Controversial Film, Legislation Fuel Debate

Suffolk Life, June 16, 2004

By Swati Bindra

The screening of the movie Farm­ingville at the Sachem Public Library
last Monday fueled 10 to 12 protesters who stood outside the library
with signs stating that illegal aliens in this country need to be
deported. The award-winning documentary, which debuted at the Sundance
Film Festival, depicts the lives of day laborers and local residents in
Farmingville and drew 300 people last Monday. There were mixed reactions
throughout the audience.

The film's writer and co-director, Carlos Sandoval, said the beatings
and attempted murders of two Mexican day laborers in 2000 were the
inspiration for the film. He added that those responsi­ble were not
residents of Farmingville.

"I want the film to be a vehicle where people can see both sides," said
Sandoval, who is of Latino descent. "Hopefully the film will be the
beginning of a dialogue and will help prevent future violence in the
community."

During a panel discussion with the directors and some of the people
featured in the film, Matilde Parada said she was extremely proud of the
film and that it showed the dignity of the workers. "This film is going
to educate everybody," said Parada, who came to this country as an
illegal immigrant but is now a citizen. "This community needs to learn
to be tol­erant with the day laborers."

Not everyone agreed with San­doval's reasoning behind the film. "There
have been several failed attempts to accurately depict and understand
what is truly happening in Farmingville and in so many other communities
in Ameri­ca," said Ray Wysolmierski, spokesper­son for the group Sachem
Quality of Life. "This video Farmingville, unfortunately, like the
inaccurate documentaries pre-ceding it ... are all inspired by one
unfor­tunate event — the horrific beatings of two illegal alien invaders
by two low-life white supremacist racists who also invaded the community
to wreak havoc ... this community cannot endorse this work as accurately
reflecting the plight of Farmingville."

Sue Grant, one of the protesters out-side the library, said she was not
against immigrants, only illegal immigrants. "It affects our quality of
life," she said.

Eduardo Ruelas, who is also fea­tured in the film, through translation
by Sandoval, said he immigrated to this country to work hard for his
family and educate his son. "My parents taught me to be tolerant ... I
want to have that lega­cy, want to continue it on to those who come here
[illegally]." Ruelas explained that while many people believe that the
day laborers come here to rob or conquer, that is a lie.

"Everybody should see the film and people that commented about finding
solutions should do it," said Christine Harvey, who voluntarily teaches
English to day laborers in Farmingville.

On Long Island the film is scheduled to air on June 24 at 8 p.m. on WLIW21.

A day later at the Legislature meet­ing in Hauppauge numerous
pro-immi­gration groups came to denounce a sense bill sponsored by
Legislator Michael Caracciolo (R-Riverhead) requesting that the federal
government enforce immigration laws.

"This is a racist, unplanned piece of legislation and I am glad there
are a lot of people here to speak against it," said Claudia Ortiz, whose
mother and grand-parents are immigrants.

Caracciolo unsuccessfully attempted to table the resolution, stating
that he wanted the opportunity to bring in those in support of the bill.
The bill ultimately failed by a narrow margin, with seven voting for and
nine voting against.

"I am an immigrant. I came here at the age of 18," Legislator Elie
Mystal (D-Amityville) said. "This bill is hatred."

Jared Feuer, director for the Suffolk Chapter of the New York Civil
Liberties Union, said by voting down this resolu­tion the Legislature
stood for fairness and equality in immigration laws and against fear and
xenophobia. "Immi­grants from Ireland, from Italy, from Eastern Europe,
from China, from Japan — so many of us have a family legacy of
overcoming xenophobia ... we must not forget what was overcome and force
it on those who, simply at this time of history, are in the position of
recent immigrants."

Caracciolo said the controversial leg­islation "had nothing to do with
trying to polarize any type of residents or non-res­idents of the United
States." He added that the local economy has a myriad of contractors who
employ day laborers and exploit them. "These individuals are not paying
taxes and breaking the law," he said. "What Americans would not want to
keep every dollar that they earn?"

According to the American Immigra­tion Lawyers Association, all
individuals who work in the United States are required to pay federal
taxes. They also state that immigrant households paid an estimated $133
billion in direct taxes to federal, state and local governments in 1997.
Feuer added that the average ille­gal immigrant pays $1,800 per year
more in taxes than they receive in benefits.

"This legislation basically makes an inaccurate point that immigrants
place a greater burden on the economy," Feuer said. He added that there
is a need for more comprehensive reform to the nation's current
immigration laws.

"It is a resolution that is just going to stir controversy. Everyone in
the country knows that these laws need to be changed," said Legislator
Paul Tonna (R-Deer Park), who was also on the panel at the screening of
the movie Farmingville the previous day "This is-a symbolic message of
nonacceptance.

"Just because there is a law on the books, does not make it right,"
Tonna continued.

Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher (D-East Setauket) added that the county
does not need this type of negative legis­lation.

Caracciolo said he has reintroduced the legislation.

Copyright © 2004 Suffolk Life

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