DOC Against the Tide: Immigrants; Day Laborers; and Community in Jupiter; Florida by Sandra Lazo de la Vega; Timothy J. Steigenga in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Solving Immigrant problems humanelyBy Sam SlossAgainst the Tide: Immigrant Laborers; and Community in Jupiter; Florida by Sandra Lazo de la Vega and Timothy J. Steigenga.This is an uplifting story of how liberals and conservatives joined forces to humanly address immigrant issues in a Florida community. By avoiding the political bumper sticker politics of our “do nothing Congress;” Jupiter; Florida was able to solve immigrant problems faced by many American cities.The El Sol center matches employer needs with employee skills. Day workers no longer hang out on street corners. Violent crime is down. Crimes against immigrants; like cheating them out of wages; are down. Jupiter immigrants get vaccinations and preventive health care. They learn English at a faster rate than immigrants in other communities.Unlike liberal communities that declared themselves sanctuary cities or right wing communities that pass extreme anti-immigrant laws; Jupiter has taken a common sense approach to “manage the actual day-to-day issues” of their immigrant population. In doing so; Jupiter has avoided the million dollar lawsuits other cites have suffered defending unconstitutional lawsuits. Nor has Jupiter’s local economy collapsed when immigrants are driven away.Racism and anti-immigrant fears still exist in Jupiter. But cooperation and trust between long term residents and recent immigrants is much improved compared to a decade ago and far better than in communities that allowed national politics to spread hate and interfere with solving local every day problems.While this book is primarily a case study; it also gives the reader some insight into larger macro immigration issues. Why immigrants risk great peril to come here is told in the story of cousins Ulises and José. While border patrols are designed to keep undocumented immigrants out; they also prevent immigrants from returning home.“Against the Tide” addresses stereotypes and myths. Immigrants commit less; not more; crime than natural born citizens. More often they are victims of crimes by employers and others who see them as easy targets. Not only does their work help our American economy; but their strong family ties and practice of sending money back home also improve the economies of their homeland.Jupiter’s success did not come quickly or easily. Churches; community groups; schools; police; and liberals and conservatives had to learn how to work together and trust each other. But “Against the Tide” gives us a blueprint for how other communities might deal with immigrants in a humane and positive manner.In a recent visit to Jupiter; I was able to tour the El Sol center with coauthor; Sandra Lazo de la Vega as my guide. And in full disclosure; my nephew is in a relationship with the coauthor.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Story of HopeBy GayleThis is a fine example of how one community turned a terrible situation into a plus for the community. El Sol should be franchised all over the country because it would help to put the immigrants; who live in the shadows in communities all over our country; to become part of the community. The illegal immigrants at El Sol volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity; building houses for others in the community. They have come to the US for the same reasons all our ancestors came here; for a better life; opportunity; hard work.Town boards across the country should read this book to see how Jupiter has succeeded.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Terrific book!By Sue ChanceI read this when I started as a volunteer at El Sol. It was so nice to learn the history of the place; which does such excellent things for the immigrant community. It's become a model of "how-to-do-it" for similar programs. If you read this; check out El Sol's Facebook page. It gives a run down of current programs like a healthy eating cooking class for kids; a community garden; sewing and computer training. The list goes on and on.