100 protest Trump’s immigration policies
RUSSELLVILLE — Natalia Gaspar said the voices of those who chanted “no human’s illegal” during a demonstration last weekend represent many more who are afraid to speak out.
Gaspar said many she knows others who wanted to attend but were afraid to do so out of fear of deportation.
“We’re here because we want to speak out for the people who can’t,” she said. “There’s a lot of people scared. Some families have to tell other people to buy groceries for them because they’re scared to go out.”
Gaspar was among over 100 people who rallied Saturday in front of the Franklin County Courthouse to protest immigration policies of the Trump administration.
Similar protests took place across the nation during the weekend.
Many at the Russellville event made signs bearing messages such as, “Be kind. We are all human,” “The Holocaust started as mass deportation” and “MAGA: Mexicans Aren’t Going Anywhere” One sign was simply a passage from Matthew 25:43: “I was a stranger, and you did not invite me in.”
Immigration attorney John Martine said he is appalled by the lack of humanitarianism involved in the mass deportations.
“Of course we’re mortified, but also hope this will bring attention to it,” Martine said.
He said immigrants are a major asset to the economy, and many businesses depend on them.
“I don’t think the country can afford to lose them,” Martine said. “That’s a lot of empty houses.”
A representative from an organization called Huntsville Bail Fund distributed cards with the fund’s phone number. She said she was there to make sure everyone knows their rights and knows the fund is available for them.
Sisters Alohalanie and Ivette Martinez said their parents immigrated to the United States and went through the entire process of citizenship.
“People assume they’re illegal even though they went through the whole process,” Alohalanie Martinez said.
They said it took 20 years and thousands of dollars, and they still do not receive benefits such as Social Security and Medicare.
“They pay taxes and don’t make money off it,” Ivette Martinez said. “Imagine how many immigrants are in this country and paying taxes and not getting Medicare and Social Security. It’s billions of dollars every year.”
She said immigrations policies continue to get stricter and have reached the point where those who want to take proper steps have difficulty getting proper information or simply cannot afford the costs.
“We’re here to stand up for people who can’t,” Ivette Martinez said. “There is no path to the right way. Where is the path?”
The sisters said they have often been victim to numerous slurs and other acts of racism.
“Our whole lives,” Alohalanie Martinez said. “Since I was a kid, being called a dirty Mexican and told to go back to where I came from.”
The sisters were born in the United States.
“I want to remind people that you may see us as illegal but I’m native American,” Ivette Martinez said.
She said she tries to educate people against hatred.
“Some people were raised that way until they learn,” she said. “Some learn and do it, anyway.”
Brain Santos said his parents escaped a difficult situation in South America and he wishes more people could do the same.
“I’m here to support my people,” Santos said. “I was born to immigrant parents. I’ve been to South America multiple times and have seen how hard it is. I understand why people come here and they have the right to do so.”
His advice to immigrants and those who were raised by them is to make your voices heard. After all, he said, the United States was built by immigrants.
“Don’t be afraid to step up,” Santos said. “Life is going to be hard but it’s not an excuse to not step up. We should not be afraid.”
PHOTOS BY DAN BUSEY Above, a boy chants along with others demonstrating Saturday in front of the Franklin County Courthouse. About 100 showed up to protest the immigration policies of President Trump. At left, a mother holding her infant child encourages the practice of being kind to all human beings. Below left, a sign held high by a young boy encourages the same message. Below right, a protestor lifts a sign reminding onlookers that “Immigrants Built This Country.”
