that contrary to what some Americans believe, immigrants actually help create jobs, not take them away from present citizens.
Hernandez said that according to the latest polls, 56 to 75 percent of Americans are in support of legally documenting immigrants. Hernandez laid out the five criteria that he believes are what most people in the United States want with a new immigration policy.
Hernandez said Americans want to make sure the undocumented have no prior criminal record, that they will not take jobs away from U.S. citizens, that everyone pays taxes and Social Security and that they work on their English skills. Even some have suggested there be a fine set up for coming to the United States illegally.
Paul Kerr, administrative assistant at Hillcrest Church, came to hear Hernandez after meeting him last fall. Kerr said that he most admired Hernandez’s ideas about finding real “long term” solutions for immigrants.
Veronica Leal, SMU alumna, said she thought it was time for someone to step up and speak about the “ridiculous laws” that the United States currently has in place. Leal added that she believes the laws are “offensive” and that Dr. Hernandez has finally proposed a more “realistic law.”
Yasmine Alvarado, an SMU student, said she thinks the American people need to realize that the situation with immigrants in America is a “major issue” and that it is a relief to have someone like Hernandez who is “well-informed” on immigration.
Hernandez spoke about the demonstrations in downtown Dallas and how he felt as though it was nice to see Hispanics coming together for a central cause. Hernandez reminded the audience that there are “42 million Hispanics in America,” and economically that is a huge impact.
Alvarado added that in the protests downtown Sunday, it was the “first time to see Hispanics unite” without one key leader.
Hernandez was born in Ft. Worth, Texas. Hernandez’s father comes from Mexico while his mother is an American.
Hernandez holds a Ph.D. from Texas Christian University and has been studying Mexico-U.S. relations for years. Hernandez, who is known for his defense of the rights of immigrants, was hired by Mexican President Vicente Fox to be the first U.S.-born cabinet member, heading the Presidential Office for Mexicans Abroad.
Fortune 2001 named Hernandez one of the most brilliant men in the world, and he can regularly be seen on Univision, CNN and Fox News.
For more information, visit www.juanhernandez.org.
