Jessica Colotl was a typical hardworking college student. She graduated from high school in Dekalb County, Georgia with a 3.8 GPA and was accepted to Kennesaw State University, where she was majoring in Political Science with hopes to go on to law school. To pay her way through school, she worked at night helping her mom clean office buildings in Atlanta. Somehow, she found time to found a Latina sorority at KSU and to volunteer in the local community.
On the morning of March 29, 2010, Jessica's life was forever changed. Stopped by campus police for a minor traffic violation, she was unable to produce a valid driver's license and was turned over to the Cobb Co. Sherriff's Department, which has a 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration law. Jessica was held, verified as unauthorized, and quickly transferred to an ICE detention center in Alabama. Jessica's parents had brought her to this country from Mexico when she ten years old without legal status.
Upon learning of Jessica's detention, a number people and organizations rallied in her support, including her sorority sisters and the President of KSU. After 37 days in detention, ICE released her, deciding to defer action on deportation for a year so as to allow her to finish her degree at KSU. But her ordeal was far from over. In the firestorm of media coverage that followed her case, Jessica was the target of vicious attacks by groups arguing that immigrants like her should not be allowed to attend state schools and should be deported immediately. Although the federal government has attempted several times to defer her deportation, local judges and law enforcement agents, bowing to public pressure, have put up obstacles at every turn--even charging her with a felony in an attempt to avoid clemency. The controversy surround Jessica's case demonstrates not only how divided the country remains on issues of immigration, but also how pervasive myths and misinformation about unauthorized immigration drive such controversy.
After eight years of conducting research (funded by a series of grants from the Ford Foundation) on Mexican, Guatemalan, and Brazilian immigrants in Florida and Georgia, we decided to write this book to share the stories of unauthorized immigrants like Jessica and to challenge many of the myths associated with "illegal" immigration in the United States. Although our research was specifically focused on issues related to religion and inter-ethnic relations, the overwhelming issue that arose in the communities, churches, and homes we visited was immigration status. From local conflicts over day-labor to churches struggling with how to integrate new immigrants into their congregations, we were consistently confronted with misconceptions and misinformation about unauthorized immigration. At the same time, we gained direct insights into the harmful impact of ramped up detention and deportation policies such as 287g and Secure Communities.
Confronted with the negative images that circulate in the media and daily discourse of immigrants as dangerous criminals, intent upon gaining access to social services and competing with U.S. citizens for jobs, we felt it was important to put a human face on the issue of unauthorized immigration. Our research revealed a much different picture of unauthorized immigrants. We found that most immigrants embraced a strong work ethic and a commitment to family and community, values that most Americans cherish. By putting today's immigration in historical context, telling the stories of communities finding positive approaches to immigrant integration, and suggesting ethical principles for framing immigration policy, our hope is that the book will contribute to a more informed, humane, and rational discussion of the issues surrounding immigration.
Throughout the course of our research we learned that although migration may bring benefits to individuals and their families and communities of origin, it often comes at a high cost and risk on both sides of the border: families are separated, children are left vulnerable, communities are torn apart by new economic divisions, and the journey may involve physical injury, rape, and even death. But the forces driving migration continue unabated, and are directly related to larger U.S. economic and strategic policy interests.
Once immigrants arrive in the U.S., "living illegal" means living with fear as a constant companion. Living without formal immigration status translates into a life of constant apprehensiveness and difficult decisions for unauthorized individuals. The things that most of us take for granted: driving our children to school, walking through an airport to greet relatives, or qualifying for a job are major hurdles for those who cannot produce a valid form of personal identification. In simple terms, legal status represents the largest impediment to successful integration for nearly a third of our nation's immigrants.
