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Mexican Federal Policemen wear masks in Mexico City - Source: Reuters -
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A new strain of flu has stirred a heated debate in the United States about immigration, an emotional topic that is never far from the surface in this country of migrants.
The H1N1 strain has killed up to 176 people in Mexico. North of the border in Texas, the outbreak killed a Mexican toddler and it has sickened scores of people in several other states.
"People always want to find a culprit, and it's easy to target people who can't really defend themselves," said Carlos Garcia, a Hispanic activist in Phoenix.
In recent days, at least three US congressmen called for travel across the Mexico border to be stopped or restricted to prevent the spread of the virus - a measure the government has said would be ineffective.
Syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin blamed the spread of "contagious diseases" on "uncontrolled immigration" in a blog, and other conservative talk show hosts made similar claims.
In response, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists urged the media to be "fair and prudent" when covering the flu and resist scapegoating Mexican immigrants.
"Immigrants, of course, have long been favourite and convenient scapegoats for some for everything from high taxes to infectious diseases," it said in a statement issued on Wednesday. "Facts haven't much mattered."
The NAHJ noted US citizens also cross the border. There are more than 4,000 weekly flights from the United States to Mexico, and about 80% of visitors to Mexico last year came from the United States.
Damage to prospects for reform?
Despite the spread of the virus, President Barack Obama has remained committed to comprehensive immigration reform that would include tightening border controls and offering legal status to many of the 12 million illegal immigrants living in the shadows.
In a news conference, Obama said he would continue to seek a legislative framework for reform this year.
"We can't continue with a broken immigration system. It's not good for anybody," he said.
Immigration reform advocates believe the president's prospects for reviving the issue this year remain on track.
"Politically I don't think that next week or next month is going to be a good time to be trying to pass an immigration reform bill" said Tamar Jacoby, president of ImmigrationWorks USA, a national employers' coalition.
"But as people think this through and get over that first rush of panic, they are going to realise that this is an argument for more effective control and regulation that only comprehensive reform can provide," she added.
Hispanic activists believe dialogue will continue and aim to push ahead with marches advocating the immigration reform on Friday in California and other parts of the country.
"I hope that Americans are smart and they are humane and that they will see that a public health concern has nothing to do with what we believe is social justice." said Jorge Mario Cabrera Valladares, of the Centre for Human Immigrants Rights of Los Angeles.
"The immigration reform dialogue should continue in spite of what we're facing now."
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentalwyn said on 2009-06-18 @ 14:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The general flu causes between 200,000 and 250,000 deaths p.a world wide. Swine flu has caused only a fraction of this number in proportion. There is a temporary cure i.e. Tami flu until a vaccine is produced for H1N1 flu. I don't understand what all the fuss is about?
Janey said on 2009-06-16 @ 09:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think NZ media and health service has been far too blase about this outbreak. The UK's BBC news website has been reporting symptoms and PREVENTION for weeks and has an excellent outbreak map, which clearly shows quick acceleration of the virus. The UK's health service posted information leaflets to every home WEEKS ago. My husband works in a a business where the workers come into contact with lots tourists - they only just received a booklet on the virus 2 days ago. NZ, get with the programme!
skeptic said on 2009-06-16 @ 07:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Thank you Mark Sainsbury for telling us the symptoms, and debunking the mythology. Many of us did not even know that we probably have the swine flu which is probably now widespread in our community. It was clear from the outset that authorities were not taking the drastic steps necessary to contain an epidemic. Since they have created an elaborate ritual to prove that they have done everything possible ... Thank God this was not a SERIOUS pandemic.
FightFlu said on 2009-05-04 @ 23:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
I absolutely agree Tis, this particular virus could have been a lot worse. Due to information technology these days we have highly accessible and up to date information to keep us informed, and with knowledge is power. As long as the people remain calm, and keep informed we should be able to keep the Swine Flu at a safe distance.
Tis said on 2009-05-02 @ 11:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
This scare could perhaps prepare us well for a more severe future pandemic - e.g. Ok, so all the focus is on Tamiflu - but what about ensuring enough antibiotics to treat secondary infections from a new influenca - and do we have enough of those machines in hospitals to help people breath when they are in acute respiratory distress - lets hope so!