OGDEN — The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City talked about immigration at Saint Joseph Catholic High School in Ogden Dec. 9, to complement the photo documentary exhibit at the school called Invisible No More: Latinos’ Dignity March in Utah. Bishop Wester used the French novel Les Miserables to exemplify why the majority of undocumented immigrants break the law to work in this country and why current immigration laws are not feasible. He said Jean Valjean, the main character in the novel, committed a crime by stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. Valjean was captured by the authorities, which instead of opting for compassion sentenced him to 19 years in prison. "The sentence does not commensurate with the crime. So, we have to ask ourselves: ‘Were there other principles besides breaking the law?’" said Bishop Wester. "We have to look at the intention… Immigrants come to survive, support their families, find a better life, avoid persecution, or suffering," he said. Bishop Wester also highlighted the contrast between breaking a criminal and a civil law. He said there is a difference between a bank robber, a murderer, and an undocumented immigrant. "Immigrants are not felons." Bishop Wester’s talk emphasized the need to find common ground. He said all sides of the immigration issue should focus on what they agree so they do not create "more heat than light." "We are not against the law," he said "The law is what allows us to live together and in peace… The Church acknowledges the right of a country to enforce immigration laws… But we believe current laws are unjust, no longer capable of dealing with the situation. They’re not working," Bishop Wester said. He also said this country’s laws and practices are at odds with each other. "We say, ‘now hiring’ while we have the ‘No Trespassing’ sign." "We want a balanced package of laws that at the same time allows the U.S. to protect its borders and regulate the flow of immigration of people who have made and will continue to make contributions to our country," he said. Bishop Wester suggested a balanced package of laws would allow the country to better patrol smuggling and human trafficking, create temporary worker and earned citizenship or legalization programs, and make family reunification a priority. He also clarified that an amnesty is not being proposed even though he would not be against one. "We don’t have a problem with amnesty," he said. "That’s not a bad word." In the Church we believe that if you repent of your sins, you’re forgiven, he said. "But even at that, that’s not what we’re talking about." The bishop asked students to listen to the language used when talking about the immigration issue and to beware of terms such as swarms, hordes, and waves. The use of these words is not unintentional, he said. For example, the use of the term wave to describe the immigration flow brings to mind a "tsunami pounding us to death." "This language is meant to change how people think. These are human beings we’re talking about," he said. Bishop Wester added he is hopeful and optimistic a reform will be passed in the next administration, but still asked members of the audience to make their voices be heard through letters, calls, and e-mails to their representatives in Congress. "Studies have shown that the majority of people are for a comprehensive reform, but that’s not what our representatives are hearing," he said. He also recommended students build welcoming communities, study the situation, advocate and pray for immigrants, and put a human face to the issue of immigration. "A lot of people talk about immigration, but (the exhibit) talks about the immigrant," said Armando Solorzano, Ethnic Studies professor at the University of Utah and creator of the exhibit. The exhibit pretends to "give the message that the march was not just a political manifestation. It was also a manifestation of our culture, family values, spirit of hope, and optimism; and, deep down, it was an attempt to reclaim our humanity," said Solorzano. The exhibit and the bishop’s lecture at St. Joseph High School were sponsored by the La Chala Club. Members of La Chala viewed the exhibit at Weber State University and decided to take it to their school community. "The exhibit has brought awareness about an issue that has been under ground for many years," said Alex Salvo, advisor of La Chala and St. Joseph athletic director. "It has changed a couple of minds," said Margarita Lopez, president of La Chala. "It is powerful. It has brought awareness of what happens in Utah," said Marisela Lopez. Still, "It’s not affecting them," said Sinahi Fuentes about her fellow classmates and the immigration issue. But it is affecting them, at least in the economic aspect. Some students reflected their worries about the number of jobs available for Americans if more immigrants keep coming. Bishop Wester replied that most of the jobs immigrants take are strenuous and, or with little compensation. Besides, synergy is created. When a business has taken care of the basic jobs, as it grows, it can then start hiring for administrative and customer service jobs. The exhibit is composed of 60 frames containing one or more pictures with captions in English and Spanish. It was a collaboration of five different Latino photographers, including Solorzano, and displays the role of the Minutemen, state officials, and religion in the march. "When the immigrant is attacked, dehumanized, and when his rights are taken away from him or her, the last thing he or she has is his or her religion, his or her concept of God," said Solorzano. He said those who participated in the march used religious symbols, just like Cesar Chavez did during the farmworkers’ movement in the 1960s. "They used the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe as a symbol of someone who protects them," said Solorzano. The march took place on April 9, 2006 and fell on Palm Sunday. Many of those who marched that day were carrying palms and palm crosses as a sign of triumph, said Solorzano. "No one is illegal in the eyes of God," he said. Solorzano hopes that knowledge about the march and the exhibit that documents it help the community "understand the immigrant and show humility and compassion toward him or her." Invisible No More: Latinos’ dignity march in Utah will be shown at Utah State University and the University of Utah in the next six months, and there are plans to take it to Mexico and Central America.
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