Recent nationwide street demonstrations by illegal aliens and their supporters, demanding amnesty for 12 million or more illegal immigrants, have been portrayed in the media as representing the views of all Hispanics in the US.

However, according to opinion polls, including one conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center,
Americans are divided on the issue with 53% saying that people who are in the US illegally should be required to go home. According to the Pew Study, a growing number also believe that illegal immigrants are a burden to the country, taking jobs and housing and creating strains on the health care system.

These facts reflect the position of many Hispanic-Americans—citizens, legal immigrants and the children of immigrants—who strongly oppose amnesty for illegal aliens and support enforcement of US immigration laws.

In response to the hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens who have been marching under the Mexican flag demanding to be rewarded for having violated US immigration law, a new coalition has been formed to accurately represent Hispanics in the US who work hard, play by the rules and want the opportunity to see their own kids get ahead. Known as “You Don’t Speak for Me,” the coalition aims to dispel the impression that the people out on the streets represent the views of all Hispanic-Americans.

“Politicians and the media seem to believe that Hispanic-Americans hold a monolithic view on the subject of immigration,” said Peter Nunez, a former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and a spokesman for the group.

“In fact, millions of Hispanic-Americans—including many who have gone through the immigration process the right way—are offended by the demands being made by people who have broken our nation’s laws. We are even more offended that the views of Hispanic citizens are not being accurately portrayed,” he said.

The “You Don’t Speak for Me” coalition supports the strengthening and enforcement of US immigration laws, including manpower and barriers along the US-Mexico border, denial of non-emergency benefits and services to people who are in the country illegally, and vigorous enforcement against businesses that hire illegal aliens.

“Hispanic-Americans are often the people who are harmed the most by our government’s failure to enforce our immigration laws,” Nunez said.

“More often than not, it’s our jobs, our social services, and the education of our children that are most adversely affected by illegal immigration. A massive illegal alien amnesty, with millions more relatives being allowed to enter the country, followed by what will likely be an even greater wave of illegal immigration will de devastating to the country and particularly to Hispanic citizens.”

With another round of illegal immigrant demonstrations scheduled for May 1, “You Don’t Speak for Me” is urging the media to portray fairly the views of Hispanic-Americans on this issue. “You Don’t Speak for Me” spokespeople around the nation are available to speak to the media to present a balanced picture of Hispanic-American views on illegal immigration and amnesty for illegal aliens.