Who is an American? Race Forward believes that the the answer should not be an “accident of birth” but a reflection reality. Millions of immigrants make this country their home, contribute to it's wellbeing— it's political, social and civic fabric. However, our policies work to criminalize and demonize immigrant communities, separate families and exploit labor. To build a United States that values all Americans, we need immigration laws that protect people rather than attack them.
by Francis Calpotura. Millicent Bowden immigrated from Belize with her seven-year-old daughter in 1981 to the Bronx. She joined Mothers on the Move (MOM), a community organization based in her neighborhood, during a campaign to get slumlords to fix their buildings. It has been years since she thought of going back to Belize. After the events of September 11, Millie is seriously considering that option. Full article available on ColorLines here.
Dramatic demographic changes in the U.S. population, evidenced by the 2000 census, have generated a lot of excitement about the potential for multicultural community building.