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Last modified Friday, September 15, 2006 10:58 PM PDT

Speakers open dialogue on immigration during forum at Palomar College

By: BRENDA DURAN - Staff Writer

SAN MARCOS ---- A group of panelists conducted a lecture forum looking at the impact of immigration on American history, international economics and ideals, Friday at Palomar College.

More than 30 people attended the forum, sponsored by the Department of Multicultural Studies. The forum featured professors Victor Chavez, John Valdez, Morgan Peterson and Justin Akers Chacon, each of whom gave 20-minute presentations on the various themes.

In his PowerPoint presentation titled "History of Mexican Migration," Chavez called immigration "inevitable," and said the "jury was still out" on whether it is a social or natural phenomenon.

Chavez said in order for the United States to properly address the issue of immigration, it needs to enter into a dialogue with both Mexico and Canada.

"We've yet to embark on a trilateral approach," said Chavez, who teaches Mexican American studies at Southwestern College. "We are not recognizing the complexity of this phenomenon."

Among other things, Chavez said the United States has had "50 years of failed policy" to deal with immigration, pointing out some of those failed approaches including the guest worker program, the militarization of the border, the enforcement of employee sanctions and the use of national identification cards.

"Fences are dangerous," said Chavez, referring to recent talks of beefing up the militarization on the border. "They reveal more weakness than strength."

San Diego City College Chicano studies professor, Justin Akers Chacon, followed Chavez's presentation by discussing the "international economic phenomenon" of immigration.

Chacon said too much emphasis has been put on the political aspect of immigration and not enough on the economical realities.

The National Free Trade Agreement and the presence of foreign corporations in Mexico are all part of the "radical disruption of the Mexican economy" which has cost many jobs, the loss of land and displacement, Chacon said.

Chacon also credited illegal immigrants, saying they contribute to the economy by putting "billions" into Social Security and sustaining both the United States and Mexican economy.

"Without them our economy would collapse," said Chacon.

Palomar professor Morgan Peterson spoke on the specific goals of Homeland Security and its current goals since Sept. 11, 2001.

In conclusion, Palomar professor John Valdez talked about a recent study he presented at Oxford University dealing with whether or not immigrants caused an erosion of American values and ideals.

Valdez said after doing extensive research he came to the conclusion that immigrants did not endanger the American creed of liberty, equality, democracy and individualism but rather contributed to it.

Although some in the audience were able to squeeze questions in between speakers, most were given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments following Valdez's presentation.

Minuteman Mike Spencer, who was among a handful of other Minutemen attending the forum in the college governing room, said he enjoyed all of the presentations and called them "rational thinking."

However, Spencer said the forum did not change his view with regard to illegal immigrants.

"My stance is the same, we are being invaded with a culture that is incompetent with our own," said Spencer.

San Diego resident Edward DiBella, who challenged many of the speakers with questions, said he came to the forum because he is concerned about the economic and environmental impact that immigration has had in the United States.

"The resource base of our country has been grossly exceeded," said DiBella. "Our declining resource base due to the population boom is simply going to lead to chaos down the road."

Human rights activist Consuelo Martinez said the forum was time appropriate and said all the presentations gave those in attendance a way to discuss illegal immigration in a civilized manner.

"Dialogue for this issue is key for both sides," said Martinez. "I thought it was great everyone could express their point of view."

Contact staff writer Brenda Duran at (760) 761-4408 or bduran@nctimes.com.