Living Illegal also tackles the myth that immigrants are taking jobs away from American workers. In the 1990s and early 2000s, we had a severe shortage of native-born workers in the segments of the economy that unauthorized immigrants tended to fill. These immigrants were filling jobs that the native born simply did not want - and they still are. States like Georgia and Alabama are now learning this lesson the hard way. A month after passing its restrictive immigration legislation, the Governor of Georgia announced a shortage of 11,080 workers in the agriculture industry. The fruit literally rotted on the vine. Alabama followed suit with even more restrictive legislation and is currently suffering the same fate.
One of the most fulfilling parts of researching and writing Living Illegal was that we learned first-hand about positive solutions devised by real people in local areas grappling with unauthorized immigration and rapid demographic change. For example, Jupiter Florida, local government and non-profits came to create a neighborhood resource center (El Sol) where day laborers and employers could meet in a regulated, well ordered environment, and where immigrants could learn English, learn about how to access banks and work with law enforcement officers, basically contributing to their local community and, in turn, becoming part of it. Jupiter reminds us that there is a better way for local government to face problems associated with immigration, one that builds community rather than tearing it down.
In an atmosphere of fear, with local communities across the U.S. seeking to drive immigrants deeper into the shadows, El Sol provides a beacon of hope. Relationship by relationship, person by person, community by community, there is an alternative. That alternative demands that we understand unauthorized immigration as a human process, that we build the trust necessary to integrate immigrants, and that we promote rational discussion of immigration policy at the national level.
About the authors: Marie Friedmann Marquardt is a Scholar-in-Residence at Emory University's Candler School of Theology and Timothy J. Steigenga is Chair of the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University. Their book (co-authored with Philip J. Williams and Manuel A. Vásquez) is available from the New Press: Living "Illegal" The Human Face of Unauthorized Immigration.
Is it OK to just go somewhere else to live and ignore all immigration laws?
Is if OK to get a job using a fake/stolen ID?
Is it OK to drive a vehicle without a license, insurance, registration, safety inspection?
If you just ignore laws you don't like where does the line stop?
For immigration laws, we need to know who people are coming into the country. We don't want people who rob, steal, hurt women, children, etc. We need to make sure they are current on all immunizations, etc. Even going into school, children can expose other children to diseases if they have not been immunized.
For work, if someone gets a job using a fake ID and they are working in a public place, and they are vetted under that ID, will that be safe if they are working in your house or at your kids' school?
For driving, a vehicle is 2-5 thousands pounds of metal. It can do horrific damage and take lives. Everyone behind the wheel of a vehicle should be able to pass a written test, an eye test, and a driving proficiency test. Maybe someone has night blindness or should wear glasses, these would be noted on the drivers license.
Are you getting any kind of idea why these laws ensure the safety for all, poor, middle class, or rich?
These laws protect all of us equally, regardless of monetary status. I certainly don't want any child, whether they live in Hollywood or Harlem exposed to people who could harm them.
Seriously? That's such an incredibly flawed system of "rationale"
If Latin countries didn't openly support their citizens violating US laws and get involved in US domestic affairs it would be easier to see people as "guests". But they aren't.
If there weren't a push for separatism by the Latinos in the US, setting up their own communities where English is second or not accepted, there might be less prejudice, But there is.
If they didn't want to resist the assimilation that made generations of immigrants Americans, there'd more acceptance.
If 60% of Latinos in the US weren't illegal aliens, there'd be less suspicion of Hispanics. (Pew Poll) But they are.
If they didn't march in our streets defiantly demanding rights which they are not entitled to, Americans might not notice. But they do.
Once data is compiled, it looks like America is being colonized by Latin countries with full consent and support.
According to Mexico, 10% of their population is in the US illegally and they actively work for those citizens to share all the rights of being an American citizen.
The book "Living Illegally" should be the quintessential guide for anyone who's broken the law and wishes to hide, citizen or foreign national alike.
It doesn't mean we have to like or accept scofflaws. We just won't notice them as much if they follow directions, keep their heads down and their posteriors covered.
Capitalism is the main explanation for immigration. There are 10 million jobs, most Americans won't touch. They do the hard work because you don't, you would complain, get a sick day or ask for more money, maybe a vacation. Our Capitalism demand cheap labor, that's how the US flourished.
