Efrain Montalvo is more than a participant for the disadvantaged youth; he is an activist for the Immigration Rights Movement. This movement helps the general public voice their opinions on racism towards immigrants and their opposition towards the rights of refugees. In the recent interview with the Independent, activist Efrain Montalvo talks about his strong desire to eliminate racism, his involvement with the movement, the purpose of the Immigration Movement, and his advice to those who fear the progression of those of a different color and belief-system.
INDEPENDENT: How did you get involved with the Immigration Movement? How long have you partaken in the movement?
EFRAIN MONTALVO: I got involved with the movement through the Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refuge Rites. A good friend of mine advised me to apply to go. Before arriving to Alabama for the commemoration of Martin Luther King’s march from Selma to Montgomery-a march to ratify HB-56, which was the most racist law passed on immigration in Alabama. Also, I had attended an immigration march in Chicago Illinois on May 25, 2011. I had also partaken in another fight against racism on May 1, 2007. Basically, I wanted to display to the world that I have a voice and I am not scared to correct the wrongs in life.
IN: What encouraged you to get involved in the immigration movement?
EM: I think I was encouraged more by the inhumanity and injustices that we as immigrants face, whether we’re European, Latinos, Eastern, African or Muslim immigrants. Believe it or not, we encounter the same struggles with bigotry, lack of education, poverty and other social ills. So, the movement needs these people to act together to fix humanity and restore pride and, in addition to that, take control of our politics so we can vote not for the lesser of two evils but for some one that has our best interest at heart.
IN: What is your advice to those who are against the Immigration Laws?
EM: We are not going to be turned around based on what you fear and what you despise! We refuse to return to fascism. So, you might as well give up because we have just as much right to be here as you do.
IN: Where can people reach you online?
EM: People can contact me at my e-mail, which is Montalvo.efrain@ymail.com.