Professor Manuel Casas traveled from UCSB to Washington DC in early November, to speak on behalf of illegal immigrants to the United States. At a Congressional hearing, he supported two bills in the House of Representatives that promoted what Casas refers to as “common sense.” Specifically, they would establish guidelines for more humane treatment of detained illegal immigrants and their children. The bills also emphasize family unity.
Casas immigrated to the United States with his family in 1941. “In those days,” he said, “because of the war, it was easier to immigrate because we needed labor. When we need labor, the doors open. But when we don’t, we close the doors.” Currently, he explained, “With the state of the [U.S.] economy, they aren’t going to open those doors. But people who find themselves in a much poorer situation in Mexico have no option but out.” But it’s not immigration policies that Casas hopes to affect right now. “We’re not looking to change the rules and regulations about deportation and punishment,” he said. “These bills concern the immigration services once [people] have been picked up” and taken into custody on suspicion of being in the country illegally.
Detained immigrants suffer from several inhumane conditions: Casas mentioned a lack of basic bedding for children, separation of children from parents, and improper medical attention as a few of the conditions commonly afflicting detainees.