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Immigrants Divided On Boycott
Sonia Umanzor of the group FMLN in DC offers a flier on the May 1 boycott to D.C. resident Angela Flores, with 2-year-old Marisella Guzman.
(By Sarah L. Voisin -- The Washington Post)
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"For us, this poll was the voice of the people," Juarez said. "We are with the people and the voice of the people."
But most unions, chambers of commerce, churches and immigrant groups in the Washington area have been lukewarm to the idea of a boycott. The National Capital Immigration Coalition, the April 10 umbrella group, is planning Monday gatherings in the District, Baltimore and Prince George's County in the late afternoon and evening so people can attend after work or school. In Virginia, activists will stand on the corners of major intersections in Herndon, Alexandria and Baileys Crossroads, waving large banners advocating immigration reform.
"We have been trying to come out to educate the American community that we are immigrants who come just to work. . . . That has been very successful for us so far," said Juan Carlos Ruiz, a coordinator with the coalition. "We believe that if there is a need for a strike, we should use it, but we don't think it should be done right now."
Jorge Ribas, president of the Western Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said that his group has taken no official position on the issue but that he does not believe many Hispanic business owners will participate.
"Hispanics are too pragmatic. They are not going to shut down just for that," he said. "Most are start-up businesses, and the owner is the sole employee."
The AFL-CIO, the Service Employees International Union and other unions that supported the April marches for immigrant rights do not support the boycott. Unions said authorizing what amounts to a strike for a day could be considered a breach of their contract agreements.
The support of mainstream business groups for immigration reform also influences those who oppose the boycott.
"Business is on our side. I'm thinking, why hurt business?" said Manuel Hidalgo, executive director of the Latino Economic Development Corp. in Washington and a member of the immigration coalition.
Some observers said immigrants seem unsure what to do about the boycott. Giovanna Tassi, manager of Radio Latina (950 AM), said that May 1 is a constant topic of discussion on the station's morning talk shows and that many callers express enthusiasm for the idea -- until, she said, she explains that most local immigrant advocates are not behind it.
The Rev. Jose E. Hoyos, director of the Arlington Catholic Diocese's Spanish Apostolate, said he has been bombarded with calls from immigrants asking questions and seeking advice. He has told them to continue with business as usual and attend community events in the evening, he said.
"That's like we are against the system," Hoyos said of a work stoppage. "We want to be part of the system."
