Thread: Web Site Questions Immigrant Stereotypes

http://www.wral.com/apnationalnews/9175057/detail.html

PHOENIX -- Frustrated by the political rhetoric surrounding the illegal immigration debate, a political consultant and a Web designer are launching an Internet campaign aimed at shattering stereotypes about Latinos and getting them involved.

The site for the new "I am a Proud American" campaign, http://www.iamaproudamerican.com, was designed to cross ethnic and social lines and hook people, young and old, creators Bettina Nava and Max Fose said.

"Were hoping it's edgy, it's controversial," said Nava, a Republican political consultant who has worked with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. "I don't know what the impact this endeavor is going to have in the end, but we couldn't sit back and hear this rhetoric.

"I hope it causes people to pause, and question stereotypes."

The two are working on a series of short films for the site designed to do just that.

In one, a Hispanic man is mowing the lawn of a giant home in an affluent neighborhood. A blonde pulls up in a BMW and asks the man how much he charges to landscape the home.

He replies, "Why would I charge to landscape my own yard?" An on-screen message appears: "I am an American."

The campaign comes on the heels of massive demonstrations as Congress considers immigration reform. Some lawmakers want tougher punishment for illegal immigrants and fences along the border. President Bush has called for a guest worker program under which participants could gain legal status for a time but be required to return home.

In discussing immigration reform, Bush and others have repeatedly referred to illegal immigrants doing jobs that Americans won't do.

It is that sort of impression that Nava and Fose created their Web site to challenge.

On Monday, they also were launching a massive e-mail campaign to tell registered voters about the site, http://www.iamaproudamerican.com, and encourage them to become politically active by the end of the month.

If you leave the comma out of the URL the site will work. Here is one of their pages:

Proud American Campaign

Reasons to Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform

1) We are Americans, and we believe in the American Dream and opportunity for all who are working hard to make a better life for themselves and those they love. Like most American's, many of our family members are and were immigrants.

2) The system is broken and we need a new system.

3) We understand that we must work with the federal government to address illegal immigration. We seek a compassionate, fair approach. We cannot support unrealistic measures that would return our family members, friends and colleagues back to their country of origin. There is no lasting value in separating families, many of whom were recruited to the United States to complete a job.

4) It is estimated that over 8 million unauthorized workers are employed in diverse sectors, from hospitality, construction, and agriculture to name only a few. It is also estimated that these workers contribute over 8 billion dollars to social security on an annual basis.

5) Immigration influx is simple economics, supply and demand. It is estimated that 12 million undocumented people live within our borders. Therefore, we must genuinely create a legal way for foreign workers we depend on to enter our country legally. It works to everyone's benefit to know who is in the United States. This will help to keep our borders secure.

6) For decades, it has been against the law to work here illegally; ironically, it has not been illegal for business to hire a worker without legal status. Nevertheless, we do not support unfair employer sanctions that will further complicate this issue. We understand that a reasonable and fair worksite enforcement system must be sought in order to reach