Immigration Debate Impacts Eva

Longoria Feels Responsibility To Latinos; Is In Film 'The Sentinel'

(CBS)  Even winning an Oscar, she say, "wouldn't matter. As long as I was on a soap. We didn't grow up with movies when I was little. We couldn't really afford to go to movies, so we grew up with soap operas and television and daytime television. So it was a big deal when I got 'Young and the Restless.' "

But Longoria knows her roles are just that, and the immigration questions pulling at the nation are all too real.

"It's a shame," she told Smith, "because we're the land of immigrants. I think it's kind of an oxymoron to be fighting this battle about immigrants when everybody is traced back to an immigrant at one time or another. And you (Smith) wouldn't be here if your ancestors hadn't had a chance.

"So why not give these people a chance? And you know, I grew up in South Texas (Corpus Christi), where I didn't cross the border. The border crossed us. So we were Mexicans. And then, one day, we were Americans. And that doesn't change who you are.

"It doesn't change my values or my morals, or anything about my life. It doesn't change my language. It doesn't change my religion. I'm still that person. So I think everybody has the right to be treated as a human being, no matter where you're from.

"I think, obviously, our country's in a big debate about the future of immigration, but, I think my responsibility is often colored by the negative media portrayal of Latinos in television and film. So for me, I love playing a non-stereotypical Latin on television. And I love to somehow, in some way contribute to the positive portrayal of Latinos in the media."

On a lighter note, Longoria added she's looking forward to the National Basketball Association playoffs. San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker is her boyfriend, and she managed to make it to many of the team's games this season.