Immigration rights supporters asking Ann Arbor officials to help stop deportation of mother of three
Lourdes Salazar Bautista, who came to the U.S. from Mexico in 1997 and is facing deportation Dec. 27, appears before the Ann Arbor City Council with two of her three children and a translator.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"I've come here to ask for your support," Bautista said, making an emotional plea Monday night before the Ann Arbor City Council and speaking through a translator.
Bautista, who came to the U.S. from Mexico in 1997, is facing deportation Dec. 27 after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for nearly a month in July 2010.
"Everything was fine until last year," she said. "Immigration came and picked me up and I was detained for 23 days. And in exchange for me to stay, my husband was deported. So now I'm here, I was here for a year, and now they want to deport me, too."
About three dozen supporters attended the council meeting, carrying signs with messages like "We are with Lourdes!" and "Protect families, support Lourdes."
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Specifically, supporters are hoping to have the city and county sign on to a letter addressed to ICE Director John Morton that demands a halt to Bautista's deportation.
"Rather than the destruction of her family for Christmas, help Lourdes give her children the gift of stability," Laura Sanders, one of the co-founders of the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, told council members Monday night.
About three dozen supporters attended the council meeting, carrying signs with messages like "We are with Lourdes!" and "Protect families, support Lourdes."
Sanders said Bautista moved here 14 years ago and has three children — ages 7, 9 and 13 — who are U.S. citizens, attend Ann Arbor schools, and "very much need their mother."
"We may not be able to solve this huge problem on the local level, but we can open the conversation, take a stand against injustice, and make a difference for this family," she said.
Council Member Mike Anglin, D-5th Ward, said there's probably not much the City Council can do about federal immigration matters.
"It's well beyond our means," he said. "But the dialogue that needs to happen nationally is very important and we're members of that dialogue."
Anglin called Ann Arbor a progressive city that cares about all people, and he said he thinks it's a worthy cause to fight to keep Bautista from being deported.
Laura Sanders, one of the co-founders of the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, joins Bautista at the podium.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Sanders said Bautista has no criminal record, and her case is not an isolated incident. While President Barack Obama has made it a policy to target criminals for deportation, more than half of the 400,000 immigrants deported in 2010 had no criminal records, Sanders said.
"Our community is a special target for this discriminatory and trumped-up enforcement because of our close proximity to the Canadian border," she said, adding Detroit-based immigration teams come into Washtenaw County neighborhoods targeting Latino immigrants.
As a result, Sanders said, hundreds of children in Washtenaw County alone have lost their parents.
But through entities like the city's Human Rights Commission, Sanders said, Ann Arbor stands out as a beacon of equality for all people.
"Let's get really smart about how our precious immigrant community is under attack in the name of national security," she said.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
TFR
Mon, Dec 12, 2011 : 4:52 a.m.
If this were the United States of TFR, there would be two parallel fences with barbed wire in between along both borders; and no-one will be coming in illegally. And if you are already here, you'll be going home. Next summer take a drive through Lenawee County (the back roads). You will see lots of migrant camps filled with illegals.
Daniel Soebbing
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
I don't care what language this woman or her family speaks, but she has just as much of a right to be here as any American does, seeing as we are all occupying land that was stolen from indigenous communities. If a member of the Chippewa tribe wants to complain about this woman being here they have a legitimate argument. I don't recognize any of the complaints that people of European ancestry make about immigrants. Besides, all of these immigrant haters are just parroting the speech of politicians that are bought and paid for by the ruling class. The laborers of the United States have more economic and social interests in common with the poor immigrants that come to our shores looking for work than they do with the wealthy politicians that complain about the "scourge" of illegal immigration. The only people that face barriers to entry to the United States are the poor. Entry to this country can be bought very easily. Capital knows no boundaries. Capital can move to exploit foreign markets and take advantage of cheap labor or lax regulation. I don't see why people shouldn't be granted the freedom to move and live where they want to if we don't put similar restrictions on the movement of capital, which is the product of the labor of people.
Daniel Soebbing
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 8:48 p.m.
@SonnyDog09 That was my understanding as well.
SonnyDog09
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
I was under the impression that the ancestors of "Native Americans" migrated to the Americas from Asia across the land bridge that once connected Alaska and Siberia. Doesn't that make them immigrants, too?
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 12:03 p.m.
<a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis" rel='nofollow'>http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis</a> boy that took all of 10 seconds...(on a slow computer)
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
Given the stones that were thrown, must be a lot of people living in glass houses.
Blue Eyes
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
When you come to this country illegally, you deserve to be deported. The City has no business getting involved in this - they shouild be paying attention to their own problems.
grye
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Has anyone here with negative comments checked into what is required to become a resident alien and then a citizen, and how much it would cost? Bet not. Most of the illegals do not have the necessary funds to accomplish this. So your response is stay in the poverty pit from wence you came. We don't want you. The opportunities here are only for us, not for you. And who will do the jobs they perform?
Hope
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 11:32 p.m.
Sallyxyz I would really like to read your answer to grye's question at the end of the post
Sallyxyz
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.
If you come to any country illegally and are caught, you need to be deported. Period. End of story.
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
And take her family with her. We are tired of politicians trying to get votes by supporting ILLEGAL immigrants. She has been here 14 years and still needs a translator? I wonder who is supporting her and her family?
Carole
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
Indeed, it is sad about the deportation, however, these individuals have been in American long enough to have gone through the process to become "legal citizens of the USA" -- did not do so. If any US citizen illegally entered Mexico, they would not be treated as kindly as those from Mexico who illegally come to the USA. Go about entering the states legally, and there are no problems whatsoever.
Hope
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 11:28 p.m.
AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CAN NOT BECOME "legal citizens of the USA" !!!!!!!! I don't understand where do you people get these ideas. Let's think about it: An illegal immigrant goes to INS and says: "Hello everybody I am here illegally and I was wondering if I could get some forms to fill out and become "legal citizen of the USA". " :-) The INS officer: "Oh really, you are here illegally. Come closer so I can put these shiny handcuffs on and deport you" :-)))) The INS officer to another officer: "Hahaha this one came strait to us!" I also posted this yesterday, just so there is no confusion about why people come here illegally in the first place: "A: People come here illegally not because they don't want to "wait in line for years" but because they CAN NOT get US Visa to enter the country in the first place. Why? Because the requirements for US Visa are impossible to meet. They are: 1. a well paid, stable job 2. a property (condo, house) 3. immediate family you are leaving behind (spouse and/or children) no single people please! or unfinished school (but you can not be a freshman or a senior)
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
You obviously know very little about the process, or you could not write what you did. Most people who wish to become citizens are actually treated like dirt by many Immigration officials (not all, of course, because there are decent people who work at INS). No upstanding US citizen would accept going through what a lot of immigrants seeking their green card or citizenship go through -- we would scream and cry "for our rights". If you would look into the process, you would be ashamed that we treat people that way. It is an embarrassment to a country that calls itself "just"!
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
Glad to see compassion is alive and well. How can you destroy a family in the name of what? These kids have done nothing wrong, and they are the ones being punished. Sorry, but this smacks of pure racial/ethnic discrimination. How can we call ourselves a Christian nation, and then act like this? Our immigrant forefathers (and mothers) all came here looking for a better life -- is that what the crime is? Then we are all guilty. And just because she has trouble with English? Come on! Not everyone can easily learn another language, and especially if you are concentrating on other issues, such as bringing up your family, educating them, making them good citizens. Again, this is pure ethnic discrimination. She doesn't look like us, talk like us or act like us, therefore she must be bad, so let's get rid of her. What has the USA become? This is not the same country that fought for its independence 200+ years ago. We have lost the very essence of what has made us great. And if we do not re-find it, we shall go down like all great empires -- in a whimper. And we will not even know what happened to us. There is stength in diversity, and in this effort to keep the US "pure", we forego the very strength we so need to continue. How we have become a nation of "everthing for me, nothing for you". We are sowing the seeds of our own destruction.
