The Fate of 5 Million
- mggnyc
- Mar 4, 2015
- 5 min read
On February 17th, roughly 5 million undocumented immigrants received the heartbreaking news that the president’s promise of temporary protection from deportation had been struck down by a single Federal judge in Texas. As the debate rages in Washington about the legality of President Obama’s actions, the very real possibility of another crippling government shutdown looms on the horizon. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the politics of this emotional issue. That’s why it is so important to remember that these aren’t just policies being discussed… these are people’s lives - 5 million of them!
Haven’t heard the latest news? Read this article for an overview of what’s been happening over the past few weeks?
“While there are no official statistics, we estimate that over 50% of the Latino population in Jackson is undocumented. The vast majority have been living and working in Jackson for close to 10 years,” says Sonia Capece, director of the Latino Resource Center. “Obviously, many people were very excited about the prospect of obtaining protection from deportation. Obama’s promise of deferred action did not offer a path to citizenship, but it was a step in the right direction… It offered a path to a normal life, a life where they can be more active in the community.”
“I can’t imagine getting in my car and driving to work without feeling stressed about the police. If I get pulled over, even for a broken tail light or something stupid like that, I could be thrown in jail and deported… I try to be careful you know. I never go over the speed limit. Not even two or three miles per hour… My youngest boy is only four years old. I don’t like to think about what [deportation] would do to my family.”
Juan (first name changed to protect identity) has lived in Jackson for seventeen years. He escaped the crime ridden outskirts of Mexico city in pursuit of a more stable life with a three year work visa. Jackson turned out to be exactly what he was looking for. He quickly found a well paying job in landscaping, and eventually took a second job as a cook. When his visa expired, he returned to Mexico for a year, but was quickly disheartened by the lack of opportunity. He decided to return to Jackson, despite the risk of deportation. “I was born in Mexico, but Jackson is my home… I love it here. My two children were born here. They don’t know anyplace else.”
Juan was the ideal candidate for the DAPA program (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents). “This was going to be our big break. I would have been able to drive to Albertsons, or pick up my kid from school without worrying about the police. I am not a criminal. I am fine with paying any taxes that I owe,” said Juan. “Living here for this long, raising a good family. That should count for something.”
In 2012, Manuel (first and last name redacted) was pulled over for speeding a few miles south of town. When the sheriff found out that he was driving without a license, Manuel was arrested and thrown in Teton County Jail. The next morning, Manuel was escorted to a holding cell in Rexburg Idaho by two ICE (immigration and customs enforcement) agents. They informed him that deportation was imminent, bragging about the numbers of Mexicans they had “rounded up and kicked back over the border.”
“I’ll never forget it. My heart was beating so fast, I thought I was going to die. I knew that if I was taken back to Mexico, I would probably never make it back here. I had a good job in construction, a girlfriend. I was building my life.” Borrowing money from friends, Manuel hired the only Spanish speaking immigration attorney in western wyoming at the time, Elizabeth Trefonas. Manuel posted bail and eventually won his case in court. He had no previous criminal record, and having lived here for over ten years, was listed as a low priority for deportation.
“I was lucky.” But many long term residents of Jackson aren’t. And according to a recent article in the International Business Times, cases of deportation are on the rise, despite President Obama’s assurance that only criminals and recent immigrants will be targeted while Judge Hanen’s injunction is appealed in court.
“We feel like the rug has been pulled out from beneath our feet,” said Juan. “We were starting to get our hopes up. It was hard not to.” Obama’s executive action promised more than just protection from deportation. It would have allowed roughly 4 million people to step out of the shadows and participate in the community without fear. By enrolling in DACA and DAPA, an estimated 5 million people would have the chance to pursue better jobs, obtain a drivers license, car insurance, health insurance… basic needs that most US citizens take for granted.
If you think these 5 million people hiding in the shadows deserve a fighting chance, we encourage you to get involved.
What can US citizens do to help
Write a letter to Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi expressing how vital this immigration action is to the small community of Jackson. For instructions on how to write an effective letter, follow this link.
Stay informed. The debate on immigration is getting a lot of coverage in the press both locally and nationwide. Follow the links on our Facebook page for some of the best articles.
Get involved. Volunteer with LRC. We are currently seeking a volunteer receptionist to handle the influx of clients seeking help. Simply start a conversation with a Latino on the bus, at the grocery store, at a restaurant, on the slopes. Make them feel welcome in our community.
Donate to the Latino Resource Center and provide direct support to the programs that bolster the Latino community.
What can undocumented immigrants do while they wait
Stay calm. While the block on Obama’s executive action may take several months to clear the 5th circuit court, it will likely pass eventually. In the meantime, President Obama has instructed the immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) agents to prioritize the deportation of criminals and recent arrivals.
Be cautious. If you must drive without a license, minimize your chances of getting pulled over. Do not speed. Wear seatbelts. Make sure your lights are working correctly and your children are in their car seats.
Be prepared. Don’t delay in gathering the necessary documents to apply for DACA or DAPA once the programs are declared legal. There will likely be a rush of applicants. Contact LRC if you need information in what documents you will be required and how to access them.
