Fear and Loathing in Prince William County

As Prince William County decides the fate of dozens of illegal immigrants, there arises a sense of uncertainty and paranoia in the area. Many Latinos are fleeing to other states because they feel unwanted in PW County. This gets me thinking about motivation. What motivates people to come to these United States? Looking beyond the usual reasons for a better life, and “the American Dream”, the one question I have is “Why do they stay amid all the uncertainty? I don’t even believe that the animosity is necessarily aimed at illegal immigrants but it fills our need to have a sense of importance, or superiority if you will. Forty years ago, there was similar sentiment against the integration of Whites and Blacks. Different circumstances, sure, but same sentiments expressed. African Americans felt unwanted, they had no rights, no voices, and had an “annoying” habit of not going away. Throughout history, there has always been a tug-of-war between a dominant group and a not-so-dominant group. The races and sub-groups change but the dynamic stays the same. Is modern society predicated on this rhythmless dance filled with fear and loathing? This really gives meaning to the expression: those who cannot learn from history are bound to repeat it.

Jasmine - On Immigration