Steve Hendel
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
Councilor Anglin, you and your fellow Councilors were NOT elected based on your views about immigration policy. Furthermore, and even if you were, responding to an emotional appeal like this without full knowledge of the facts (and not just one side's version of them) is not what I call being a good Councilor.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:26 a.m.
WOW it amazes me how HEARTLESS people are...First of all you can not just become a Citizen, its not that easy! get your facts right. if it was that easy, we would not have anyone here illegal. I know if i had to go to another country Illegally to support my family and keep them alive I WOULD!!! And no one else knows if they would until they were in that situation, but Us Americans do not have to worry about that, because we have state aid and free clinics, and food pantries that we can go to, these people do not have that in their countries, they have no help at all, life for them is not easy at all. Why dont you take the time to talk to an illegal alien and see how their life was in their country, and see if you would make the same choice they did, i know i sure would. The work Anchor Baby really need to stop, because OBVIOUSLY it is not true! and what makes you people think that just because they are illegal they get state aide?/ THEY DO NOT.. they can not!! a legal resident has to be here for 5 years before they can get cash assistance. and they work to make their money, they pay taxes and unlike us, they do not get thousands of dollars back at tax time. Have you ever watched the movie A day with our a Mexican?? you really should..we would be in trouble...and so what if she needed a Translator, maybe she speaks English but wanted someone by her side to help her if needed during this time for her. These people do not have the Luxury us Americans have where we can just go to what ever country we want, or move to what ever country we want...How many of us visit these countries for vacations, or retire and buy property or houses there?? hmm maybe they should stop that too!! i would if i was them, how can it be so easy for us to go there but they can not come here, something is wrong with that if you ask me!! And do not blame the poor kids for this, they have nothing to do with this!!! You people should really check your facts first! and have a heart!!!
pegret
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
Apparently we're a little naive, Jennifer, because I too am amazed at the vehemence and smugness of many of these commenters. And as for those who are disturbed that she hasen't mastered the language yet...I've had doctors and professors who could barely speak or understand english! Hopefully Ms. Bautista's supporters can help to expedite the process for her to become legal.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
Ms. Hernandez, you state this very eloquently. I can only say "Amen" to your comments. They are spot on!
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 6:23 a.m.
"life is not easy for them" -- Yeah, and it's not easy for millions of Americans who work for low wages and no benefits either. Since when are Americans responsible for every Mexican, Haitian, Islamic state who have hard lives? Doesn't it ever occur to idealists like you that our own economy is sinking and our wealth is shrinking along with shrinking benefits and rising educational costs? How much and how long will we have to keep paying for other countries problems, "making up the difference" - before we go under too? The New World Order dictates that we now have to "compete" with huge under paid populations just to earn enough to (contradictorily) pay for the imported tvs and cars, etc. "You people should really check your facts first..." - Well, many of us HAVE and the facts say that an American cannot move to Mexico and get a job - nor stay there more than 2 years. Your "compassion" plays right into the hands of the elite in this country: they LOVE your spirit of sacrifice because THEY find it a handy replacement for the compassion they don't have! Go be a Goodwill Trooper on your own: But don't expect an already beleaguered population of Americans to cooperate in our own downfall. Don't expect the majority here to accept an Open Floodgate as a replacement for laws that protect us to... some degree (though they're not enforced).
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:31 a.m.
that is suppose to say the movie A Day Without A Mexican!
Hope
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:34 a.m.
After reading all your comments I see that many people don't know enough about immigration. Here are some facts: A: People come here illegally not because they don't want to "wait in line for years" but because they CAN NOT get US Visa to enter the country in the first place. Why? Because the requirements for US Visa are impossible to meet. They are: 1. a well paid, stable job 2. a property (condo, house) 3. immediate family you are leaving behind (spouse and/or children) no single people please! or unfinished school (but you can not be a freshman or a senior) How many immigrants (aliens, if you wish) do you know that left their good jobs, family and houses only to come here and work for the minimum wage or less, over 40 hrs, no overtime paid, living in fear of getting deported. B: All welcome! How? Anyone is eligible for: 1) ID or Driver's License, 2) Bank account (checking and savings), 3) IT number (Individual Tax payer ID (no Social Security number,work permit or green card needed to get it!!!) 4) DTE and Comcast account Ha, what else would you need to feel like home? With all the above you can get yourself an apartment, a job and a car, why not. :-) C: And of course JOBS, they are everywhere because: 1) Americans choose unemployment over a low paid job or they're just looking for something "better" 2) Employers hire immigrants rather because they are willing to learn, they stay longer with the company (for many Americans these jobs, especially restaurant jobs are just temporary), they work overtime (usually not paid extra), they are reliable and dependable Few more facts: A "fake SSN" is not "identity theft"! A fake card has the name of the immigrant on it! Immigrants DON'T get the tax return, our government keeps all the money! An illegal immigrant CAN NOT become a US citizen! We should fight banks and insurance companies, corporations and lobbyists, not immigration and immigrants, whether legal or not Thank you for reading my com
aawolve
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
That's a cute comment, but corporations, lobbyists, and illegal immigration are all hand-in-hand. Employers hire illegal immigrants, because they are the cheapest, and for no other reason.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:10 a.m.
AMEN to this!!! people need to check their facts before they say anything!! us americans have it made and dont know the struggle these people go through..its sad how many people are heartless!!!
bunnyabbot
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:02 a.m.
a fake SSN card is forgery which is a federal offense, which is a crime and therefore illegal.
sh1
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:21 a.m.
Sheesh! B'ah, humbug to all of you. Doesn't anyone have empathy anymore?
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:08 a.m.
Tru2Blu76...what makes you think she was on Welfare?? just because she is here illegal??? they can not get welfare..check your facts!
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:57 a.m.
Empathy? Empathy for someone now regretting what a mess they've made for themselves and their kids - by voluntarily and consciously taking advantage of the wealth of America while violating a federal law??!! I have empathy: for the legal citizens, including legal immigrants, who pay taxes and who believe we should help OUR poor and disadvantaged people. But the wealthy tell us that's "communism" and instead create open gates for foreigners to flood our job market and get OUR tax money through welfare programs intended for our own poor.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.
I agree completely: this is a tragedy for this woman and her children. But it is: a tragedy she consciously created for herself and them. No one can be the perpetrator and, at the same time, call for help in continuing their crime. Related: what ever happened to the claim that, by building factories in Mexico and offering good jobs for Mexicans, the illegal immigration problem would be solved?? Actual facts show there's been an increase in illegal immigration since the corporate geniuses started this unprecedented "transfer of wealth" to Mexico. That was OUR wealth (American jobs) they transferred and all we've gotten since is a declining Middle Class and expanding Poor Class. Who's to say that woman's job didn't belong to a law-abiding natural born American? How does having an illegally held job and paying income taxes make her look better? "Making" children American citizens because they happened to be born of (illegal) immigrant parents ON American soil is a travesty of logic and justice. - Justice that also BELONGS TO US. What's behind all this is our own politicians: they've done their best for Corporate Interests and refused to stand up to the Mexican government which imposes draconian limitations on "foreigners" and at the same time refuses virtually all immigration & naturalization to Mexico.
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:28 a.m.
Why don't we ask her boss who that job belonged to? Oh, wait.... We can't bother the privileged class.
FredMax
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
I love when people play the Native American card to defend illegal immigration. Native Americans lost their country BECAUSE of a mass influx foreigners. So the point is that we should make the same mistake?
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
No, the point is we ought to give it back to the rightful owners. We never asked them if they wanted us here.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:34 a.m.
You're right but the Native Americans had (have) no choice. But -- WE DO. All the more reason not to allow this to go on. Show down time: on this and other issues: - either our government will act in our best interest or it's OUT YOU GO.
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.
They nearly lost our attempted genocide!
snapshot
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
What is city council doing getting involved with immigration law. It'slaw folks and if you are an American citizen then you need to abide by American law. Try going to Mexico illegally and see what happens. Guatemalans get a three year prison sentence in a Mexican jail and then deported. Go to another country and see what happens if an authority asks for your passport and you can't produce it. I can assure you that you won't get an audience with a "city council".
