“A LOOK AT A MODERN DAY ISSUE”
Directed by Eric Byler and Annabel Park
Documentary
Running Time: 81min.
By John Delia
The movement to control illegal aliens in the United States has reached the big screen with the showing of 9500 Liberty in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The documentary delves into the issue confronting modern day America that had some beginnings in Virginia a few years ago. Filmgoers who read my reviews know that I am not to fond of movies that are politically motivated no matter which party or group, but I will say this film deals with a very current, important and fascinating topic.
The documentary follows the events that occurred in Prince William, Virginia, from 2007 to 2008. The average size town had a burgeoning population of Hispanics and the city council wanted to be assured that only legal citizens be a part of it. A resolution was brought up to the city by a group called Help Save Manassas to allow police officers to question anyone they have “probable cause” to suspect is an undocumented immigrant. If found to be illegally in the United States the person would be deported back to their country. When the law passes, it sets off a battle for human rights.
There are many pros and cons brought out in the film.  Most of the Mexicans interviewed in the film are working and paying taxes to the city, state and national government. Deporting them would leave homes unoccupied adding problems to the burgeoning real estate market. Deporting the parents of a US born child does cause a lot of hardship for the family. Do they leave their son or daughter to legal relatives so their child will get a better life?
The obvious controversy comes with illegal status and the laws that govern the United States. If a person has entered the country illegally, has stayed beyond his visit permit or other reason as outlined in immigration laws they are at the mercy of the government agency responsible for administering it. And here is where it becomes hard to deal. If the United States does not uphold the law, then it puts the country in a situation that could cause economical strife and weigh heavy on the tax base. Does it also send a signal to other countries opening the floodgates to all those who can find a way past US borders?
I am leaving it up to audiences to take away from the film what they feel their beliefs will allow. The issue is timely, as it has become huge with the state of Arizona adopting laws that involve illegal aliens. Arguments in the film that weigh heavy on the side of the documenters are prevalent, like most issues brought to the screen.
The film is unrated and does contain some verbal violence and radical slurs.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â An interesting and challenging film.