"Vickie" says she’s tired of living in fear: the fear of immigration officials, Utah politicians targeting people like her and the bad economy here.As a reminder, I favor legal immigration--I'd even support expanding current levels. The problem -- and what I oppose -- is illegal immigration. And lax enforcement--because enforcement works.
So after 18 years in Utah, working without documents, she says her family will probably return to Mexico. . .
Vickie and [her daughter] Lizzie (whom The Salt Lake Tribune agreed not to identify by their real names because they feared repercussions) are examples -- and explanations -- of a recent trend shown by some studies: More undocumented immigrants may now be going home than are coming to Utah. . .
Vickie talks about why her family may join the flow south. Immigration officials started deportation proceedings against her after they found she used a false Social Security number. She was held in jail for 17 days. Her husband was still in detention when she was interviewed. She lost a job because her boss worried her return would bring attention from authorities "and nobody there has papers." In a tough economy, it’s hard for her to find other work--and as a noncitizen she does not qualify for welfare or unemployment benefits.
(via The Corner)
3 comments:
I agree with you on the illegal immigration part. We need an immigration law overhaul, and part of that overhaul needs to be an accommodation of the fact that we need many of the uneducated or poorly educated workers - not just the degree holders. Somebody has to dig the ditches - and it sure isn't going to be someone with a master's degree.
I have no problem with _recruiting_ degree holders, but we need the manual/farm workers, and you can't just allow them to come, work and send them back to where they came from. Granted some may prefer to do that - but we should also be recruiting those who work hard and keep their noses clean. It'll be the next generation of those who will get the education - but that's ok - it's an investment.
I live in an Ag area. When I first came here, I thought it was ridiculous that the elementary school made such a big deal out of 8th grade graduation - but changed my view when I learned that for many of the families, that was the highest level of education in their families...and it was an important landmark for them. If they don't desire the education, they'll continue to supply the labor - if they do, then they'll move up the ladder, just as earlier Americans did.
Sue: I agree with you completely.
You racist bastard!!!
:^P
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