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:05 a.m.
where in the world are you getting your facts?? Guatemalans do NOT get 3 years in prison for being illegal in Mexico, it happens DAILY!! they do not have enough room for that! and Us AMERICANS have the luxury of not having to worry about going somewhere illegal because we have it easy here and can travel anywhere!
KINGofSKA
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
You try living in another country illegally for 14 years and see what happens. Only she's lucky it was the U.S. where our gov't welcome illegals. She brought this on herself and our justice system is starting to do what it is there for.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
Where do people get off believing that the USA is the only country where you live illegally? I have travelled to more that 25 countries worldwide, and I have lived in several of them (legally, by the way, in most; illegally in one as a student), and there was not one of them that did not have illegal aliens everywhere you wanted to look. They just chose to keep the issue in perspective, which was treating it as the non-issue it was. Catch an illegal alien doing something illegal, then, yes deport him/her. But why create an issue where non exists? Unless of course there is another issue hidden under that issue, ie, they look funny, they talk funny, their culture is a threat to my beliefs, etc.
microtini
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
I thought aa.com didn't allow comments that blame the victim.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.
What? She's not a victim, she's a perpetrator. The citizens of the USA are the victims of this crime.
justcurious
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
She is not an "immigrant". She is an illegal alien. She needs to return to Mexico with her children.
thecompound
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
"Everything was fine until last year" when immigration picked her up?? So she was perfectly happy being here illegally until those darn immigration people found her. Oh the indignity of it all.
Robbo
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.
She's in the US. It's not the country she's a citizen in. So cut the bull and send her home. Or…give her a chance to become legal.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.
She has had her chances, 14 years worth.
Kai Petainen
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
somehow this is reminding me of a plot twist in a 'Desperate Housewives' story arc last year.
A A Resident
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
mrshicks wrote: "The responses to this article show that we are not the type of community they are describing in this article at all. Just under the surface comes the judgemental, entitled, opinionated and righteous attitudes. Didn't take much to scratch it either." _____________________________ Haven't you yourself just displayed the very judgmental and righteous attitudes that you are criticizing? I think these incongruities in your post show that our community would benefit most if you would focus on your own personal awareness and introspection, rather than being so judgmental of others.
nowayjose
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:35 p.m.
Seriously? After 14 years she needs a translator?
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:02 a.m.
just because she needs a translator does not mean she does not speak english at all...maybe she just needs a little help so what!!!
ratbstard
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
Quote: Sanders said Bautista moved here 14 years ago and has three children — ages 7, 9 and 13 — who are U.S. citizens, attend Ann Arbor schools, and "very much need their mother." So she dropped anchor asap and I'll bet she's been on the public dole ever since.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
The typical stereotype -- all illegal aliens don't work and are on the dole. They do not contribute to our economy. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.
ok the word anchor is just ignorant..because obviously it does not help does it??? and they can not get public assistance being here illegal..so you think that just because they are here illegal they get public assistance?? check your facts!
Jean Miller
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.
It is a misconception that undocumented workers do not pay taxes. They are eligible for an Individual Tax payer ID that doesn't depend on a Social Security number or a green card.A great many of them pay taxes just like the rest of us. Also there are numerous Europeans here illegally, including a great many Irish nannies in Boston and on the East Coast. Where is enforcement there?
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.
1. just paying taxes on income that is gained through illegal access isn't "just" or any sensible argument FOR illegal access. 2. Illegals of other nationalities? Sure - now show us the actual numbers compared to the tens of millions of Mexican illegals.
alarictoo
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10 p.m.
Wondering if we'll see her on CTN next, at a School Board meeting asking for the BoE to intervene... ;^)
Arno B
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10 p.m.
An appeal to City Hall? That sounds odd. Referring to another Obama empty promise to deport only felonious illegals - I guess these poor folks haven't learned the futility of political promises. I'm surprised that the sponsoring community hasn't appealed to our Washington wonder-worker Dingell or the other two heavy hitters (Stabenow and Levin): Let's see how far their enthusiasm goes to help out in this situation. It is also interesting to hear Anglin's meek retort that "...there's little that City Council can do...". Since when does that matter? This Council has no problem with pontificating for years about other items which are out of their domain [the noble thoughts about being against South Africa's policies many years ago, for example, plus recent pious thoughts about "social justice" items sent to Lansing, Washington, etc.
alarictoo
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:58 p.m.
If she is here illegally (which Ryan conveniently neglects to state in his "article"), then US INS is within their purview to proceed with the deportation. I do not like the situation, but perhaps she and her husband should have considered that when they entered the country illegally, if they are in fact here illegally.
Brittanicus
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
What about the 20 million plus who have illegally settled here already. Read the real costs of illegal immigration, which has been studied extensively by the Heritage Foundation. There are grids, analysis and carefully calculated grafts of federal payout and state coffers, that are bleeding $113 Billion dollars a year or rising. Then there is the 46 billion dollars that leave the United States of an estimated $46 Billion, to foreign banks; not reentering American commerce. Another legislator has joined the co-sponsors to enact 'The Legal Workforce Act (H.R.2885) or extensively known as E-Verify. A mandatory law that holds businesses owners accountable, for hiring illegal workers and only 32 sponsors to go, before it reaches the house floor. Learn more at NumbersUSA or call your Senator or Congressman at 202-224-3121 and giving your name, address to the aid and insisting your representative in the Senate-House uphold the law and co-sponsor H.R. 2885.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
If you believe that what the Heritage Foundation puts out , then it is no wonder you saying what you say. They are hardly a bastion of knowledge and fair opinion.
justbob
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
This is an issue for INS and the federal government to sort out. Period. City council...seriously? It's bad enough that they have their own inflated sense of importance and spend time passing resolutions and micromanaging how to interpret the intentions of pedestrians. I think there are more effective ways of participating in the national dialogue about this important issue than through the AA City Council. I'm sure it made Ms. Bautista's supporters feel good to publicly endorse her cause. I'd rather wish no one support Council's bloated sense of national importance so they can focus on provision of city services.
aawolve
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
I have worked with two different physicians who had to leave the country for a period of time, before they could come back to practice. It's tough to have to have to go by rules, but it's also fair. I don't blame her for trying to make it here, but all illegal immigrants should be deported, and should have no legal right to any taxpayer benefits.
Jennifer Hernandez
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
ILLEGALS can NOT get drivers licences anymore!! or healthcare!! check your facts!!!
aawolve
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:20 p.m.
@ jayjay- Are you serious? Many obtain false ID. They are able to procure driver's license and health care, for two examples. In some states, illegal aliens are eligible for in-state tuition rates, that actual citizens of the United States do not have access to.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Tell me what taxpayer benefits they receive? They cannot register for any for fear they will be caught and deported! Something is missing somewhere. And they are one of the biggest potential sources of communicable disease -- they will only go to an emergency room when whatever they have is out of control and may have been spread to others. Benefits, yeh, tell me about it.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
So what happens to the 3 kids?
Michigan Man
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
Easy answer = Back to Mexico with mom and dad = intact family!
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:23 a.m.
What happens to the millions of American kids whose parents lost their jobs in the Great Republican Recession of 2008? It's true the Mexican Govt. is draconian and anti-immigration on a grand scale: too bad, time to kick their butts and force them to realize we can get really mean if they don't reform their own country. People I know have relatives in Mexico (Mexican citizens with family ties here): they hate and fear their own government. The government there: really supports the exodus of the poor because it forestalls revolution. Millions of Mexicans working here: send money they earn to their families in Mexico. How much of that ends up circulating between there and here? Damned little. There is only DRAIN-DRAIN-DRAIN and no recompense for Americans.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
"Thus, US born children of deported persons are sometimes taken and placed for adoption here." ... which will be blamed on us evil American, rather than the mother, which is where 100% of the blame belongs.
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
It depends on whether or not our government and the Mexican government allow them to emigrate to Mexico. As US citizens, they cannot be deported and the Mexican government is under no obligation is under no obligation to grant them visas. Thus, US born children of deported persons are sometimes taken and placed for adoption here.
Davidian
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9 p.m.
Time for them to brush up on their espanol.
Chatterbox
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:55 p.m.
