When a news organization advances an agenda, everything is fair game. Univision News demonstrated as much during its shamefully politicized Memorial Day Weekend coverage.
Noticiero Univisión Fin De Semana (Weekend Edition) opened this year's Memorial Day Weekend coverage by running a story that essentially called on the United States to add more noncitizens to the military. Thus it was implied that the military is a refuge of last resort for non-citizens who wish to remain in the United States.
When watching stories that advocate for more immigration (such as this one), it is important to watch for the advocacy quote. Sometimes, the anchor will deliver that quote when introducing or wrapping up a segment. Sometimes, the quote will come from the field reporter. And sometimes, that advocacy quote that neatly nails the actual purpose of the story will come from a guest:
NEW YORK STATE SENATOR ADRIANO ESPAILLAT: Since Congress has failed us and has been unable to give us comprehensive immigration reform, this becomes the only relief available to these young people, which, all they want to do is contribute to the country.
The story discloses that some waivers for entry into the military are granted to immigrants with certain language or other skill sets deemed to be in demand. But what the story didn't mention is the fact that our armed forces are currently in the process of undergoing troop reductions- and so an increase in the numbers of noncitizen personnel is probably unlikely.
But those are just details to Univision. The main purpose of the story was to not let an opportunity to advocate for continued liberal immigration policies go to waste. Not even Memorial Day.
For shame.
