LAS VEGAS, Nevada.- Janet Murguía, la enérgica y apasionada presidenta del Concilio Nacional de La Raza (NCLR), parece haber tomado las leyes antiinmigrantes aprobadas por distintos estados, especialmente la SB1070 de Arizona, personalmente.
El 25 de junio, la Suprema Corte de Justicia derogó la casi totalidad de esta legislación, con excepción de un inciso, que obliga a la policía local a inquirir por el estado migratorio de cualquier persona detenida o arrestada si tuviese sospechas "razonables" de que es un indocumentado. El inciso llamado "show me your papers" - muéstreme sus documentos - quedó por el momento en pie.
De manera natural, dicen sus críticos, la legislación lleva a que esos "sospechosos" sean identificados de manera selectiva, si parecen ser a primera vista "ilegales". Es decir, si parecen ser latinos: por el color de su piel, sus facciones, su apariencia física, su manera de hablar.
Para Murguía, una latina orgullosa y fuerte, eso es inaceptable, asi como lo es el furor antinmigrante y racista que acompaña este debate.
"Me dicen que me vuelva a mi casa", contó durante uno de los múltiples eventos de la convención nacional de NCLR en Las Vegas, esta semana. "Lo siento, pero me están mandando a Kansas City" [y no a México].
"¿Están ustedes cuestionando mi patriotismo? Tengo en mi familia a cuatro abogados, dos jueces federales, una hermana en el tribunal del Noveno Circuito de Apelaciones, y me dicen eso porque ¿tengo un acento?"
Lágrimas de furia llenaron los ojos de Murguía, quien encabeza la mayor organización de derechos civiles del país desde 2004.
El lunes, durante su alocución central en un almuerzo multitudinario y con la presencia de los dirigentes de las organizaciones latinas más importantes del país, Murguía completó su respuesta.
Uno a uno, fue presentando a sus familiares allí sentados: jueces, maestros, estudiantes... la flor y nata de la familia latina estadounidense, a cuyo término remató diciendo:
[Con que] "¿Quieren ver nuestros papeles? Los hallarán en las urnas, el día de las elecciones".
"Nuestra comunidad no será intimidada. No nos enmudecerán". Reproduciendo un lema de las luchas sindicales, indicó "no nos moverán" (we shall not be moved), para terminar, en español:
"¡Ahora es nuestro momento!"
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
