Comprehensive immigration reform would level the playing field for all workers by providing crackdowns on those who are manipulating our economy. For most, living here without documents places them in danger. Some of these immigrants work long hours in jobs that most of us could not stand to do day after one day – jobs that demand manual labor in harsh working conditions.

Providing 12 million undocumented immigrants a path to legalization would end unfair job competition, lift wages and increase tax revenue, whereas deporting 12 million undocumented immigrants would cost the United States dearly.

These costs are seen when some families of deported parents, who maybe previously never received public assistance from local agencies (that already face large cuts in funding); now have to request it because of the absence of a spouse. If the deported parent would have been allowed to stay in the United States to raise and support that family both financially and emotionally, the family would be liable to have more independent success. Nobody dreams of starting a family to later have that family taken from them.

It is a proven fact that children, our future, do better when they have a strong connection with both parents. A strong bond with one’s parents has long-term community benefits.

With few days left to shape the immigration dialogue across this great country, it is time for all of us to be involved in discussions with our communities and our leaders. Let’s make humane immigration reform possible in this country.

What was more frustrating was the decision by both county attorneys, Stearns and Benton, not to file criminal charges against the person responsible.

Actually this was not the first time the community has faced racism. In the conservative heartland of central Minnesota there is always the feeling by refugee communities that race plays into their daily interactions, but the hope is always that it will change for the better.

In 2001, when the largest group of refugees was moving into Saint Cloud, there was great resistant by property owners to rent to the refugee community because they believed that they would not be able to pay their rents. After some time the perception changed because of economic factors, and even organizations were for changing and renting their properties in large numbers to the refugees.

In 2002 a Somali center was vandalized and sprayed with swastikas and bullying of Somali children in the schools was quite prevalent. There were tensions between students and a feeling in the youth that affected their presence in the school system.

Human rights issues are universal. I believe it is time the community opens a human rights office, so that it can investigate hate crimes. The disgruntled who perpetrate these crimes could learn the reality around them. It is time we all defend the rights of community members, whether we are majorities or minorities, black, white or brown – we are all equal in the eyes of God.

There are many good people in the community,  and I don’t want to undermine the work they do to make Saint Cloud a better place. It is my utmost hope to see the faith community play a bigger role making inroads by defending other faiths when they are demonized.

I would like to share the reality of what is happening in rural Midwest communities. The suffering due to work-related injuries is increasing every day now, but many feel they have no other option. These are the highest-risk, lowest-paying jobs in the industry. Unfortunately, the employers know quite well the suffering of workers, but greed has overtaken where there should be humanity.

Injuries and suffering are talked about daily in these communities, but some individuals have had enough and are standing up for the rights of all. The stories of these brave individuals range from those fighting for simple bathroom breaks to a diabetic patient requiring just a glass of water during the day to maintain his blood sugar to the Muslim worker who is forced to choose between faith and a job when management denies his/her right to perform daily prayers.

In my opinion, one of the great things to come out of this renewed stand for justice is the power of people of diverse and different backgrounds to come together to work on not only workplace issues, but health issues for the rest of the community, like securing H1N1 vaccines or transportation for families to supermarkets.

Last week, the second Health Action Council regional meeting, sponsored by the Center for New Community, was held in Iowa, and it was wonderful to see talented leaders come together to advance the agenda of shared concerns. It was a testimonial to the diversity in the group and the great interest of issues that cut across their individual communities. Many in the table were able to share the zeal and strength of leadership and capacity for success of their health action councils.

Many of the leaders reiterated the passion they have and it was quite extraordinary to see some of the local work transform itself into the a larger context.

An OSHA representative came to consult with the workers and was able to share a lot about how immigrant and refugee workers can forge better relationships with agencies to provide trainings and resources.

The fruits of this struggle are still on the horizon, but the lesson learned is that we will always prosper and remain steadfast in our commitment for a better tomorrow.