Ground zero: three black leaders give a candid look at what life is like for America's black population living at "ground zero" of the illegal-immigration crisis.(Interview)

If one gets the bulk of his or her information from major media sources--television and nationally prominent newspapers and magazines--about the illegal-immigration fight happening in our country, one learns that those who are against amnesty and who are for controlling our borders are narrow-minded, selfish, uncaring bigots. The "bigots," when they call for illegal immigrants to be forced to leave the country, are simply being xenophobic; the "bigots" are not responding to legitimate concerns about nonassimilation by the illegal-immigrant population or about safety or cost concerns.

According to the major media, one of the ways that we know this is true is because blacks as a group, especially those who would be most affected by the invasion of illegal immigrants, are not protesting. There has been no outcry by black leaders--like the Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson--about concerns over illegal immigration. In short, there is no problem.

But the supposed silence of the voices of the black community--or, more accurately, its recognized leaders--does not connote the lack of a problem. The crisis is real, as the interviews of the following three gentlemen, who have abundant firsthand knowledge of the direness of the situation--and who also happen to be black--make clear.

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Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson

THE NEW AMERICAN: What are your thoughts on the current level of illegal immigration?

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson: It is devastating. More than what most Americans know. For example, in South Central Los Angeles, Harbor City [a suburb of Los Angeles], Highland Park [another suburb], and Canoga Park, illegal-alien gangs are killing innocent blacks, not just other gang members. It's so bad in Canoga Park that blacks were warned by the police department to be on the lookout--be aware--because they are being shot down by these illegal gang members.