Interview of Illegal Mexican Immigrant

Interview takes place at a Mexican protest in Huston, TX.


Jim Moore interviews Juan who is apparently one of the protest leaders...

Jim: Juan, I see that you and thousands of other protesters are marching in the streets to demonstrate for your cause. Exactly what is your cause and what do you expect to accomplish by this protest?

Juan: We want our rights. We will show you how powerful we are. We will bring Houston to its knees!
Jim: What rights?

Juan: Our right to live here...legally. Our right to get all the benefits you get.

Jim: When did you come to the United States ?

Juan: Six years ago. I cross over the border at night with seven friends.

Jim: Why did you come?

Juan: For work I earn as much in month as I could in year in Mexico. Besides, we get health care, our children go to school free, I lose my job I get Welfare, and someday I have the Social Security. Nothing like that in Mexico!

Jim: Did you feel badly about breaking our immigration laws when you came?

Juan: No! Why I feel bad? I have right to be here. I have right to amnesty. I paid lots money for my Social Security and Green Cards.

Jim: How did you acquire those documents?

Juan: From guy in Dallas . He charged lot of money too.

Jim: Did you know that those documents were forged?

Juan: It is no matter. I have right to be here and work.

Jim: What is the "right" you speak of?

Juan: The right of Aliens. It is in your Constitution. Read it!

Jim: I have read it, but I do not remember it saying anything about rights for Aliens.

Juan: It is in that part where it says all men have Alien rights, like the right to be happy.. I wasn't happy in Mexico , so I came here.

Jim: I think you are referring to the Declaration of Independence and that document speaks to unalienable rights .. Not Alien rights.

Juan: Whatever.

Jim: Since you are demanding to become an American citizen, why then are you carrying a Mexican Flag?

Juan: Because I am Mexican.

Jim: But you said you want to be given amnesty ... to become a US citizen.

Juan: No. This not what we want. This is our country, a part of Mexico that Gringos stole from us. We want it back to Mexico its real owner.

Jim: Juan, you are standing in Texas .. After winning the war with Mexico , Texas became a Republic, and later Texans voted to join the USA . It was not stolen from Mexico .

Juan: That is Gringo lie. Texas was stolen. So was California, New Mexico and Arizona. It is just like all the other stuff you Gringos steal, like oil and babies. You are a country of thieves.

Jim: Babies? You think we steal babies?

Juan: Sure. Like from Korea and Vietnam and China . I see them all over here. You let these foreigners in, but try to keep us Mexicans out. How is this fair?

Jim: So, you really don't want to become an American citizen then.

Juan: I just want rights! Everyone has right to live, work, and speak their own language where and when they please. And we demand signs and official papers be in Spanish . Teachers must teach in Spanish. Soon, more people in Houston will speak Spanish than English. It is our right!

Jim: If I were to cross over the border into Mexico without proper documentation, what rights would I have there?

Juan: None. You probably go to jail, but that's different.

Jim: How is it different? You said everyone has the right to live wherever they please.

Juan: You Gringos are a bunch of land grabbing thieves. Now you want Mexico too? Mexico has its rights. You Gringos have no rights in Mexico . Why would you want to go there anyway? There is nothing there for gringos such as you. Stay in the country of your birth.

Jim: I can see that there is no way that we can agree on this issue. Thank you for your comments.

Juan: Viva Mexico !