Illegal imigration to developed countries world wide (not only in the USA) is a function of economic forces. Most persons sharing commentary about Loudres spout righteos indignation and examine the issue from the comfortable perspective of their current secure existence. The profound mistake is to believe you can solve a complex socio-economic problem such as this one by simply outlawing an activity that is really an expression of strength, ambition,determination and the will to survive. How many of you are currently enrolling your children or grandchildren in Chinese Language classes?
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:04 p.m.
How can you make such a comment, ie, that we cannot solve the problem by legislating it and making it illegal? Remember how we stopeed inflation by making it illegal to raise prices, ie, with price controls. And how the system just purred along so efficiently until we could remove them, no distortions, no issues, nothing! And i guess for those who question evolution, we can make it illegal to by outlawing it? How about cancer? Let's make that illegal also. Hey, while we are at it, why don't we make it illegal to belong to any religion we do not like or agree with? Oh, you mean we are trying to do that? Thank God, it's great to ba an American! Joe McCarthy would have been proud!
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
Pleeeze: Understand that this IS a political as well as a legal matter. The question isn't over 'they do it everywhere else" - the point is that DOING IT HERE is proven to damage both legal immigrants and natural born citizens through resource draining and job "occupation." Squatters - this is what these people are. Advocates for illegals always pick some "productive family" where the heads of household are gainfully employed: but no digging is done to find out when and how these illegals got their jobs or started their business. How long did they lay low, collecting public assistance before they "became productive?" Remember too: the protests and demonstrations by illegals: demanding that they get a free pass into the U.S. and recognition of their "special language needs." Bull-loney!
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
especially since we LOST Ronnie the First's Cold War to the Communist Chinese!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
Since the US is deeply in debt to China and most of the goods we buy are made there, it might be a good idea.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.
"How many of you are currently enrolling your children or grandchildren in Chinese Language classes?" Wow, I wasn't aware my children were planning on moving to China. Did they tell you they are? Can you tell me when they're planning on moving? It would be good for me to know.
aawolve
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.
@ chatterbox- "How many of you are currently enrolling your children or grandchildren in Chinese Language classes?" Huh? It would be the first order of business if I legally emigrated to China, naturally.
Davidian
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:51 p.m.
It is heartening to see that so many agree that illegal immigration is indefensible. This has nothing to do with race or Democrats vs. Republicans. This is all about economic survival of the United States. Illegal immigrants are undermining citizens and legal immigrants at every conceiveable corner. Goodbye, and I am not sorry in the least to see them go.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:58 a.m.
you are heartless!! would you do the same for your family if you had to?? you do not know how it is until you are in the same situation..i know i would do it for my family!!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
Actually, NAFTA destroyed jobs both here and in the Latin American countries. Without NAFTA, it is unlikely that there would be so much illegal immigration and your job would not have been shipped to Mexico, Central America, China, etc. Those Corporations are surviving very well.
Jim
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.
The path to citizenship should not be birth on American soil but rather birth by American citizens. The parents caused this mess by illegally entering our country and their children should go with them.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4 p.m.
This means that many of todays citizens should also be expelled. When can we start rounding them up?
Brad
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
OK, how about birth on American soil by American citizens OR *legal* immigrants? Does that seem unreasonable to ANYONE?
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
THE CHILDREN HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!!!! they are innocent children that should not be taken from their country!!!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
If this were a reality, most Americans of European descent would never be allowed to be citizens. Like my mother whose father was a legal immigrant, but not a citizen at her birth, and her mother who was US born, but lost her citizenship because she married my grandfather. Ooooops, that mean that I, and thus my children, would not be citizens, although US born.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
Lourdes, the very first thing you did when you entered this country was break a law. With your first footstep on American soil you disrespected this country and its laws. You are in this situation only because of your own actions. If you go home and come back in the legal way, I welcome you. Aglin said, "I find it extremely difficult not to take a stand on this." Why is it so difficult? It's quite easy: It has nothing to do with your job as an Ann Arbor City Council member. Get involved with it on your person time, but not as a my representative. "... our precious immigrant community is under attack..." You lie. Nobody is attacking immigrants. Illegal alien, yes, and rightfully so, but not immigrants.
Chatterbox
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
In response to Cinnabar: I wonder if yuo would learn Spanish if you moved to Mexico; most likely not; you would find a coterie of English speaking friends to network with, get by on rudimentary Spanish and somehow survive maybe even prosper if you had the motivation and ambition to do so. Also even if you did speak Sapnish fluently while living in Mexico it would be WISE if you did employ a translator in a LEGAL proceeding.
Mary
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
Well I don't know why in the heck you're suggesting the poster PAY for an interpreter...here WE pay for them for people who don't even BELONG here. And if we did move to mexico and live around English speaking people, we still coudln't demand they educate our children in English...on THEIR DIME. We couldn't demand all government documents be in English and it would be terribly hard to "prosper" in mexico as an American. You can't OWN a business or run for office there if you were born in America and emigrated. Learn the facts before you hit your keyboard next time.
T
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.
Many people are trying to blame the businesses who employ illegal aliens. But many have drivers licenses or state id's, rent apartments, go to school and recieve health care. It's acceptable for the schools to use them on count day or the government to to collect social securtity, medicare or unemployment tax which is a payroll tax deduction if its a legitimate ss# or not. Why isnt the govt willing to give up the money
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:22 p.m.
The taxes and social security taxes paid by "illegal" immigrants stays in the government systems. It actually adds to the tax base.
rs
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.
If somebody wants to immigrate to America, great! But it must be done through the proper channels. Sneaking in illegally then starting legal battles when you're caught is a burden on everybody. All these people says America is the place to be and will do anything to get here, except follow our immigration laws.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
People, there are almost literally ZERO Latino immigrants who come to the US and intentionally refuse to learn English. This is obvious to anyone who has had a conversation with any of them rather than treating them like human garbage.
aawolve
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
I'm curious about Rusty's personal experience with Latino immigrants. I have had quite a bit in retail, and our experiences have been spectacularly different.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.
They are not treated like criminals. They are indeed treated like human garbage. Criminals get due process; illegal immigrants do not. And the conditions in the "holding pens" are abominable. For a country that wishes to call itself just and fair, we have a very long way to go. And can you imagine so many of these hate filled comments coming from Ann Arbor, which is supposed to be one of the better places to live in the country -- what if you live in Grand Rapids? I cannot even begin to fathom such!
pbehjatnia
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:50 a.m.
if you buy that i also have a bridge to sell to you. it is a choice not to integrate. a choice.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
I expected childish responses. Just b/c the woman was not comfortable delivering a speech in extremely nerve-wracking circumstances does not mean she speaks no English. I'll quote in part from my previous comment, even though it's clearly visible above: "I can't speak for Ms. Salazar Bautista specifically, but many immigrants from Mexico came here at an older age, work multiple jobs, raise several children, grew up in rural isolated areas and often did not get an education beyond 5th or 6th grade." You don't think someone in these circumstances would have a hard time with a second language?
Lola
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
And so she UNintentionally refused to learn to speak English? That makes no sense.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.
"human garbage." You mean criminals? Calling them Garbage could get you hate crime charge.
Lola
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
Am I missing something here? Why does she want to stay in this country instead of going back to Mexico where the kids could be reunited with their father? In the sign being held by the supporter above it says "Protect Families, Support Lourdes". If you want to protect and keep families intact then support her deportation so all 5 of them can be together again. I also find it curious that she came here 14 years ago and her oldest child is 13. It sounds like she came here intentionally to play the system. The fact that she's been here this long and hasn't even bothered to learn to speak English annoys me as well.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:55 a.m.
why does she want to stay in this country??? have you been to mexico? do you know how these people live there?? just because she had a baby a year after she got here does not mean she came here to play the system! and how do you know she does not speak english? do you know her?? maybe she needs help to speak professional like many americans need lawyers for!! why dont you think about this, if it was your family that was starving, and your only option is to go illegal to another country would you?? I sure would do it for my family!!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
In Mexico, people are starving and they live in shacks built of scraps of metal, cardboard and plastic. The fact that she used a translator does not mean that she speaks no English, only that her English may not be sufficient to present herself in court. The usual time to be fluent in a language, if you have time to study and the opportunity to learn, is 7 years.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.
