Monday, February 12, 2007

KKK resurgence due to sentiments against immigration

The Klu Klux Klan (KKK) is enjoying a resurgence due to anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S., claims a new report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). According to the ADL’s civil rights director:

“If any one single issue or trend can be credited with reenergizing the Klan, it is the debate over immigration in America. New groups [are] sprouting in parts of the country that have not seen much activity.”

The ADL’s report observed growth in KKK activity in 18 states from the South (e.g. Alabama, Texas, Florida) to the Northeast (e.g. Pennsylvania, New Jersey). Needless to say the KKK is happy to have added support as one white supremacist noted:

“We are booming, and we're waking up middle-class America. We believe illegal aliens are going to be the straw that broke the camel's back.”

And thus we have yet another reason why comprehensive, realistic immigration reform is needed as soon as possible.

Image- teachpol.tcnj.edu (Cover of a 1924 KKK anti-immigration pamphlet)

Links- Christian Science Monitor, All Headline News, The Indianapolis Star

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