For many of us who have immigrated here, the United States remains a place of hope and security.  We owe a debt of gratitude to the Americans who stood up and fought for the rights and privileges we often take for granted.  From Thomas Paine to Frederick Douglass

to the countless activists in the labor and civil rights movements who sacrificed their lives to hold America to its promise, there is an obligation for us to give back as well.

Yet, how far should this obligation take us?  Should immigrants take up arms and participate in the invasion and occupation of Iraq?  Must our debt of gratitude be paid back with our blood and the blood of others?  For many immigrants, there are few options.  Already, a large segment of our armed forces are composed of immigrants -- some of whom have joined out of patriotism; while many have joined out of necessity.

 Where do you stand?
    

 For those of you in New York, check out tonight's immigration forum on the war:

Saturday, March 10
6:00-8:00pm
TERRAZA Café
40-19 Gleane St. Elmhurst, NY
(just south of Roosevelt between 83rd & 84th streets)
Subway: 7 train to 82nd St.--expect construction-related detours & delays
Program in Spanish with English translation
Organized by the World Can't Wait Coalition