To the people asking why she spoke through a translator: I can't speak for Ms. Salazar Bautista specifically, but many immigrants from Mexico came here at an older age, work multiple jobs, raise several children, grew up in rural isolated areas and often did not get an education beyond 5th or 6th grade. To claim one has "no sympathy" for such a person using a translator to deliver probably the most important speech of her life is cruel indeed.
pbehjatnia
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:48 a.m.
rusty, thank you for quoting me. fyi= i lived most of my adult life abroad. legally. working any job i could to stay afloat and get an education. i learned to speak, read and write the language of my host country fluently. why? because i wanted to assimilate and integrate. no sympathy. she should take her kids and raise them together with her husband in their home country. stop using them as emotional fodder for her to continue on her way here.
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
"compassionate conservative", an oxymoron!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
The state of Georgia was established as a penal colony for England. If your ancestors came that route, I guess they weren't so law abiding. Many people still come "legally" into this country by first becoming Canadian citizens then coming here. That may meet the letter of the law, but certainly not the spirit. I'm sure many of you had predecessors who came here and stayed here but never became citizens and never learned English. But since their children were born here, your family line became "legal." If between 1900 and 1906, your grandmother married a non-citizen, she lost her citizenship. Does that mean the family line was "illegal?" Was she here illegally since she was no longer a citizen, but had never come through the immigration process? "Illegal" immigrants have been brought here to provide cheap labor for the hardest jobs since the beginning of this country. Our railroads were built on this labor. Black people who came here as slave, by force, were not illegally, yet they had no rights as citizens nor did their children born on this soil. Let's stop the hypocrisy and truly begin to build our country on the ideals we claim to cherish.
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
Like Australia, Georgia was a penal colony.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.
They may not have been law abiding in England, but they didn't enter into this country illegally, so ... logic fail....again.
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Plaque on the Statue of Liberty. The tears of Lady Liberty today fill the Rio Grande and our many harbors as we no longer have room for the people she calls to. If we can't honor these words, in which we take such pride, let's take her down or wrap her in barbed wire.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:50 p.m.
Why should you expect to "Do what we say"? We mean that for other nations. That we should be hypocrits -- no. Not our good, upstanding people. Our history is anything but clean, and we continue to insist on fouling our own nest. Oh, how far we have fallen!
bunnyabbot
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:54 a.m.
I always find it funny when people comment about The Statue of Liberty. America is very friendly to immigrants, the great immigrant migrations happened because our government INVITED people to immigrate here, we took many poor Irish for example that their own gov't could not care for. The biggest difference is those people followed the system to become citizens. Those that landed at Ellis Island entered in through the door, lined up and had thier names put in a book. They didn't come on a visa for the purpose of ditching the paperwork, use someone elses identity or cross a river on an intertube. So please go back and read up on immigration and learn the history of Lady Liberty.
David Briegel
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
In the land we stole! Don't EVER confront Americans with the reality of our sordid history!
Smiley
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:12 p.m.
Perhaps people should also rally for the release of those in prison who have small children because it's sad that their children don't get to spend the holidays with their parent.
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.
Gee, cinnabar, who ILLEGALLY hires these Illegals? Anyone you know? Did you turn them in? Nah, too busy!
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:21 p.m.
Perhaps the previous comment came off as glib--I apologize. But my point is that Mexican workers and American workers are both suffering due to the forces of large capital that have capture the government. They should be working together rather than tearing each other apart.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
Ha, I'm sure the biggest construction bust in 75 years has not hing to do with it? Most of these immigrants wouldn't be here at all if we hadn't screwed them with NAFTA. They are just as much victims as American workers.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
Or maybe its just you Rusty who is out of whack. The guy who lives next door to me is a drywaller who's unemployed, now who is taking all the drywall jobs? Being in the building trades myself I know the answer to this. Care to guess who's taking these jobs Rusty?
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:39 p.m.
Since people like Lourdes have done no demonstrable harm to anyone perhaps it's the law that's out of whack.
xmo
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.
Why is the Obama Administration picking on her? They don't seem to care about any other "illegals". Yes, she is an "ILLEGAL ALIEN"
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.
"Our community is a special target for this discriminatory and trumped-up enforcement because of our close proximity to the Canadian border," What is "trumped-up" about enforcing the laws of the land?
grye
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Right Sally. Let's look at the law to see if it should be changed to allow people like her to come the US. Let's just enforce the law. Let's also not try to change the pedestrian law. Just enforce it, no matter what.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:27 a.m.
They also asked "Do you want sugar and cream in your coffee?" during segregation times. What's your point?
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.
That same question was asked by many during segregation times.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:46 p.m.
Gee, can I move to Canada to live indefinitely, become an upstanding member of a community, volunteer at the local charities, and then plead my case to just "stay" because I am a good person and haven't done anything wrong? Oh, that's right, being in the country illegally is wrong. Somehow I missed that over the last 14 years.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:49 p.m.
Wrong, Jennifer. As Americans we cannot simply move to any country we want to. We have to go through all the immigration procedures and in some cases, it's harder for Americans than for immigrants from other countries. It's much easier to British citizens to move to Canada or Australia than for a US citizen to move to those countries, for example, and there are many other examples.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.
Canada has a point system for immigration, and unless you have family ties or are young and bring a skill that they need, forget about it. Americans are not viewed as refugees in Canada. I've researched the immigration process for Canada and know several folks who have tried to retire there, and without family ties, if you are retiree, forget it. The best you can do is live there 6 months out of 12 per year, which is the case, even if you own property in Canada.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
I guarantee you that if you try and move to Canada and take up citizenship you will be received much better, and the government there will work with you, not against you. And as you go through the process, you will be treated like a human being rather than an animal. It might not hurt if look past your back yard and see who the Canadians really are -- you might be surprised. They are quite a good lot of people, and they seem to have the decency which so many of us seem to have lost! Thank heaven we have them for neighbors.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:50 a.m.
no because us as AMERICANS can move to any country we want, they have it harder then we do, its not easy for them to come here LEGALLY OBVIOUSLY!
BTO
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:42 a.m.
But then you would have to learn to speak Canadian.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
So why aren't people flocking to Canada?
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
Actually, yes. As someone who has volunteered with political refugees seeking asylum on both sides of the (northern) border, I can say the Canadians are infinitely more reasonable and compassionate on this matter than the American government.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.
deport her. maybe she should apologize to her children that her actions are the reason why she is being deported not the fault of the US government. She knew it was wrong to come here and stay here illegally. Ann Arbor officials shouldn't even have listened to her and I sincerely hope they do not even comment on it.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
Let's go back several generations and deport all the people, citizens today or not, who came here without documentation hoping to get a free ride back then. Maybe then the native Americans can have back the country that was stolen from them in such a heinous and despicable way. How dare we assume that we judge others when our own presence here is one of lying, cheating, deceit? Oh yeh, I forgot we wrote a constitution that sounds nice -- maybe when we grow up, we will live it as well!
Davidian
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.
There is a dangerous myth that illegals are doing jobs that Americans want to do. Last I checked, mechanics, bodymen, construction, landscaping, etc. all used to be lucrative jobs. These wages have been driven down by illegals and the companies that hire them. Last I checked, our citizens are struggling to find jobs, afford health care, rely on basic city services, etc. Can anyone honestly say that Illegal Immigrants aren't a major factor with unemployment and the incredible cost of services? Bottom line: there should be no sympathy for illegal immigrants. All of them...and I mean ALL of them...should be sought out and deported immediately.
justcurious
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
"There is a dangerous myth that illegals are doing jobs that Americans want to do. " Did you mean to say this in this way. The rest of your comment disputes the myth.
nyrdreems
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
Harsh
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.
It sounds like it's the employers who are the problem. But then, profit is the bottom line.
gofigure
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.
Wasn't there an amnesty program a few years ago?