I wasn't born here, I've a heavy accent. I take all the advantages of our capitalism having had my own logistics business for 12 years, employing up to 50 US citizens at a time, all of them with a great office resumes and having immigrants do the dependable hard work. They produce better, they don't complain or feel bad to have an accented boss and they cost less. Why keep the locals ? Capitalism is changing this country again. Capitalism. Free Market. Competition. You born here citizen are under heavy pressure to produce more for less, capitalism will overrun you. Laws will be changed, it's about money, stop blaming others. Thank You.
I own several High Security businesses within the United States. I was ordered to go to Washington State and California upon discovering 27 workers in CA and 33 in Washington State simultaneously working for me in New York and Pennsylvania at the same time. I can't afford to commute everyday, but my workers can?
I immediately fired ALL of them on location, and was in court almost as quickly as it took me commuting to this job. California proudly told me I illegally fired immigrant workers, and I should bring my check book. I arrived in court with checkbook in hand, and proudly told them I can more than afford to give up a billion dollar federal contract. The only question they needed to answer was could they afford to lose that Federal money. I had already done so previously elsewhere
Oddly once again nobody looked for these illegal immigrants who fraudulently used others ID's for work permits, they could never legally obtain. I was paid in full (contract buyout) and my Supervisory services were no longer required. The FBI was notified as these jobs involved National Security.
Newsflash the year is 2011. We have so much modern technology, and unemployed Americans those ten million jobs No longer exist.
Research Nicky Diaz
I see your point, but the fact of the matter is that the US craves for brain power. Every advance in any area brings more development to us and we can sell to everybody else and charge for services later. Some of the most gifted came to America to see their ideas prosper. Here is the land of opportunity, bring on the best!
You see, that's what I'm telling about competition. Free market, Capitalism. You can't have both ways. Certainly those employees you fired gamed the system, they hacked in a very special place, our job is to recognize the ability and profit from it instead of complaining that someone is getting ahead without support of anybody. They seem to be clever enough to get hired at a high security clearance. How that happened ??
Jag our system is flawed. We may need an open access guest immigration for the uneducated to came, work the farms and go back to their pueblo. They have been doing this for a very long time, then they go back because life there with money near their families may be better then here. People who want to live in America will do what is necessary, if they can't get a job they will create one for them. I'm against laws that are don't make sense. You probably agree that some of those 10 million jobs are in Asia now and was an American Corp who exported the job and fired one Citizen
Shame on you. We took you in and yet you will not hire an American to work a fair day's work for a fair days pay. You'd prefer to hire an illegal worker, make him work harder and longer and be grateful that he has a job, while you make far more money by paying less in wages while still charging market rates for your company's services.
What you describe as "our capitalism" is just an excuse for getting over. I wish you weren't here.
I had to learn what was to live away from family and friends and prosper with my own tools. If that disappoint you, maybe you ought to try living abroad for some time. It may strength your appreciation for people who will face long odds and turn the circumstances in their favor, somehow.
Your theory resembles Carl Marx with the plus-valia discourse.. It's dated but still marketable.
My time here hardened some of my positions because it's how you can manage to have your shot at the American dream. Honestly, I would uproot me again as soon as I can retire, at least operationally. I do believe everyone had to learn in school how to invest. Options are great!
Hey people, in case you haven't read the long dry memo. The major parties keep control and the Wall Street money flowing by using social issues to confuse us. It's Republican verses Rockefeller Republicans, you know the Kinder Gentler Republicans aka Clinton Democrats that with bipartisan support brought us BANKS TO BIG TO FAIL and Unrestricted Free Trade. Which brings me to my point.
NAFTA destroyed the poor Mexican farmer as effectively as our bombs destroyed Iraq.
Having to compete with our large corporate mega farms over night!
Ever see the day laborers in front of a big box home improvement store hoping you pick him to help you with your home improvement job!
