San Diego County is home to some of the most hostile and aggressive anti-immigrant activity in the nation. From vigilantes to virulent radio talk-show hosts to leaders of the congressional anti-immigrant caucus, San Diego produces some of the worst actors of hate and intolerance in the country.

Because of the prominent anti-immigrant voices coming from this area, people from outside of San Diego sometimes refer to it as the "New South." Do we deserve this title? Perhaps. Over the last year, the number of hate crimes against Latinos has risen more than 25 percent in San Diego County, an alarming increase that is spurred by vocal anti-immigrant rhetoric.

But we can change this if we speak up to stop the hate. A poll conducted by the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium in June 2007 shows that while a majority of county voters are concerned about illegal immigration, an overwhelming majority believe that undocumented immigrants are mostly hardworking people trying to make a better life.

By wide margins, county voters feel that immigrants have a strong work ethic, strong family values, and strong religious values. These are values that Americans hold dear. They are American values and they are immigrant values and they are values that should unite us rather than divide us.

CAMPAIGN FOR A UNITED AMERICA

The San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium has joined the nationwide Campaign for a United America to promote a dialogue that respects the contributions of all community members including our immigrant friends and neighbors and explores a sensible, humane, and compassionate approach to life together in a diverse America.

We stand with the majority of Americans who find themselves alarmed by the increasingly scornful actions and hateful rhetoric of an anti-immigrant movement that aims to divide America in order to advance their far-reaching and intolerant agenda.

We know that throughout our history, anti-immigrant sentiment has been overcome by those of us who understand that immigration is a proud part of our uniquely American heritage. But we recognize that voices of intolerance are gaining momentum. Our goal is to build a network of common friends and allies so we can share information, collectively denounce heinous attacks against our American values and encourage dignified dialogue that respects all Americans, including immigrants, and their contributions to our nation.

If you want to rise above the name-calling and mudslinging, now is the crucial time to stand up for an inclusive and united America. If you think the national conversation on immigration must be honest and sensible, your voice is necessary to pull this conversation back from the intolerant fringes.

To learn more about the Campaign for a United America, go to www.campaignforaunitedamerica.org.