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People come to U.S. to pursue dreams, help build country, coalition leader says

By KATE HOWARD
Staff Writer


In his home country of Guatemala, Pedro Lopez is a law student. But he's here in Nashville as a day laborer, taking jobs here and there to save for his dream: running his own law practice helping the poor of his country.

Lopez was one of several day laborers to speak yesterday at the third annual convention of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, an immigrant advocacy group, and joined the group in a multicultural celebration with food and music.

Lopez is the norm rather than the exception when it comes to immigrants in this country, according to Nonye Ejiofor, vice president of the coalition. "There are so many who are doctors, lawyers … sitting here and making $7 an hour," Ejiofor said. "But they are here because of war, political problems, bad economy."

Ejiofor came here from Nigeria 11 years ago, and she said she had mentors to help her adjust, but things are different for immigrants in a post-Sept. 11 world. Preserving the rights of immigrants is more important now than ever, Ejiofor said.

"We want the message out there that immigrants are here to help build this country. We are not parasites," Ejiofor said. "We are just asking for our rights. I don't think that's much."

The convention focused on protecting the basic rights of immigrants against legislation the group thinks will challenge their ability to live here. The coalition works to lobby against bills that would prevent immigrants from obtaining driver's licenses if they don't speak English or a bill that would require people to show proof of citizenship before receiving emergency medical services from their local governments.

Naomi Florentino, 14, works as an advocate for the DREAM Act, a bill that would allow children of undocumented workers to attend public colleges. The bill and other immigrant protections are important to the girl who came to Smyrna with her family four years ago from San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Although there are challenges to her situation, Naomi is thankful to be a part of a country that offers the chance to interact with other cultures. "This is a nation that was made of immigrants," Naomi said. "We all have something to bring to the table." •