This is where the issue of dealing with illegal immigration hits home – literally. As I mentioned in a previous post, Latinos that choose to take a day off in protest of efforts against illegal immigration do themselves no good. The protests only result in consumers doing business elsewhere, if a Latino owned business closes its doors in protest.

Also as I have mentioned, I have no problem with legal Latino immigrants. But I do have a problem with illegals (no matter where they come from) and have no desire to fund efforts that work in opposition to treating illegal immigration as the crime that it is. I don’t make these statements in jest and today it was time for me to be true to my own words.

We are in the process of looking for a company to paint our home. One of the best known painters in town is Jose’s Painting. They have even been awarded for their quality work. In my review of companies to call for estimates, Jose’s looked like a company that could do the work we need done. I don’t discriminate against a company because they use a common Latino name. So I called Jose’s for an estimate and told my wife even before they came that I’m asking all companies the following questions, in addition to other business related questions:

• Were you open yesterday?
• Are your workers in this country legally and authorized to work in the US?

So the salesman came and after offering his estimate I asked him my 2 questions. To the first question he answered “no”. I then asked him if they normally work on Friday’s. He told me their work days, which include Friday. So then I asked if they simply closed yesterday. He responded “yes”. There was no need to ask why. Given yesterday’s walkout of work by many Latinos and many Latino business owners closing their doors. So I moved on to my 2nd question, and his response was “most of them are”.

While giving me the estimate he mentioned that “every crew has one person that speaks English”. He mentioned this with no prompting from me before I even asked my 2 questions. It was part of his usual sales pitch, to try and give me comfort that there would always be an English speaking supervisor on the crew that I could communicate with.

I had to tell the salesman that his business being closed does not bring me a great level of comfort and that I would be seeking other estimates for the job. He walked out with his head hung a little low. He knew his company’s actions lost them some good business.

So in Latinos’ protest they have not had any negative impact on me at all. But they have cost themselves my business. Someone told me that I should have known the answers before I asked them. I told them that I gave Jose’s Painting the benefit of the doubt and that I don’t prejudge companies. I told them that it was possible that a Latino owned company is trying to only hire legal workers in an effort to keep immigration officials off their back and do the right thing. Also I mentioned that it’s possible that a Latino owned company did not wish to take part in a protest to help people who break US Immigration Laws.

I still think that is possible, but obviously the likelihood of me actually identifying a Latino owned company that does not help people that break the law just became less likely by one. (I did not call Jose’s Painting because they are Latino, but because they appeared to be a reputable company in my area that could do the work I need done.) Being a Black man I certainly dislike anyone trying to make assumptions about me. Although I realize some idiots make that hard for some good people to do. I would hate to lump all Latinos into the same category of all wanting to help illegals. I do know some legal immigrants from South of the Border that are totally against illegal immigration. I am thankful for knowing them. Because after today’s experience, if I did not know them I might very well stereotype all Latinos the same and never call another for business again.

Some legal Latinos are shooting themselves in the foot for the sake of illegals, that did not do what they had to do in order to enter this country legally.

Here is a video report of some of the protests held in various parts of the Atlanta-metro area yesterday. Notice the one man on camera letting the world know he is here illegally. I think the governor should have had state troopers on site to arrest him and anyone else that identified themselves as illegals. Where were federal immigration authorities while these masses of illegals were gathered together? (Here is a text report of the protest for those who can’t see the video. Of course it has less details.)

The Latino activists actorvists claim they will do “whatever it takes” to impress their views on us. I hope they are ready to go broke and lose everything they came here for. Because I won’t be patronizing those who wish to endorse illegal immigration.