Thread: N.Y. - Immigrants protest 'illegal' label

Originally published: August 20, 2012 8:22 PM
Updated: August 20, 2012 9:42 PM
By LAUREN R. HARRISON
Newsday
297 comments

A small group of immigrants gathered in Woodbury Monday to protest the use of the word "illegal" to describe those who have entered the United States without documentation.

"By saying illegal, they're assuming that we broke a criminal law," said Jackeline Saavedra, 27, of Bay Shore, a Touro Law Center student who identified herself as undocumented. "Not everybody enters illegally."

Coordinators said they prefer the phrase "undocumented immigrant."

Osman Canales, 23, an immigrant rights advocate in Huntington who organized the protest, said using the word "illegal" criminalizes a whole community. "It's a racist word against our community, so we're just here to raise awareness," he said.

The protest mirrored a larger effort nationwide to push media outlets and people in general to stop using the word "illegal" when referring to immigrants.

The "Drop The I-Word" campaign was organized by The Applied Research Center, a New York City-based racial justice think tank. Its goal, according to its news website, Colorlines.com, is to "eradicate the slur 'illegals' from everyday use and public discourse."

Campaign coordinator Monica Novoa said that in two years, 14,000 people have signed the group's pledge.

"Using a phrase like 'illegal aliens' or 'illegals' . . . reinforces the notion that you could treat another individual as less than a human being," said Alina Das, assistant professor of clinical law at New York University. "One action -- whether it's a crime -- shouldn't be used to define a whole group of people or one individual."

But Gallya Lahav, associate professor of political science at Stony Brook University, said the term "undocumented" has flaws.

"It's a politically correct way of saying illegal," she said. "What you're also talking about in proper form are the real undocumented -- asylum seekers -- people who are fleeing for threats of their life or freedom."

Still, the word "illegal" makes Elias Llivicura, 18, who described himself as undocumented, feel "uncomfortable."

"We also have feelings too," said Llivicura, of Bellport, who came to Long Island from Ecuador at age 8. "It makes me feel like I'm different from everybody else," he said. "It makes me feel like really bad inside."

Immigrants protest 'illegal' label

"By saying illegal, they're assuming that we broke a criminal law," said Jackeline Saavedra, 27, of Bay Shore, a Touro Law Center student who identified herself as undocumented. "Not everybody enters illegally."

No, some enter with a visa, overstay that visa and are still here illegally. Illegal means you did something against the law. You are illegal, like it or not. Undocumented means you don't have the proper documents to be here. Oh my God, this is coming from a law center student? LOL You'd think she'd understand the law.

"Osman Canales, 23, an immigrant rights advocate in Huntington who organized the protest, said using the word "illegal" criminalizes a whole community. "It's a racist word against our community, so we're just here to raise awareness," he said.'

If it criminalizes a whole comminity that means the whole community is illegal. Illegal is not a race. How's that for awareness? You want us to use a kind word to describe a person who disregards the law. It's not going to happen. Deal with it!

"We also have feelings too," said Llivicura, of Bellport, who came to Long Island from Ecuador at age 8. "It makes me feel like I'm different from everybody else," he said. "It makes me feel like really bad inside."

I have feelings too and I'm sick and tired of your desired label being shoved in my face. It does not matter if you are called illegal or undocumented, you are still illegal. If it makes you feel different from anyone else or bad inside, blame your parents.

ILLEGAL ALIENS. I call 'em like I see 'em.

(And Spell Check says it's O.K.)

"We also have feelings too," said Llivicura, of Bellport, who came to Long Island from Ecuador at age 8. "It makes me feel like I'm different from everybody else," he said. "It makes me feel like really bad inside."

Okay pal, I'll meet you half way... criminal alien sound better to you? Make you feel less bad inside? Your choice, illegal or criminal; but undocumented? not a freakin' chance!

Illegal alien is the legal term. What morons these illegals are.

Still, the word "illegal" makes Elias Llivicura, 18, who described himself as undocumented, feel "uncomfortable."

But not uncomfortable enough for this squatter to leave. We refer to those seeking asylum differently.

They are NOT undocumented.
Most of them have lots of documents.
The documents are all stolen, fake or expired, but they have documents,
so they aren't undocumented.

Originally Posted by Kiara

"By saying illegal, they're assuming that we broke a criminal law," said Jackeline Saavedra, 27, of Bay Shore, a Touro Law Center student who identified herself as undocumented. "Not everybody enters illegally."

No, some enter with a visa, overstay that visa and are still here illegally. Illegal means you did something against the law. You are illegal, like it or not. Undocumented means you don't have the proper documents to be here. Oh my God, this is coming from a law center student? LOL You'd think she'd understand the law.

AHHHHHHHhhhhhh, ".......you'd thnk she'd understand the law." I wonder if English common law is available in Spanish? LOL