This is an interesting statement by a major Black Democratic official.

Activist Ted Hayes is right ˜ illegal immigration has lowered wages and pushed African Americans out of the building trades and service jobs that were our opportunity to have the American dream. Illegal immigration has also strained education and healthcare services in distressed communities, disproportionally affecting African Americans.

The illegal immigration agenda is not a civil rights movement. The civil rights movement called for dignity and opportunity for all Americans. African American soldiers died for this country when they were not able to get the benefit at home of full citizenship. African Americans are first and foremost Americans ˜ we are not going back to any other country; our home is here. African Americans have given their hearts and souls to this country ˜ that is what makes you a citizen.

THEODORE J. SMITH III
Chair, African American Caucus
California Democratic Party
Los Angeles