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Posted on Thu, Apr. 13, 2006

Hispanics discuss their impact on South Carolina

KATRINA A. JACKSON
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Just days after a massive march and rally in three of South Carolina's largest cities, Hispanic leaders met Thursday to discuss the impact the group has on the state's educational system, public policies and economy.

"African Americans had civil rights and look at what is happening now. Hispanics are beginning to have their civil rights. This is a civil rights movement," said Dr. Jose Rivera of the Family Health Center, who participated in the event.

The forum, which was hosted by South Carolina Education Television, will air May 3.

The educational system will be affected most by the increase of Hispanics in South Carolina, said Lee McElveen, Hispanic/Latino coordinator for the state Commission on Minority Affairs.

"Fifty percent of the Hispanic population in South Carolina are those who have been born here. They are American citizens," McElveen said. "If we are not prepared to educate these children we will be in a lot of trouble."

Public schools have programs to help students learn English as a second language, but there aren't enough teachers to accommodate all the students who need them, McElveen said.

Those students who don't get help often fall behind in school, she said.

There are even fewer programs to teach English to adults, said Elaine Lacey, director of the University of South Carolina's Latino Immigration Studies.

"Because of the long working hours, because of lack of transportation, because of scarcity of classes its very difficult for adults to take the classes," Lacey said.

As a result, many Hispanic adults depend on interpreters and translators in courtrooms, doctor's offices and businesses, Lacey said.

Some panelists said a change in attitudes toward Hispanics is also needed.

Thousands marched to the Statehouse on Monday to urge federal lawmakers to make it easier for the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants to become citizens. Similar marches were held in Greenville and Charleston.

But legal immigrants also need their rights protected and their issues heard, Rivera said.

"There is a misconception that all Hispanics are undocumented," Rivera said, "But everyone who is working is paying taxes, everyone who is working is contributing to the economy of the state."

The Hispanics who come to South Carolina know they are in demand. "If Hispanics do not come, South Carolina doesn't eat and America doesn't eat because Americans don't want to do this type of work," Rivera said.

No matter what happens, the Hispanic presence in South Carolina is here to stay, said Irma Santana, who organized the march and rally at the Statehouse.

"I am an American. This is my home," she said. "We don't want to be invisible, we want to be involved."