See he's the honorable one, I mean he could be running drugs! See those are the choices we left them - Oh there was the other choice they could decide to starve to death with their family.
Not a choice I would make!
If you think losing 30+% of our manufacturing was tough on us imagine losing the farm as our brothers in Mexico did! -- With no safety net other than our border!
And Mexico is a rich country too. Not as rich as we are, but rich. The rich there are exploiting their own people as well as American workers and taxpayers.
Why aren't we doing anything about that?
Unrestricted Free Trade gives a competitive advantage to the multinational corporations that gets away with treating the environment and its workers worse than its competitors.
That explains U.S. manufactures first building plants in Mexico after NAFTA and closing those Mexican Plants and building new ones in Central America after CAFTA.
"Mexico Agriculture though has decreased in percentage of Gross domestic product but as a whole it has increased in a remarkable way. There are many products that are produced by the Mexico Agriculture are among the top three ranks it terms of production in the world".
http://www.economywatch.com/agriculture/country-wide/mexico.html
"But few would argue that NAFTA has been anything but devastating for Mexican farm families, which account for 23% of Mexico's 100 million people. Many farmers simply cannot compete with low-cost U.S. imports of grain, vegetable and livestock now pouring into Mexico at low or zero duty. Maya and thousands like him are giving up.
U.S. farms are getting bigger and bigger and have become much more efficient producers than almost any growers in the world. That efficiency is aided by high-tech growing techniques, low-cost financing and enormous government production subsidies, exemplified by the $190-billion farm bill passed in May.
It's not just Mexico's hog farmers who are suffering. Growers of corn, rice, pineapples, sugar, apples and poultry are foundering in the sea of U.S. imports. Farm failures are thought to be causing an exodus of peasants from the country to the cities -- and to the United States. Maya said 17 of the 35 employees he let go have immigrated illegally to the U.S.
http://articles.latimes.com/2002/oct/26/world/fg-mexhog26
When I go to a foreign country, I am very careful to obey their laws. I would never consider violating their sovereignty and laws in order to further my own selfish goals. If immigrants want to live without apprehensiveness and difficult decisions, then they should obey our laws and return home to their own country.
As for the drug trade, it is fueling is a revolution that has been coming for decades. NAFTA has not been good for America or Mexico, it's true. It still doesn't justify ignoring another nations laws and if you do, you deserve what happens to you.
We need an automatic 6 month visa for all Mexicans and Canadians. They are our neighbors, it is time we treated them like one. We need to allow 10 million work permits for companies to purchase to provide their workers. These permits would cost $250 and would produce $2.5 billion in revenue that we could use to offset deportations of real criminals. Finally, we need to allow any foreign national the right to get a student visa upon acceptance at any American school regardless of how they got into the country. This would solve 90% of our current immigration issues and end this ridiculous nonsense about who can and cannot be citizens.
And I'm saying this as someone "immediately descended from Native Americans".
As for your treaty and the token payment. That was done at gun point by a very aggressive President. If you understand the law, you would know that a contract done at gun-point is not valid or enforceable. If the same situation occurred today, America could not take the territory under current international law.
That may be water under the dam, but if Mexicans want to come and work in the US, I say let them come. If we open the doors, then they might not need to bring their families. They can come and go as they please. Now, they might not be able to get back across, so they bring the whole family.
For me, America has always been a contradiction. Sometimes, it represents the best in us and sometimes, the worst. When it comes to immigration, it is the worst. Our problem is with multinationals exporting our jobs overseas, not immigrants wanting to eek out a living.
It is impossible to have a rational discussion of the issues surrounding immigration with Nativists who are not rational and choose to ignore all facts that are positive for immigrants. Nativists are guided by extreme hate and narrow minds. They will never debate an issue -- they respond by attacking the messenger.
After being caught she lies to law enforcement which speaks volumes of her integrity. Certianly our juctice system needs someone of such high standards. We got plenty of our own pondscum aspiring to be a lawyers in this country. DEPORT HER NOW!