Reality sometimes comes as a slap awakening the mind forcing a state of awareness. Such was the case when through an exchange of e-mails from a successful aeronautical engineer and community leader who on the surface seemed to be justifiably concerned about illegal immigration, he whopped me with the reality that the issue is not about illegal immigration rather about a growing numbers of certain Hispanics in the U.S.

   Here is how it came about. The gentleman, an aeronautical engineer, sent to a long list of editors, educators, and heads of numerous NGOs an essay listing the numerous ways he believed illegal immigrants harm the country. He first opened his comments with the harsh immigration policies and penalties for illegal immigration in countries like North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Cuba and Venezuela then compared them to how lax the U.S. policies are stating:

   A job; Driver’s License; Social Security card; Welfare; Food Stamps; Credit Cards; Subsidized rent or loan to buy a house; Free education; Free health care; A lobbyist in Washington; and Billions of dollars worth of public documents printed in your language.

   I sent the gentleman a reply copying all those on his original list starting with:

   “Personally I find it insulting that our country would be even remotely compared in any way with the likes of North Korea, Iran, Afghan, Saudi Arabia, China, Cuba, Venezuela. If we can agree that illegal immigration is something the US cannot continue to tolerate, we should debate that issue but without such insulting comparisons and with TRUE FACTS.”

   Taking each of the “mythical” arguments presented, rebuttals with facts were provided with details and appropriate supporting links. For instance, illegal immigrants since 1996 are not eligible to receive welfare, nor do they qualify for food stamps, nor can they register for Social Security for payroll deductions; nor can they obtain subsidized housing and that most states do not (foolishly) issue driver’s licenses to undocumented residents. Undocumented residents pay income taxes, social security, and other payroll taxes as well as property taxes through their rent, and sales taxes when purchasing taxable goods or services which pay for education and other services. They are also not eligible for “free health insurance.”

   As for the credit cards and home mortgages, it was pointed out that this was a private sector issue. That it was the banks recognizing a potential profitable market niche moved into the field. And as for jobs, it is not the illegal immigrant that replaces an American worker. If such replacement is taking place it is the business that is doing it, not the job seeker.

   And the return e-mail brought the reality slap. The gentleman accepted that “though your facts may be right” your “diatribe” misses the “big picture.” And what is the “big picture”? I didn’t know at that moment.

   However, from the list of recipients there were a few who wrote individually to me, first thanking me for having had the “courage” to stand up to the original writer, and secondly to explain what is meant by the “big picture.” And here was their take that opened my eyes.

   The big picture has little to do with illegal immigration, but much to do with the number of Mexican-Americans in the United States. It is that growing number and their political, economic and social empowerment that is what is feared and the real target of all the ballyhoo. And along with Mexican Americans all other members of the Hispanic community are placed in the same basket – except those who are white of skin, speak non-accented English, are educated and belong to the middle or higher economic class.

   This very fact clearly illuminates the issue as being about race – non-white. So the fear is the growing numbers, political advancements and social growth of Hispanics of color why they are the targets and the illegal immigrants the scapegoats acting as proxies so as not to been seeing as racist. The total insistence of not undergoing immigration reform is simply that such reform will undoubtedly lead to a path to citizenship for a vast number already here. And these folks will eventually join the ranks of voters. At some point the fear is that Hispanics will have their own Obama.

   Unanswered still is, how does an otherwise decent person, an aeronautical engineer in good standing in both his profession and his community along with so many millions like him come about believing that Mexican Americans present a danger to the nation?

Patrick Osio is the Editor of HispanicVista.com. Contact at: Posiojr@aol.com