By — Marisa Treviño

The Senate immigration reform bill wasn’t defeated last month simply because the two sides couldn’t agree. This debate got personal. The political rhetoric took direct aim at undocumented immigrants: They don’t want to learn English. They abuse social services. They drive up crime rates. They won’t assimilate.

These “talking points” were parroted on talk radio. In fact, conservative bloggers credit them with sinking the bill.

Yet even a casual political observer knows that rhetoric is used to further agendas — not necessarily to advance the truth. A couple of facts useful to an honest debate:

* A 2005 Harvard study found that increased immigration was a major factor associated with lower crime rates.

* English as a Second Language classes are the fastest growing state-administered adult education programs in the nation, says the National Institute for Literacy.

The immigration debate will return, most likely after the 2008 election. When it does, we must combat this misinformation campaign by documenting immigrants’ efforts at assimilating while providing them with the tools necessary to integrate into society.

Some cities and states have already established, or are considering opening, offices of immigrant affairs. In cities such as New York, Houston and Boston, and states such as Illinois and California, government offices help immigrants assimilate. How? They provide them with information about citizenship courses and English classes, housing, school enrollment and even how to navigate state or federal laws.

New Haven, Conn., is taking it a step further. On Tuesday, the city will begin issuing to every resident, regardless of citizenship, a municipal identification card. The ID, which will be recognized only within city limits, was originally created to allow undocumented immigrants to open bank accounts. But now it will also be used as a debit and library card. It will even be used to feed parking meters. On the same day, the city will open the Office of New Haven Residents, where locals can purchase the ID card and receive guidance on the city’s basic services. Jessica Mayorga, New Haven’s director of communications, says a decision was made to not use the word “immigrants” in the title of the office. “We wanted to be more inclusive.”

Undoubtedly, critics will condemn New Haven’s acceptance of undocumented immigrants. But for city officials, their decision to grant legal recognition was their way of offering an honest, personal welcome.

When the immigration debate reaches Washington again, let’s hope that if it does get personal, it’s in a positive way — recognizing immigrants as humans rather than dehumanizing them with propaganda.

About The Author: Marisa Treviño — is the author of LatinaLista.NET.

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