Do you think the term "anchor baby" is derogatory and/or racist?

[fiynn]

It was used last night in a debate by Michele Bachmann. Many people hadn't heard it. Here's the wikipedia entry:

"Anchor baby" is a pejorative term for a child born in the United States to immigrant parents, who, as an American citizen, supposedly can later facilitate immigration for relatives.[1][2] The term is generally used as a derogatory reference to the supposed role of the child who automatically qualifies as an American citizen and can later act as a sponsor for other family members[2][3] The term is often used in the context of the debate over illegal immigration to the United States, but is used for the child of any immigrant.[1] The practical immigration benefit of having a child born in the US is disputed; family reunification (family-based immigration) in the United States is a lengthy process and limited by law to categories prescribed by provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.[4]

[egann]

The term is not intended to hurt immigrant feelings as much as it is intended to tap into fear of another race that could possibly translate into votes. As a white guy, I try not to let the left-right paradigm rule my life. Most people like to talk about the ethical implications of having a baby in a better country vs. "protecting" the American standard of living.

Allow me to confess that if things got tough here, I might very well have an "anchor baby" of my own in a better place. I think chasing success is something that all humans can or should relate to.

When invited to the left-right paradigm debate in this manner, I have found the following quote to be an inoculation of truth in the discussion: "We (Americans) allowed our corporations to create sweatshops in Central America. Good news is that we can buy cheap socks. Bad news is that we have created a situation so bad down there, those people are coming here. I don't blame them, do you?"

The topic then changes to something more productive.