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Alaska Immigrants' Stories Told in Photos, IllustrationsOne side argues that illegal immigrants are criminals and should be treated as such, and the other insists that illegal immigrants are everyday people who deserve the same rights as citizens.It’s the story of Alaska's immigrants that's being told in a very unique way. Photos and illustrations have sparked a conversation about a controversial issue that is affecting Alaskans. Through art and narration, these portraits are a voice for those who live in the Anchorage community in fear. “Many people are living in the shadows,” said Arthur Sosa, vice president of the Alaska Immigration Justice Project. It’s the story about Alaska's immigrants and “you can be talking about people who have overstayed their visa, people who came over without documentation to begin with,” said Sosa. But because of immigration documentation laws, families from all over the world who have made America their home would be required to return back to where they came from. It’s an issue that has families in fear of being split up. “A younger sibling who might have [been] brought over here at the age of one or two [and] have no idea of their native country, yet are living here and are facing that [deportation],” Sosa continued. That’s why these portraits are being displayed—to get people talking. “Just imagine a parent leaving their child for an unknown period of time hoping they get allowed back in the country…The choice is stay here and be with your family and hope somebody in Congress is paying attention,” said Robin Bronen, executive director of the Alaska Immigration Justice Project. It’s an issue that has divided the country. One side argues that illegal immigrants are criminals and should be treated as such, and the other insists that illegal immigrants are everyday people who deserve the same rights as citizens. “This is about our community. There aren't different parts of our community that deserve any more or any less access to services, medical care, police protection,” said Bronen. “People don't carry around a badge saying ‘I'm here illegally, or undocumented.’ They're our neighbors, they're our friends, they are people you wouldn't suspect…people who blend in the community, but yet have to live in that constant fear,” said Sosa. Ten percent of Anchorage residents are immigrants and that is the reason why the Alaska Immigration Justice Project and others put together the stories of real families who have no realistic legal options. The display of portraits is currently being shown at the Z.J. Loussac Public Library through May 27. |
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akchick said on Wednesday, May 18 at 1:01 PM
we have way too many immigrants even young kids and teens realize that! its time to stop and accepting them!! U.S is too easy on acceptig them!
67285392Anonymous said on Wednesday, May 18 at 1:17 PM
Perhaps if someone is found to be an illegal immigrant they should be required to apply for citizenship, and deported if they don't comply or are found to be criminals other than immigrant. The recent arrest of an Anchorage police officer who was known to be an exceptional person is a good positive example. However people who have histories of criminal activity should be deported back to their own countries of origin. The majority of American citizens come from a family who at some point in history was an immigrant. Only indigenous persons can claim otherwise.
67286391cupajo said on Wednesday, May 18 at 2:19 PM
When adults enter a country illegaly, they know they are breaking the law and must accept the consequences of their actions. That means being deported, jailed, separated from family, returned to a less than desireable situation or having their children sent to a community they know nothing about. Illegal immigrants have taken on that burden to bear and now are asking those who have done what is asked and legally entered and those who are natural citizens to excuse their poor choice. If Obama says "Isreal has the right to protect her borders from illegal crossing" why can not the American people?
67289769Michael said on Wednesday, May 18 at 9:19 PM
What is so hard to understand that when a person enters this country illegally that it is against the law of the land, either Ferderal or State law. And if one sector of government refuses to enforce the law then the other sector should be able to enforce the law. In other words, if hte Ferderal Government is unable to act on the laws of this land then it is up to the States to do so. No matter how unpopular it maybe. Immigration is the back bone of this great country, illegal immigration is not, bottom line and can not be any simplar.
67308173BornInUSA said on Wednesday, May 18 at 11:02 PM
THANK YOU akchick, anonymous, cupajo, and michael! :) i don't care one bit if people transplant from other states or are snowbirds, or even _visit_ from other countries as students, businesspeople, church groups, or vacationers, but you all have good points about i.i.'s. there's gotta be a way we can include this issue at voting time.
67310434S.A.Marshall said on Saturday, May 21 at 11:16 AM
I think most people here in America really don't understand that people in most countries don't have options. I understand all the arguments as an american who has lived in Mexico for over a decade. It is not just me though because everyone I know who has spent a lot of time in a foreign country disagrees with the notion that you through every illegal alien in jail. I just wish that people would open their predjudices just a little and realize that these are in fact human beings. These people really interesting people with interesting histories. I don't think however they should be entitled to welfare and free medical care. I just think that we shouldn't have a society that is out to catch every bad guy out there. I think at the end of the day that freedom must rule the society.
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