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Jeff Cashman talks with Friday’s speaker, Greg Gourley.
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Greg Gourley, Director of New Americans of Washington, an organization that helps immigrants apply for and be granted naturalized citizen status, served a wake-up
call to the changing demographics of the Eastside. “The 8th Congressional District is changing rapidly,” said Gourley. “Change is coming at a much faster pace … the last 15
years have covered as much change as the previous 50.”
Describing America’s melting pot as “a fruit salad,” Gourley pointed out that there are no more Ellis Islands, and that new immigrants will fly
directly here from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. They are attracted to Washington because of long-established ethnic communities flourishing in our state.
“In 1950, 89% of Washington’s population was white and 10% black. Now, Latinos – who didn’t even measure in 1950 – constitute 12% of the
population. And by 2050, one in four persons will be Latino. Population growth can be measured in many ways … new area codes, fire and water
district activity, all indicate this growth. Some 70 languages are spoken in Seattle … 30% of the population of Bellevue is an ethnic minority.”
Gourley emphasized that immigrants coming to this country are better educated than those they left behind. High-tech companies would be
sorely tested and their accomplishments radically diminished if it weren’t for the New Americans, Gourley noted. “The contributions these people bring to this country far surpass the benefits taken.”
Everything in the near future points to an ethnic reality: whites will soon be in the minority. With this change, Gourley reports that many experts see
America as a “post-Christian” nation already. With the growth in the number of immigrant Muslims, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the
world. One example of a business catering to the needs of a particular group: a slaughterhouse operates in Sumner where individuals can have animals slaughtered in accordance with their religious beliefs.
Gourley said the largest Korean community in the United States is centered in Federal Way, and the new mayor of Federal Way is Korean. “Jews and Evangelicals from Slavic and Russian areas, along with
Hispanics, are accounting for rapid and dramatic changes in the demographics of the Eastside. St. Louise Catholic Church in Bellevue has
become a regional parish, offering seven weekly services, two in Spanish.
A startling statistic on the issue of illegal aliens is that “the highest number of illegals in this country are from Canada. They have had entry visas and
work cards and have been in the U.S. for sometime … they just stay here.” There are six million illegals in the U.S., but only a million new
immigrants arriving every year, 250,000 of who are illegal. “I would predict another general round of amnesty. With most all of these people
employed, the country can ill-afford not to have them working at their jobs.”
Gourley closed by saying that it’s time to welcome these newcomers into our communities. “These people have been left out, partly because they
are not recognized. But the registration base is changing, and politicians cannot ignore these new Americans. Invite them to your Rotary Club and give them the opportunity to serve.”
Gourley complimented the BBRC for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, commenting, “You are the first group I’ve heard in a long time recite the
Pledge the way it’s suppose to be heard. One nation under God … a complete phrase. Congratulations!”
Thanks to John Sheeran for his introduction.
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