Activists split over new 'Day Without an Immigrant'

By: EDWARD SIFUENTES - Staff Writer

NORTH COUNTY ---- Immigrant rights activists from Los Angeles say they plan to repeat last May's "Day Without an Immigrant" boycott in which many immigrants passed on work and school to protest what they called unfair immigration proposals, but local activists say a second such protest may not be a good idea.

Local activists for the immigrant community are still considering whether they would participate in another national day of protest. But other state and national figures, including Dolores Huerta, a leading Latino rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez, say they would not support a boycott.

One of the main concerns among those opposing this year's boycott is fear of a backlash against the community. Some say a boycott could lead to workers losing their jobs, students being expelled and further emphasizing critics' views of Latinos as outsiders.

I have an idea! In order for this "Day Without an Immigrant" to really have an impact, why don't all those in the US illegally return to their country of origin? That will really teach the US a lesson! -mm