VivirLatino

Eva Longoria speaks up for immigrants

15:20 H | Topics: Activism - Celebrities - Immigration

Eva Longoria is winning her stars back in my book. After pissing off a bunch of people when she allegedly made some negative comments about a Latino cop, Eva's bounced back. First, news that she was producing a documentary about the plight of farmworkers. Now she's proving us wrong when we said that no celebs were stepping up to talk about the immigration debate; she did just that on today's edition of the CBS Morning Show:

It's a shame," she told Smith, "because we're the land of immigrants. I think it's kind of an oxymoron to be fighting this battle about immigrants when everybody is traced back to an immigrant at one time or another. And you (Smith) wouldn't be here if your ancestors hadn't had a chance.

"So why not give these people a chance? And you know, I grew up in South Texas (Corpus Christi), where I didn't cross the border. The border crossed us. So we were Mexicans. And then, one day, we were Americans. And that doesn't change who you are.

"The border crossed us" -- I love it. Reminiscent of the famous "Plymouth Rock landed on us" quote by Malcolm X.

Eva continues:

"It doesn't change my values or my morals, or anything about my life. It doesn't change my language. It doesn't change my religion. I'm still that person. So I think everybody has the right to be treated as a human being, no matter where you're from.

"I think, obviously, our country's in a big debate about the future of immigration, but, I think my responsibility is often colored by the negative media portrayal of Latinos in television and film. So for me, I love playing a non-stereotypical Latin on television. And I love to somehow, in some way contribute to the positive portrayal of Latinos in the media."

Way to go, Eva! Sure, she's saying what a lot of us are already saying, but the fact is that she -- like so many others -- could just shut up about it.

It helps that she's smokin' hot right now -- both career-wise and in the eyes of men across America. Maybe some of you conservatives who secretly drool after her will sit up and take note of what she's saying.

Via / CBSNews.com

Photo via CBSNews.com

Related

• Katie Couric Tries to Boost Sagging Ratings on the Backs of Immigrant Women (Tuesday, Apr 08 2008)
• In the Voice of Immigrant Women : They Wanted to Take Away My Baby (Tuesday, Mar 25 2008)