Measure 58 Debates

Why are key players in Oregon´s anti-immigrant movement some of the only vocal supporters of Ballot Measure 58? I attended two Portland-area debates on the measure last week, and both featured Rick Hickey, vice president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform and Chair of the ¨English for the Children of Oregon¨ political action committee, as the only proponent of the measure. It is interesting that the Oregonian failed to mention his allegiances and instead portrayed him as ´a Salem parent´. After reading the text of the measure and hearing both sides of the argument, it is clear that the measure is primarily an effort to change educational policy.

If this is a question of education, and the education of English language learners, why would we trust the opinion of a leader of an overtly anti-immigrant group to know what is the best for immigrant children? What stake do OFIR and other anti-immigrant groups have in the number of years of first-language instruction available to English language learners?

The speaking of English in schools has long been a hot issue in conflicts surrounding ´national identity´ here in the United States, and it is certainly a key focus of the contemporary anti-immigrant and nativist movements. What does that tell us about OFIR's support for this Bill Sizemore ballot measure?

A note on the ´research´ supporting those who back Measure 58:

During both of the debates Hickey frequently cited the work of Dr. Rosalie Porter, who has been widely discredited as an academic. Specifically, he was referencing finding in one book she published in 1997 called Forked Tongue. In addition, many of his personal stories and anecdotes were said to come from former ESL teachers and state officials of school districts in California and Arizona where similar legislation has been passed. When asked for names and references to academic studies or official reports, he either refused or cited the experience of these individuals as something he would trust.

You can listen to last Friday´s City Club Debate here

Calling the Kettle Black

In front of the Portland Day Laborer Hire Site,

OFIR, FAIR, and Family Values

I am confident that we have all been cautioned to mind the company we keep, because we will be judged by association. This is good advice. It is illuminating to take a closer look at grassroots organizations that present themselves as local defenders of family and nation. Oregonians For Immigration Reform (OFIR) adamantly denies that they are racist. Instead they claim to be mere patriots concerned with the toll “illegal immigrants” are exacting from “legal citizens.” It takes no more effort than following some of the links on their website to see the claims of ethnic neutrality rapidly dissolve. OFIR is not only linked directly to hate groups but also to organizations that make no effort to hide their aggression toward all Latino immigrants.

The primary anti-immigrant organization in the country is the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). Not only does OFIR have a link to FAIR, but on the FAIR website OFIR shows up under the state by state list of like minded organizations to plug into in your area. FAIR has been, and continues to be, deeply involved in the growing anti-immigrant movement in the country. FAIR claims that it only opposes "illegal" immigration, but its website, allies, actions, and history demonstrate that it is truly focused on defining "legal" Americans as white. Taking a look at FAIR's family tree, their influence is evident. It details the deep ties that they have to the white supremacist movement, as well as the influence that they exert on groups like OFIR all around this country.

Furthermore, FAIR was founded by John Tanton who is an outspoken white nationalist organizer. Recently, Tanton's racism was the subject of an investigation by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It detailed his decades of experience coordinating with other white supremacists, and his interest in eugenics--Tanton believes that cultures are successful or not based on biology and race. It is this perspective that leads him to express his hatred of the “Latino onslaught” and its supposed threat to European-America. FAIR's anti-immigrant propaganda has given ammunition to hate groups throughout the country. Those organizations that are a part of FAIR's family tree also share their family values. When I affirm that I am not a racist I back that claim by not only distancing myself from racists but actively opposing them. OFIR apparently thinks superficial lip service will suffice. Well, I see through their denial. Even if they distanced themselves from FAIR at this point, the relationship is clear, the link is active, and the influence of this racist group on OFIR is undeniable.