Hi ALIPAC friends,

Well, my husband and I just returned from our two-week vacation in the Pacific Northwest and Canada (Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia). Pertaining to illegal immigration, it was like taking a trip back in time.

I don't know if British Columbia has an illegal immigrant problem, but if they do, it's not illegal aliens coming in from Mexico or Central America. I never once saw a Hispanic, nor did I see one sign, book, magazine, etc. written in Spanish.

That wasn't such a big surprise for Canada...what DID shock the heck out of me, however, was how things are in the state of Washington pertaining to illegal immigration. While staying in Seattle, I went into a Target store, and felt like I'd stepped back in time about 30 years. THERE WAS NO SPANISH ANYWHERE!! No Spanish versions of magazines and books, no signs posted in Spanish, and no illegals roaming about the store speaking
Spanish.

The restaurants and fast food places were staffed by....get this.....American teenagers!! Just like the old days in San Diego. Honestly, I didn't want to leave. It was such a breath of fresh air.

When we came back into California, especially as we got toward Sacramento and further south, it was as if I'd entered a different country. The difference between Canada/Washington and California is profound.

Needless to say, my husband and I are tossing around the idea of moving to the suburbs of Seattle.

Anyway, back to the fight against illegal immigration. It's nice to be able to talk (or should I say, write) with you all again.

americangirl