RENO - The swine flu outbreak has begun to turn political. Because the virus originated in Mexico, some national groups are calling for a stop to illegal immigration.
One group, called, ALIPAC, or Americans For Legal Immigration, has asked congress to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border in order to contain the swine flu. Here in the Truckee Meadows, some members of the Hispanic community say they feel like they're being blamed for the outbreak.
Social networking sites like Twitter, have been overloaded with blogs about Swine Flu and it's relationship with Mexico. In fact, some of the posts are extremely racist.
Certain groups have even suggested that the name Swine Flu should be changed to Mexican Flu. We caught up with U.S. citizen Humberto Rodriguez on Wells Avenue, who says he and his friends feel like Swine Flu's origination in Mexico is a setback for the local Hispanic community.
"They're blaming Hispanics for the flu, but I think it's some bacteria flying around and unfortunately, it started South and its making its way North. They shouldn't point at us," said Rodriguez.
After the 2007 ICE raids on several McDonald's restaurants, leading to dozens of arrests of illegal immigrants, many Hispanics say it's hard enough as it is.
"Folks are already scared to go out and work. It's tough enough to find a job," said Hispanic radio DJ, Lalo Rios, who anchors a mid-day show for LAZER Radio 107.7.
Rios says his listeners are upset over calls for closing up the border. He says some locals are jobless, and worried they won't be able to send down money, if the virus infects their loved ones in Mexico City.
"It's a virus. Any of us can get it. Closing the borders is not going to help. Pointing the finger at certain groups isn't going to help anything either," he added.
But there is another side. KOH News Talk 780 host Bill Manders says he does think the borders should be closed, and should have been a long time ago--but not because of swine flu.
"There have been many deaths in Mexico and that's where they get the blame for this and it's unfortunate because I don't think they are to blame for it," said Manders.
Manders says instead of blaming Mexico, Americans as a whole should focus on practicing better hygiene. He says issues regarding illegal immigration are being brought to the forefront by people with an agenda, and they shouldn't be mixed up with this latest flu outbreak.
"Legal Hispanics have nothing to worry about. Illegal Hispanics are always going to look for something to further their cause. If you start to politicize and event like this, you're asking for real trouble," said Manders.
Rodriguez says he's hoping health officials get control of the flu, and the blame, so his friends in hiding can get back to work.
"A lot of them, they're judged because they have no documents. They're good people."
A spokesman for the national group, ALIPAC, says this latest health threat stemming from Mexico proves America's strong need for better border security. The secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, says she has no intention of the securing the borders, since the flu has already spread to the U.S., and closing the border could cost millions of dollars in lost profits and commerce.
Cuba has suspended flights to and from Mexico for 48 hours, becoming
the first country to impose a travel ban. This, even though the world health organization says such restrictions won't work. The European Union's disease control agency as well as the U.S., Canada, Israel and France are all warning against nonessential travel to Mexico.