MyOpinion
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
1986
mrshicks2000
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
The responses to this article show that we are not the type of community they are describing in this article at all. Just under the surface comes the judgemental, entitled, opinionated and righteous attitudes. Didn't take much to scratch it either. I'm not sure how having this woman in this country working, paying taxes and supporting her family is hurting anyone. There are plenty of U.S. citizens that don't do that.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
justcurious
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:47 a.m.
Where would you draw the line? Or would you? Do you support totally open borders? I understand that many Mexicans come here legally to work and send money home to their families. They work extremely hard, often for low wages at jobs no one else wants to do. Many areas of the country would be hard pressed to get their "serves" done without them. But I also understand that the immigration laws are there for a purpose and must be respected.
mrshicks2000
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
Thank you all for proving my point. :)
rusty shackelford
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
I agree with you that A2 is more a "Rick Snyder" kind of liberal town these days than a Tom Hayden one. That said, a lot of the constant right wing gripers here have admitted in the past they don't live in A2.
Michigan Man
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
I agree = Ann Arbor is a vastly over rated community!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
Probably the same people who make the illegal ID so college kids can drink make illegal SS cards.
Davidian
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.
If I could give your comment a negative rating, I would.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.
Who's Social Security number is she using? Where did she get it, from a criminal gang in Arizona where SS numbers are stolen and sold to illegals? Or maybe she is working under the table for cash, in which case no taxes are being paid to anyone, and the employer is breaking the law. You tell me how she is not hurting anyone by using an illegal social security number or working under the table? People breaking the laws hurt all of us who play by the rules.
deetdeedee
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
Paying taxes on whose social security #? What about the family that has to get that straightened out down at S.O.S? At a cost of $113 billion dollars a year to the taxpayers that are here legally, darn right I can have an opinion about it.
Michigan Man
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:29 p.m.
This woman should return to her homeland, join her husband, keep her family intact and work to bring honor/prosperity and wealth to Mexico. People who flee their homeland in a time of native country need would bring more respect to themselves if they stayed in their homeland and worked to improve the overall quality of life in Mexico.
grye
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4 p.m.
More then likely she and her husband came here because there are no jobs in Mexico.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
Wow, I guess all our ancestors, then, were bad people and did not bring respect to themselves or their native countries. After all they left and never returned.
Michigan Man
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
nyrdreams - I call Ann Arbor my home - smartest people in USA live in Ann Arbor I am told.
nyrdreems
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
Wow, where are you from?
grye
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.
Let's cut to the chase. Many illegals living here in this country are working at jobs that many Americans are unwilling to do and would find it beneath them to perform. The illegals serve a purpose. Are they often underpaid? Most likely. Are they often paying taxes? Yes and probably under false identification. Are our immigration laws in need of reform to allow these people to come to this country and work at these jobs legally, with the intent to become citizens within a specified period of time? Absolutely. This has been an issue for many years. Farm labor was the first need to bring in immigrant workers. But the poverty in other countries and our own expanding economy has provided an impetous for those wanting to do better. Just as amnesty was offered to our own citizens that left this country to avoid the draft, we should embrace a program that will allow illegal immigrants the opportunity to stay here and become citizens. Of course there needs to be criminal checks, the requirement to learn English, etc. But what would be the harm?
grye
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
Ok, then let them have resident status with the opportunity to become citizens after a specified period of time. If they chose not to become citizens, they can renew their resident status or leave. BTW, learning English should be a requirement.
Usual Suspect
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
"Those that have worked here and have done nothing else ought to be offered an opportunity to become citizens." Absolutely not. Never citizenship. Maybe resident status, but you cannot be a citizen when the first thing you did with your first footstep on US soil was to break our laws. US citizenship is something that has value and meaning. It's not a cheap, dollar store trinket we give out on a whim, especially to those who jumped in front of people who are trying to become legitimate immigrants by doing things the right way.
grye
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
I am not saying the illegals have not violated the law(s). My recommendation is to fix the problem now and in the future. Those illegals that have committed other crimes besides illegal immigration and false identification need to be deported. Those that have worked here and have done nothing else ought to be offered an opportunity to become citizens. If they choose otherwise, then deport them.
grye
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:21 p.m.
And would you expect them to put on their applications "I am an illegal alien and will be putting down false information to preclude me from being sent back to (name of country) where I don't have a job or future"? Our immigration laws suck and need to be reformed. If this were to happen, then we wouldn't have as many illegals. They would come here legally.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
"Yes and probably under false identification" In other words, identity thieves. Yet another crime they've committed.
grye
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:47 p.m.
Sally: Many of these workers are cleaning homes, picking crops, and other manual labor. If Americans would be willing to do this work, they would be compensated at at least minimum wage. However those that are out of work would rather collect unemployment. To blame corporations for unsafe working conditions and the desire to have corporate jets is very myopic. Most of these jobs are not with corporations that you so despise. These are small businesses, farmers, and private employers. And by the way, there were 210,000 draft dodgers duing the Vietnam War (yes not quite the 11 million illegals but still a sizable number). Yes it is comparable since they violated the law but were offered amnesty by, dare I say it, a Democratic president, Jimmy Carter.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
I don't think that 11 million draft dodgers were offered amnesty during the Vietnam War or any other war. It's not comparable. " Many illegals living here in this country are working at jobs that many Americans are unwilling to do and would find it beneath them to perform." If the corporations offered safe working conditions, a reasonable wage and benefits, then Americans would want those jobs. Instead, the corporations offer slave wages and no benefits and unsafe conditions in the name of big profits and fleets of jets for the CEOs. So, the desperate from other countries are willing takers.
Roy Munson
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
"A large coalition of community organizers and activist groups are rallying behind Bautista..." Oh no. Hopefully they don't plan to run for President too...
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
The way to stop the flow of illegal immigrants is to jail the people who hire them. Most of those folks come here looking to work. They wouldn't come if the work wasn't available.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
While I agree with your comment, I also need to add that many of the jobs the illegals work are turned down by our good citizens -- they simply will not work under those conditions for those wages. But you are correct, if no one would hire them, the flow would quickly stop because word would get back. And punishing those that do hire illegally would be a resounding message. Only problem is that they contribute money to our political system thus they will never be held responsible for their actions. What politician would ever bite the hand that feeds him/her?
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.
Briegel, this is at least number three. Ready to give up yet?
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:26 p.m.
Craig, alert the media. cinnabar, Sallyxyz agree with us. The stars must be aligned!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.
They also wouldn't come if work were available in their own countries. Many US corporations have businesses in those countries and don't pay a living wage on their economy. These businesses have often stolen land and made other manipulations to limit access to other employment.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
You are correct. Unfortunately, the gov't is in collusion with corporations who love the cheap labor and compliant workforce who don't speak the language and are easily abused, and they don't have to offer any benefits. If the gov't actually enforced the laws of the land and went after corporations across the board, not just a few token companies to make it sound like something is actually being done, then things would change. I wouldn't hold my breath.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
I really like this. Been saying it for years. These people are modern day slave owners and should be treated as such!
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.
Talk about a biased article! Mrs. Bautista and her husband came here illegally 14 years ago. They did not pursue the legal route to US citizenship. Instead, they had 3 kids, and because of screwed up immigration laws, these kids are US citizens because they were born here, and again, their parents did not pursue their obligation to become US citizens. So, now the illegals are being deported. And there is an uproar because Mrs. Bautista hid from the immigration officials for 14 years and now is caught. She needs to be deported along with her family. I'm sorry, but if I moved to another country and did not pursue the legal path to residency and citizenship for 14 years, I would be deported. Same for anyone else. Immigration is finally doing their job. She had 14 years to become a legal resident and citizen. She chose not to and now must accept the consequences like any other criminal who is caught.
Johnm
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 4:31 p.m.
jayjay - It is absolutely true Go to another country - have you ever been to one other than Canada? They will treat you far worse. Mexico will throw you in jail.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
This answer is not true. Go and look for another country and get in illegally. Unless you are outright stupid, you will find it easy to stay. And part of the reason -- because the other countries do not waste their resources going after what really is not a problem. They have their priorities straight, which we certainly do not!
