This Saturday, renowned historian Kelly Lytle Hernandez and filmmaker Alex Rivera will explore the origins of deportation and its ongoing influence on contemporary immigration policy. The discussion comes at a time when the United States has witnessed intensified immigration enforcement, characterized by aggressive actions such as ICE raids and increased deportations.
Understanding the Current Climate
During a recent appearance on KPBS Midday Edition, Hernandez described the current national conversation surrounding immigration and deportation as a “crisis moment.” She emphasized that many community members face targeted detention and removal. As a historian, Hernandez aims to provide perspective on the historical tools advocates and migrants have employed to confront such policies.
Rivera echoed her sentiments, noting that the ongoing violence related to immigration enforcement is alarming. He remarked on how even those opposed to aggressive immigration tactics often advocate for closed borders, a stance that has gained traction in current political discourse.
Historical Context of Deportation
Hernandez elaborated on the historical backdrop of deportation, tracing its roots to the post-Civil War era. According to her research, one of the first significant deportation laws was the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, which banned Chinese laborers from entering the country for ten years. A decade later, the Geary Act introduced stringent requirements for Chinese immigrants, demanding they register for certificates of residency. Failure to comply could lead to imprisonment and deportation.
“The first so-called deportees are also some of the first immigrant rights activists,” Hernandez noted, highlighting how these early deportees fought against unjust laws.
One notable figure, Fong Ting, submitted himself for arrest to challenge the law. His case eventually reached the Supreme Court, which affirmed the federal government’s power over deportation in a landmark ruling in 1893.
Hernandez explained that the same period saw systemic displacement of Indigenous peoples, paralleling the exclusion of non-White migrants. She detailed how manifest destiny led to violent campaigns against Native Americans, while African Americans faced restrictions that limited their migration post-emancipation.
The Evolution of Resistance
Rivera’s work connects to these historical narratives, particularly his upcoming film, “Banishment,” which focuses on the story of Fong Ting. He expressed a desire to illuminate the struggle against deportation, noting that the notion of deportation was not always accepted as a norm. The film aims to portray the extraordinary efforts of early activists who contested the idea of absolute federal control over immigration.
Both experts highlighted the role of racism and xenophobia in shaping immigration policy, with Hernandez referencing recent remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who derogatorily described Somali immigrants. She pointed out that the language used by political figures today mirrors rhetoric from past centuries, indicating a persistent racial bias in immigration control.
Rivera reinforced this perspective, citing research that shows a staggering 92% of those deported in the last century were people of color. He emphasized that the history of immigration control is deeply entwined with systemic racism and exclusionary policies.
Looking to the Future
The upcoming event, “Where Does Deportation Come From?” aims to stimulate discussion about the implications of deportation in today’s society. Hernandez and Rivera encourage attendees to reflect on the historical context while considering potential alternatives to current immigration practices.
“We need to think from a moral place about how we would want to be treated if we were in similar circumstances,” Rivera stated. Both experts believe that examining history can inspire new pathways toward a more just immigration system.
The event will take place at Bread and Salt in Logan Heights. Hernandez and Rivera hope to engage the community in meaningful dialogue about deportation’s roots and the ongoing fight for immigrant rights.
