Media Malpractice
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of American democracy. Readers and viewers expect the news media to be responsible - double-checking facts, confirming that quotes are accurate, and looking at different points of view.
Unfortunately, too many news outlets are letting us down when it comes to reporting on immigration in America. Network news programming, particularly cable news, has been complicit in offering extensive airtime to anti-immigrant "spokespeople" who have ties to hate groups, nativist-extremists, and vigilantes.
These representatives usually are identified simply as “opponents to illegal immigration,” and their credentials and history with hate groups and vigilantism are rarely if ever examined or challenged. Often they are scheduled with no opposing viewpoint represented. For the Latino community, “debating” these spokespeople is like having the NAACP debate the Ku Klux Klan on affirmative action – hardly an appropriate way to carry out an important policy debate.
JOURNALISTS AS ANTI-IMMIGRANT ACTIVISTS
Glenn Spencer – Founder, Voices of Citizens Together
National Media Appearances Since 2005: 6
Choice Quote: "If we can bomb the television station in Belgrade we can shut down Univision and Telemundo."
Roy Beck – Executive Director, NumbersUSA
National Media Appearances Since 2005: 12
Choice Quote: "The abandonment of the enforcement of the law by the INS fans the embers of vigilantism that seem never to be fully extinguished in the spirits of human beings seeking a society of order over disorder."
Chris Simcox – Co-founder, Minuteman Project
National Media Appearances Since 2005: 32
Choice Quote: "So far, we've had restraint, but I'm afraid that restraint is wearing thin. Take heed of our weapons because we're going to defend our borders by any means necessary. "
Dan Stein – Executive Director, Federation for American Immigration Reform
National Media Appearances Since 2005: 39
Choice Quote: "It's almost like [Asians and Hispanics] are getting into competitive breeding."
Jim Gilchrist – Cofounder, Minuteman Project
National Media Appearances Since 2005: 39
Choice Quote: "I am proud to be a vigilante."
See code words of hate used against Latinos in the immigration debate
See which spokespeople and hate and extremist groups are using them
Learn about hate crimes against Latinos