Johnm
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
Funny how people quote the constitution without actually reading it. It was designed after the civil war to make sure that the recently freed slaves were granted citizenship, not for people to come to the US while pregnant, deliver the baby here and get automatic citizenship for the child. The anchor baby phenomenon needs to be stopped. There is a whole tourist industry based around flying pregnant women in to deliver their children here. Enough is enough
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:48 a.m.
it OBVIOUSLY is not that easy to become a citizen, and i know if i went to another country to work to support my family and was getting deported, i would fight it too, why would she want to go back to where she came from if obviously its not a good place
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
Craig, you can't trouble them with minor little details like the Constitution of the USA. They know more than those old geezers did!
Eric
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:22 p.m.
I don't believe they have a way to become citizens. That's part of the problem.
SuperiorMother
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
Where does it say they *came* here illegally?
djm12652
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:47 p.m.
Born on US soil....also referred to as anchor babies...
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
" because of screwed up immigration laws, these kids are US citizens" I think you mean section 1 of the 14th Amendment to the constitution of the United States of America.
pbehjatnia
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.
15 years and she needs a translator? no sympathy here. pays taxes? well, that's about the least you can do if you are illegal. her kids can have stability with their parents in the parents home in mexico. the kids are citizens and do have the right of return. no sympathy here.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:46 a.m.
obviously home in mexico is not stable! or they would not be here trying to work for their family in the first place!
djm12652
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
The children cannot be deported, but can leave the country to live with their parents...as a mother, I would fight to keep my children with me...wherever that may be. The kids may not have the same lifestyle living in Mexico but they will be with family. And as Citizens of The United States of America, they can freely move back when they have reached adulthood...and I for one would welcome them home...
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
The children are US citizens and cannot be deported. Sometimes they are taken by the government and put up for adoption to US citizens.
Turd Ferguson
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.
Gee...I'm not seeing much sympathy or support from the Commentors here. Hint...Hint... Put it to a vote.
leezee
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
There is no attack on our immigrant community. There is, and should be, an attack on those who are illegally. Our country has the right to determine who should enters the country and who should not. We have the right to know if you have a criminal past, a contagious disease, a skill or an education. When my grandparents came to America, they completed the proper paperwork, had proof of a clean bill of health and had no criminal background. They were also required to have a sponsor (usually a relative) to live with until they got on their feet. My grandfather dug ditches during the day, took English language classes at night, eventually became an engineer and raised 9 children with my grandmother - including 3 sons who fought in WWII. They loved American and had enough respect for this country and the people living here to come here through a legal process. I consider the work being done to keep people here who are here illegally an insult to those who came here through the proper channels.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
Love your story and the pride that comes though by you telling it.
djm12652
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
She's been staying here paying taxes? Under whose stolen identity? Where did the ID required to work come from? Who did she work for and note to agents....go after the employer too.
Hope
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 5:10 a.m.
A2comments that's very cute but employers, even the big companies don't check ssn, they don't ask for working permit or green card, they're turning the blind eye because they really wanna hire illegal people
A2comments
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 11:59 a.m.
Jennifer Hernandez: You cannot make up an SSN. Employers are required to see your proof of ID including your SSN, so she committed fraud. Even if they did not verify her ID, making up an SSN is a crime.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:45 a.m.
you dont have to have a "stolen id" to work here! for one you can work and get paid cash, and you can just make up a ss number very easily, its not steeling an id!
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.
Oh NO, another post saying we should go after the company. NOW what, David? Oh, blame the cops. Nice dodge.
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.
That would require police work! We APPEASE the upper class!!
glimmertwin
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:31 p.m.
Very sad, but being illegal is just that - illegal.
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:20 p.m.
Yup, it was illegal to hire her!
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:28 p.m.
Why not call it what it really is. Cheap labor for the upper class. Not one complaint suggesting we jail the criminal employer. Not One!
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Yep, it is like the war on drugs. We are putting all the pressure on Mexico to stop the flow -- but who is using the drugs? Oh, you mean the drugs are bing forced on us! Now I get it. If the Mexicans (and others) did not force us to use drugs, there would be no issue of drugs flowing into the US. Yeh, right! Let's punish the people in the US who work with Mexico and others to bring in the drugs, and the gun dealers who ship guns south in exchange. Oh, they are rich people, good citizens, good 'mericans because they have money and do not depend on the others. Now I see your logic!
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Yep, it is like the war on drugs. We are putting all the pressure on Mexico to stop the flow -- but who is using the drugs? Oh, you mean the drugs are bing forced on us! Now I get it. If the Mexicans (and others) did not force us to use drugs, there would be no issue of drugs flowing into the US. Yeh, right! Let's punish the people in the US who work with Mexico and others to bring in the drugs, and the gun dealers who ship guns south in exchange. Oh, they are rich people, good citizens, good 'mericans because they have money and do not depend on the others. Now I see your logic!
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.
Briegel canned response #12. Fact is, David, if you bothered to read the comments before spouting off, you would see that Townie, about 3 posts above yours, was calling for fines for employers. If you want to mince words, he didn't say jail, but it is sort of hard to jail a company. If you want me to say it, fine. I have no problem going after employers as well. And I have said this time and again. It just doesn't fit the nice little box you want to stick everyone in so you ignore it.
David Briegel
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:19 p.m.
grye, come on, find out who employed her and if they paid Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment and Workers Comp taxes. They engaged in criminal activity just by hiring her! With YOUR approval! What a joke! Another defense of the indefensible! djm is correct!
grye
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
Go figure you would pin this on the upper class. How do you know that she wasn't being paid a fair wage? This is just another typical response from the envious class.
djm12652
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.
I did...but who in the upper class [a large number of A2] is gonna squeal on their neighbor...could get blackballed on any number of charity board of directors....duh...
golfer
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
i got two different feelings. 1. Being here illegally is a crime. if you a crime you do the time. i say we have to do it or others will do the same. 2. My other feeling is for the person. she and kids sound like a real nice family. i wish they could have stayed. what i do not understand is she made a deal. he husband went back so she could stay. a deal is a deal. sorry but do not make deals you can not keep. us government talks out of both sides of their mouth. kind of like our council members.
Mary
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
Years ago, I knew a "real nice" guy. Just so happened he got caught dealing cocain..He went to prison, lost his good job, his home, his wife, his son and his freedom. Get it?
nyrdreems
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:25 p.m.
If in fact the good people of Ann Arbor feel the need to deport anyone without full legal status. Let's get on with it. Start at the senior buildings. You know the ones. Have every resident show proof of citizenship. How can we deport people who are working and supporting themselves and paying into our systems...taxes. social security, more taxes...but leave those who have never worked or paid into our systems to milk the system. If you want to deport...deport. But stop all the rants. Find a way to make it work. Stop this waste of resourses pretending that we are upholding the law. I wonder what the Native Americans think of our imigration laws.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
Yes, let's ask the native Americans. Maybe they should have deported all the British, and then the Germans, and the Irish and the slaves, etc. No one ever asked them, I bet. And while we are at it, should we not ask the Mexicans if they want the Western US States back, you know the ones where we took possession after sending in our settlers illegally and fomenting wars, ie, Texas being the prime example? Bet we didn't ask mexico either what they thought about our illegal immigration back then?
jns131
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:49 a.m.
Thats why Glacier is getting a liquor license.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9 p.m.
We have an illegal senior problem?
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.
I, also, live in a senior building. I had to show proof of citizenship. I worked all my life, paying taxes and into Social Security and Medicare. I have no criminal record. I still pay sales tax, gasoline taxes, taxes on my utilities, etc. I don't consider myself to be milking the system. If you are of European descent, the Native Americans fought hard when your ancestors broke all their immigration laws, destroying their cultures and committing genocide.
djm12652
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.
Excuse me? I live in a senior building, I had to provide all types of ID to move in including my SS card, DL [I have an enhanced for travel, pay records and utility records]...I have worked since I was 14 born in Detroit and have NO criminal record....exactly what are you saying?
JSA
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
Why "immigrant rights"? Why not call it what it is, "criminal rights.
deetdeedee
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:17 p.m.
