"This subject is extremely politically incorrect," he said. "The facts are that illegal aliens fill our hospitals, schools, businesses and jails. We need to shake off the politically correct and call a spade a spade. The land of the free and home of the brave should not be the home of language chaos and cultural confusion."

Rosa Martinez, who has published 2,000 copies of her weekly newspaper for the past 18 months, said there are some stark differences between the various cultures within the Latino community.

"I didn't even know our language was called 'Spanish' when I first came here," she said. She was born in Argentina. "No matter where you live, there are different nationalities, and even the same language can be difficult. But we all have the same concerns and the same worries. We all want to work and care for our children. I think the only way we can show what we mean is to work by example."

Illegal immigration is a national problem, not just a local one, spokespersons on both sides agreed.

"Some groups see us a threat. They say we're changing the culture, that we're changing how America looks," said Yapias. "But all ethnic groups are growing in numbers, and everybody is somehow impacted by immigration. Bringing everybody together is the hardest part, but everyone needs to take part in their community."

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com