Web 2.0 “refers to a perceived second-generation of Web based communities and hosted services such as social networking sites, wikis and folksonomies that facilitate collaboration and sharing between users” (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0). Illegal immigration is a huge issue with some 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants in the United States. What happens when Web 2.0 meets illegal immigration? It is called WeHireAliens.com.Jason Mrochek is managing a website that posts the names, address, and phone number of companies that allegedly hire illegal immigrants. He explains his website this way:
The biggest incentive for illegal aliens to come to the United States is to find work. If there are no employers willing to hire the illegal aliens, then the flood of illegal aliens will subside. So the purpose of this website is to expose “alleged” employers of illegal aliens. In this effort we need your help. First, if you know of a suspected employer of illegal aliens report them here.
Whatever you may think of this website, it fits the definition of Web 2.0. It is a network for collaborating and sharing of information in an interactive approach. In this situation, it invites reports by citizens who “out” employers hiring illegal immigrants. The site then lists the details of that employer and allows the user to search information by name, location, and a variety of other means.
It also has its critics. According to an article by The Arizona Republic:
The site was launched in February 2005 out of frustration with the federal government’s lack of worksite enforcement. Its goal is to pressure employers to stop hiring undocumented workers and, therefore, reduce a main incentive of illegal immigration. The site, funded by donations, now averages 750,000 to 1 million hits a month.
Love or hate, agree or disagree, WeHireAliens.com, it is one clear example of Web 2.0 crossing into the world of illegal immigration issues. What political hot button is next on the horizon? Stem cell research? Abortion? Gun control? Only time will tell.
Listen to NPR’s take on WeHireAliens.com.
The Arizona Republic’s assertion is interesting because it completely ignores the actual history of the founding of this country. Many were the anonymous authors writing pamphlets and letters in the paper at or near our founding. The Federalist Papers as we as the Anti-Federalist were written with pseudonyms. As well, Benjamin Franklin himself wrote under assumed names for various reason. It is a long tradition in this country to write anonymously.
That the Arizona Republic is ignorant of this fact is telling of the media as a whole. They prefer to make up their own history to support their positions rather than deal with reality.