Did you know the taxpayer burden of illegals is around $113 billion a year? Unless you "supporters" want to start covering my portion of that for me, send 'em home!
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
Yes, because we spend so much time looking for, rounding up and trying to kick them out of our country. Let's put it in prespective. What is the cost of the tax cheaters who are citizens? It is a h..l of a lot more. Let's spend our time rounding up the tax cheaters instead of picking on those whose only crime is looking for a better life -- just like your ancestors did!
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.
i dont see how this is true, so many of them pay taxes here and dont even get a return at tax time!
sh1
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:18 a.m.
Where did you get that (mis-)information?
uabchris
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.
if you read, it says that she DOES pay taxes so she is not a taxpayer burden. But, yes still illegal.
djm12652
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:40 p.m.
so let's all turn a blind eye?
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.
How much of that $113 billion goes to build that long fence and buy and operate drones to search for people in the deserts? How many businesses would go bankrupt if people no longer came illegally and these did not need to be built. It's like the drug trade: too many people in this country benefit to actually stop it.
Commoncents
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.
My biggest issue is who is going to pay for all of these illegals ? We can't allow emotion to enter into a debate about FEDERAL LAW. If we try to make opinions on who will be good lawful citizens after they break the law to enter the country we are all crazy. Sure, some will be productive citizens once they arrive, but many will break the law or leech off of our broken system (healthcare, schooling, welfare, food stamps, etc etc) People like me who feel this way are demonized, but the USA will go bankrupt soon unless we start making hard decisions. Deport her!
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
Most illegals do not tax our system -- they have no access to it. The biggest cost is the paying officials to look for and round up illegals, then toss them in holding pens. And the argument about them stealing jobs just is not true. Come on down to Florida and Georgia where crops went unpicked because US citizens would not work under those conditions for those wages. You like your cheap food prices, well, get ready because they are about to go up big time because we want to kick out the very people that are willing to work in our slave labor sites. Yes, I agree, the US will go bankrupt but for exactly the opposite reason. These "illegals" will no longer contribute to our economy (and society), and our economy and way of life will suffer. But rest assured, we will keep the "purity" and that is what is important, right? We may go hungry or be poorer, but we will be "pure". Seems to me like there was a guy somewhere in Europe about 80 years ago that had a similar vision -- get rid of those who are different, who are not like you. Let's see, what was his name? Started with an H if I am not mistaken...
dading dont delete me bro
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.
what's so hard about this? there's a right way and a wrong way to become a citizen. why clutter the court up with the wrong way? file your paperwork.
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
c-ya!
Hope
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:59 a.m.
For the majority of people there is no "right way" to come here in the first place. It is impossible to get any kind of US Visa if you don't have a job, a property to your name or unfinished school or spouse and children If already here illegally there is no way of becoming US citizen
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.
you think its that easy? to come here from a SPANISH speaking country you have to be married to a citizen and they have to prove hardship, and just to visit here you have to have a lot of money in the bank, its not as easy as to just become a citizen!!!
towny
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5:06 p.m.
What do you not understand about the word Illegal. Article says 400k immigrants deported in 2010 does not say Illegal individuals. Immigrants and Illegals are talking about 2 different type of people. City Council go ahead and try to do something and guess what you will have thousands more illegals at your steps next week. People that go thru the proper channels to enter this country legally do not have this problem. Business that hire illegals should be fined heavy by the government also.
grye
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
Part of the overarching issue is that the restrictions placed on potential immigrants would not allow individuals like this person. We only want the brightest and best to come to this country. Yet there are hundreds of thouands of jobs that Americans are unwilling to take yet the illegals are more than happy to perfom them, just to be able to work and stay in this country. Change the immigration laws to allow them to come here, work here, and be citizens.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 5 p.m.
"Our community is a special target for this discriminatory and trumped-up enforcement because of our close proximity to the Canadian border," she said, adding Detroit-based immigration teams come into Washtenaw County neighborhoods targeting Latino immigrants." Sounds like it is an effective way to catch people in the country illegally - like Lourdes. Surprised she still needs a translator afte 14 years.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.
You mean we are missing all the illegal Canadians because we are targetting the illegal Latins? We ought to target anyone that ends a sentence in "eh"! Oh, you mean the Canadians look too much like we do and speak like we do, which makes it hard to profile them? What are we gonna do? The next thing you know we'll be speaking French, and eating French rather than American fries. What is the world coming to? Are the Canadians taking away our jobs, too? We should have done them in during the Revolutionary War and then the US would be a safer place. At least some of them speak English, which everyone knows is the TRUE language. So I guess they can't be all bad, can they? Just because they were not lucky enough to be born a little farther south? By the way, when are we going to erect a wall to keep them Canadians up there where they belong? We can use Mexican labor with timber imported from Canada and that ought to fix 'em, right?
deetdeedee
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.
What part of "illegal" am I missing here? Yeah, it's sad and makes for good news coverage, but there are right ways and wrong ways to come to the US and become a citizen. Come on A2, stop being a harbor city for these illegals and get them outta here.
Hope
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
Also if we "stop being a harbor city for these illegals and get them outta here" food in AA restaurants wouldn't taste as good and it would cost a lot more. Would you like that?
Hope
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 4:55 a.m.
For the majority of people there is no "right ways" to come here. It is impossible to get any kind of US Visa if you don't have a job, a property to your name or unfinished school or spouse and children
jns131
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
I totally agree. Isn't there a girl going to Huron High that had parents deported? I think she is doing fine. Send the illegals home. I really hope Congress changes the language in the constitution to having children here and then leaving them for us to raise. Very sad situation for all involved.
davecj
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
So how has someone "been living here, paying taxes, having a job" been doing that if they are an illegal immigrant? What Soc. Sec # are they using? Who's hiring them? Somehow I don't think we're getting the whole story. If the family has been here for 14 years, why have they not become citizens yet? Both parents were illigal? They didn't know that for 14 years they were here illegally?
4 Fingers
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
@ Gramma - or their the only ones willing to take the job.
Jennifer Hernandez
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:40 a.m.
do you think it is that easy to become a citizen??? its not!! have a heart!!
Gramma
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
There are many employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. If caught, they receive only a pat on the wrist. They hire these people for lower wages and no benefits. Often they let these workers go without paying their wages for the last period worked. Basically, they take advantage of people.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
So shes been here 14 years and still needs a translator? Why?
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
Because this is a country where we judge people by how they speak and how well they speak. There are certain concepts and ideas that just do not translate using similar words -- you need someone who can formulate the thought into correct words. Several years ago, I had a traffic accident. The attending officer wrote me a ticket -- do you know why? Because I said I "thought" the light was green instead of saying "The light WAS green". Since I showed potential doubt, I was obviously wrong. Unfortunately, it was a question of education for me -- to have said it WAS green was tantamount to accusing the other driver of lying. And I was born and raised in the USA. I have two masters degrees from UofM, so I think (oops, there I go again), I am fairly qualified to speak for myself. Oh wouldn't it have been nice to have a lawyer with me at that time, translating my layman's English into legal English.
jayjay
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:28 p.m.
Americans are typically tourists and don't immigrate illegally -- not sure what planet you are living on. Go visit any country in Europe -- you will find illegal Americans everywhere. But no one is chasing them out because they just are not an issue. When/if they become an issue, then they might get deported. But that is not what you want to see or hear, right? It does not fit your argument.
snapshot
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
Carolyn, Americans are tourists, they don't traditionally immigrate illegally to the country, and they don't stay for 14 years. What's wrong with you?
outdoor6709
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.
so she can vote.
Carolyn
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
Oh my God. Americans go overseas ALL THE TIME and EXPECT that people in other countries speak ENGLISH to them. It's the international language after all (insert sarcasm)
Usual Suspect
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
That I think it the most amazing thing about this story. Next to coming here illegally, that's incredibly irresponsible. Who among us would have the gall to move to a country that has a different language and not learn it? The level of arrogance and disrespect in that is huge.
SonnyDog09
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
There are plenty of reasons to deport people for criminal activities, Note to councilman: Being here illegally is by definition a criminal activity.