INTRODUCTION

In June, 2006, our country had just experienced the May Immigration marches and the cable channels were raging about illegal immigration. Pundits like Pat Buchanan were bloviating as the media played and replayed canned footage of illegal immigrants crossing the old Mexican Borders. This footage was from the 1970´s. It was obvious the footage was old since the border crossers were wearing their hair in mullets, clothed in flowered shirts and leisure suits.

As the media channels were raging, the anger of the red-faced ANTIs was bubbling to the surface.

I saw this.

I saw this on the various cable channels and I decided I wanted to know more. I wanted to understand what everyone was so angry about.

On June 5, 2006, I watched the Alma Awards. Stars like Eva Longorio and Jimmy Smits were distributing awards. They talked about the Immigration issues and vocalized a call for unity, for understanding.

I believed them.

During one of the Alma Awards commercial breaks, there was an ad for an Immigration website that touted “both sides speaking together.” This organization requested people join their website.

I decided to visit their site.

I viewed the site the same evening. I wanted to understand the issues. I wanted to help find a solution.

When I viewed the Discussion Board, I was in shock. There was a group of (what I would later term) ANTIs angrily overtaking every thread and every discussion on the board. I did not understand why they were so angry. I did not understand how they could overtake the whole website. Most of the ANTIs on the board were well-educated. They spewed their anger and attacked any member that did not agree with them. They ganged up and drove out every PRO member from the website.

The first night, I did not post. I just read.The second night, I did not post. I just read.Those first two night, I read all the posts and digested.

As a business woman, I researched and googled their references. I found most of the ANTI comments were subjective and were based primarily on opinions.

I debated with myself.

Should I join this site? I did want to learn more, but I decided if I did join this site, I would have to join the frey. I would have to stand up for my beliefs. I would have to conduct research. I could not be afraid. I would be in battles with some very angry, negative people. It would take over my free time. If I joined, I would need to be committed and join the battle. I could not be afraid.

I decided to join.

I joined the battle on June 7, 2006 as an active, participating member. I was not afraid. I decided to devote my personal time to the battle. Soon, I commented and joined many Immigration websites and blogs.

In May, 2007, I started my own Blog, “Immigration Talk with a Mexican American.”

This book will detail my journey from Immigration novice to Immigration Blog owner.