HB87

June 28th...

I have to admit, I haven't been following the controversial HB87 as much as I should have.  It wasn't until today that I began to read over what the bill actually proposes.  I know what I have heard about it, that it is a racist anti-immigration bill, but I still am not quite sure how I feel about it myself.  But when my friend asked me to go to a rally with her, I thought "Why not?".  I've heard so much about it, and figured, if it really is as racist and unconstitutional as everyone says, I should probably support it, or at least go and learn a little more about it. 

HB87 has been covered in the headlines of the news recently, especially ever since Nathan Deal passed it into effect.  It has become more and more of a reality, and whether I like it or not, it will affect me in some way shape or form.  Obviously though, it will affect me pretty minimally in comparison to others.  I have gotten to thinking and worrying for the children that I tutor at Oasis.  How many of them will be affected and probably relocate because of their status.  I don't know, but I can pretty confidently say that a majority of them are illegal, and even if they themselves aren't, they probably have a sibling who is.  Even for those who were fortunate enough to be born in the U.S. more than likely have a parent who's illegal, and are probably terrified of the upcoming legislation.

Being a friend and mentor of those innocent little kids, it really worries me what this law will do to them.  I honestly imagine that a good fraction of the Oasis population will diminish by the time we go back to school in fall.  Where will these kids go?  Will they have access to a similar tutoring program to help with their education and their future?  Will they be separated from their family?  They're just kids, and their future is already in jeopardy.  So if for no other reason, I went to the demonstration today for those young kids.  After all, they can't stand up for themselves.  They need someone to fight for them.  For a chance to be something.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but hearing the stories of the undocumented high school students broke my heart.  Obviously not all undocumented youth are like these brave teenagers.  Not everyone cares about school, and many aren't necessarily ambitious or dedicated to their future.  But same can be said for youth that are U.S. citizens.  I know my share of people who have no goals or ambition, yet they are allowed to go to college... to get a job... to serve their country.  Yet these kids, even having grown up in the U.S. and identifying as U.S. citizens are barred from these same opportunities.  Even I am unsure of my future.  I don't know what I'll do yet with my life, and feel lost and confused.  Yet as I am spending my years skipping through college, those who are undocumented are stuck at home, even if they have a plan.  Furthermore, what makes them less of an American than I am?  This country is all many of them have ever known.

I'm glad that I went to the rally today even if I'm still unsure about my stance on HB87, because it awoke me from the naivete that I live in, and really made me think and be appreciative of what I was lucky enough to be born with.  I hope that this experience will stay with me always and allow me to be forever thankful for the opportunities that I have and to be compassionate towards those who don't have the same.