KFIRE  http://KFIRE.us

Kentuckians For Immigration Reform and Enforcement

Joining with citizens and like-minded organizations across the country to combat illegal immigration through peaceful and lawful means.

"United we stand, divided we fall."

Report on Bowling Green mobile Mexican Consulate
(protest date 11-13-10)

At about 8:30am, two KFIRE representatives individually approached the one open entry door on the 10 Ave. side of The Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green. They were seeking entry into the church to observe the goings on of the Mexican Consulate set up for the days operation which included giving out Matricula Consular cards.  The "bouncer" at the door, a 280 pound security guard hired by the church, refused to allow them entry. They were, after all, not Latino, but white American citizens. This author observed multiple Latinos obtain entry simply due to the color of their skin.

The guard told me they were on the look out for "protesters."  I had come to the door dressed in a suit and tie and requested an audience with the consulate officer in charge.  In about 10 minutes, Cónsul Juan M. Solana appeared with an assistant and introduced himself to me.  I presented him with a letter respectfully requesting to see the authorization of the State Department that allowed him to set up at this church in Bowling Green. He would not accept the letter, but did read it, noting that he could not answer the question and referred me to the State Department.   

KFIRE President (facing camera) talking with Consul Juan Solana (back to camera). Note "bouncer" at door."

During the cordial course of our conversation I discovered that he believed the law allowed him to do his consulate work anywhere within his consulate district. I disagreed with him, but he simply stated that I did not know the law or have the correct interpretation. 

I asked him about the Matricula card and he noted it was simply a card to register Mexican nationals residing in the U.S. much like students register for college. Not wanting to dispute that point at that moment, I thought to myself, "Yeah, sure." 

On the point of illegal immigration, he said, "That is sad." He was not in favor of it, but thought immigration policy of the United States should be based on economic need, not quotas. Of course, that's why he is Mexican and we are Americans. We think different. We are concerned with the quality of the people who immigrant to our country and we want folks to become Americans.  He seemed to have no problem with multiple heritages or nationalities in one's background, but noted that nationality and citizenship were totally different things...I agree. 

Regarding  temporary passes into the country of Mexico, he noted that we are welcome as long as we can show we have the means to support ourselves, but there was a time limit. I'm guessing that was not his thought regarding illegal Mexican nationals in America. After all, they can receive food stamps and welfare checks for their American born children and stay as long as the money keeps coming back to Mexico in some amount and I don't think they want them back if they run out of money! 

I am taking the Consul's advice in contacting the State Department with a Freedom of Information request to see the verification papers regarding the mobile Mexican consulates traveling within the U.S.  I want to know  who started this crooked ball rolling or if there is no verification at all. May the Lord help us all get to the bottom of this bad deal that leaves Americans vulnerable at every point in our nation to corruption, crime, sorrow, death,  lost jobs, and the theft of our national wealth. 

I changed from my suit to every day clothes and began picketing with my fellow protesters on the sidewalk surrounding the church. The bouncer threatened us the first time we walked by, saying, "You're on church property."  I promptly replied, "If you can prove that this sidewalk is church property, fine," and kept protesting with my mates. We had no more trouble from anyone. We received some waves and nods from a few motorists amongst many indifferent stares, laughs, and frowns; and there were many, many Latinos.

A couple folks engaged us in conversation in support of the Latinos. Of course, this isn't a race question for us, but a question of legality. One or two supposed legal immigrants who were Latino gave us signs of support. 

We ended our protest around 12 noon and ventured toward home, deciding to take a detour into Mammoth Cave.

We enjoyed that for a couple hours, then headed to Lexington, arriving home around 7:30pm.

Was our trip successful? Absolutely! I was able to meet with the chief consulate officer out of Cincinnati and we protested without incident or arrest. To me, that was success!