The current national debate over immigration represents more than finding a resolution for a system that has been dysfunctional far too long. It represents to the Hispanic people in every state a historic breakthrough, to finally be recognized as a people, to finally be acknowledged for the many contributions Hispanics have made to the development of this great nation — not just for the burdensome sweat of our toil left on the fields of the harvest, not just the labor given to develop the national railroad system or the sending of our people into the blackness of the mines to extract the ores that made this country rich. It is an acknowledgement of the blood spilled on the battlefronts for the freedoms enjoyed here. It is a recognition of the beautiful cultural heritage that helps accent this nation with Indian and Spanish traditions. It means seeing our family sacrifices finally acknowledged and appreciated.

But alas, our hopes and dreams were once again dashed against a political wall of rhetoric. Once again we are left to live in the shadows of neglect. Once again we lose the political battle to be considered truly equal, as stated in the Constitution. Once again we, the Latinos, born here on this soil with a genealogical trail that would surpass — in some cases — that of some Mormon immigrants, will be looked upon as a people who have just "recently crossed the border."

All Hispanics with brown skin are continuously asked, "So, where are you from?" and then totally ignored when we reply, "We have always been here, you just never noticed."

Once again we become voiceless in a government that only sees our contributions as a ready labor pool to be discarded when no longer needed, as we were during the Great Depression when thousands of Mexicans suffered the humiliation of being deported with their American citizen children — as my mother was — because they were "no longer needed."

The mistreatment of the "stepchild" who came to this American marriage through the signing of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1884 will not be endured for long. A day will come, in the not so distant future, when the Hispanic numbers will be so great that this "Cinderella people" will finally be allowed into the ball of economic progress.

When that day comes, we will meet our prince. And rule the kingdom.

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Maria Luisa Torres is a mother and homemaker living in Taylorsville.