Illegal Immigration: Closing the Gates ... Mom, kids joining deported dad in MexicoBy Adam Parker (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Wade Spees Before driving off to Mexico on Friday morning Melanie Bernal hugs her daughter Hope while daughter Joy waits. Twelve-year-old Hope will stay in Mount Pleasant and live with her father David Snell (background) and Melanie, Joy and daughter London, 4, will join husband and father Ramon Bernal in Mexico, who was deported because of his immigration status. Photo GalleryMoving to Mexico Melanie Bernal and 2 of her children, Joy ,7, and London, 4, left for Mexico on Friday morning to join Melanie's husband and the girls' father Ramon Bernal who had been deported because of his immigration status. Melanie Bernal's twelve-year-old daughter Hope will stay in Mount Pleasant to live with her father David Snell.
On the WebAs legislators in Columbia and other state capitals forge immigration reform bills, all the while railing at Congress for its inability to come up with a solution, Americans fume and worry over what they perceive to be either a threat or a potential boon. It's a debate that often is portrayed as a choice between amnesty or deportation. The Bernal family is caught in the middle — and struggling to stay together. Full circle It all started in 1987. That's when Ramon came to the United States illegally from San Luis Potosi in central Mexico. He was 18, pushed like so many other poor, young men to seek a better life up north, to help his family from a distance. He was scared, but he came. He was dropped off in Atlanta, his wife says, and "lived in a place where everyone looked like a criminal." He was unemployed for several weeks, then eventually found a job cooking and cleaning for someone. A little later, he found work as a gardener. He earned $3 an hour. Little by little, he established himself. He settled in the Lowcountry in 1999 and started a painting company. He worked hard, paid taxes, began to contribute to the local economy. Melanie Snell was a South Carolina native with a daughter from a previous marriage. In October 2001, she and Ramon married and decided to apply for Ramon's citizenship. They wanted to set things straight, Melanie says. They knew they likely would be penalized in some way. But they also knew they needed to abide by the law because a family can't prosper when uncertainty looms overhead. "We had no idea what we were in store for," Melanie says. Years went by with minimal communication between the Bernals and immigration authorities. Two babies were born. The painting business took off. Ramon was doing work on beach houses, big jobs. The family bought a house in The Peninsula subdivision off Clements Ferry Road on Daniel Island. They bought a Ford Expedition. The bought a work van and other equipment. They sent their daughter, Joy, to Palmetto Christian Academy. Finally, after several queries, they received word from the authorities in the form of a letter that arrived at the house while the family was on a Christmas vacation in North Carolina: Ramon would have to return to Mexico and wait while his petition for a visa waiver was processed. Once in Mexico, the Bernals learned that it could take about a year, but he says they were told that he was married to a U.S. citizen and surely would be able to return. Ramon left his family in January 2007. He had been living in the U.S. for 20 years. His English is pretty good now. He was no longer accustomed to the poverty and dangers of Mexico. He returned to San Luis Potosi, where his mother lives, with no job prospects. He couldn't make a cell phone call unless he climbed to the top of the nearby mountain where he could get a signal. He struggled to find a job. He was robbed at knife-point. He had close calls with thugs. Ramon went to Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, where he had vacationed with his family. He remembered the building boom. Job prospects would be better in a nice tourist town, he thought. "Puerto Vallarta is beautiful when you go like a tourist," Ramon says by telephone. "But with no money and no place to live, it's the opposite." Behind the big hotels, swimming pools and cabanas, it can be ugly. And dangerous. Trash is strewn in the lots. Residents must navigate mud and waste as they make their way along the roads. The schools are full or bad or unreliable. He thought he had put all of this behind him. Desperation It took 11 months, but the family got its answer from immigration officials: The waiver was denied. The Bernals failed to demonstrate a sufficient amount of "extreme hardship," the letter explained. Ramon could petition for an appeal, but that would take about a year and a half, and it might not work. He simply could wait in line for who knows how long, maybe years. "Why they do that?" he asks. "I worked hard in the U.S. I did nothing to nobody. I settled down, tried to raise a family, I tried to do the right thing." Ramon is afraid of losing his family. "I love the United States," he says. "It's not fair." Melanie and the children had visited Mexico a few times during the past year, and in December they went again so the family could be together for Christmas. Shortly after Melanie returned home, Ramon consulted with some church friends. They told him a man's responsibility is first and foremost to his family. That's what the Bible says. So, driven by desperation, he did something rash. He tried to sneak across the border again. This time, he didn't make it. After he was caught, the U.S. prosecutor in Laredo, Texas, wanted the judge to sentence Ramon to 90 days in jail. The judge asked Ramon why he tried to cross illegally, for the second time. Ramon explained that his family was here, his life was here. The jail requirement was waived, but he was returned to Mexico. Ramon says the authorities in Laredo were understanding and fair. But his decision to break the law a second time by illegally entering the United States turned out to have devastating consequences for the Bernals. Melanie received another letter from immigration authorities the day after Ramon was caught. The letter congratulated her: the waiver had been approved, a reversal perhaps because of the prodding of Sen. Lindsey Graham's office, which took an interest in the case and sent letters to immigration officials. But the deportation order had been issued, and it canceled the waiver. Because he has entered illegally twice, Ramon is now barred from the U.S. for 10 years. The unraveling In Charleston, Melanie was trying to keep the painting business afloat, but the housing market had taken a turn for the worse. Managing subcontractors was difficult, and work was scattered. Plus, she had two young children and her oldest daughter to take care of, politicians and other connections to query and lots of thinking and planning. She and Ramon also were expecting another baby. Her parents were long dead; an aunt offered love and moral support. Some people at East Cooper Baptist stepped in, helping to pay some bills. Little by little, the business was failing. In Mexico, Ramon was searching for a stable job. He heard that the economy in Monterrey was relatively good, that he would be more likely to find something in this northeastern industrialized city, the third largest in Mexico. He secured a position at a plant that assembles ambulances. He is earning the equivalent of about $400 a month. He can make a little extra each week by working a sixth day. After a month of searching, he found a decent house in a safe neighborhood 30 minutes outside of the city. He will have to ride a bus to work each day. Rent is $350 a month. He probably will have to take a second job. The past couple of months have been traumatic for Melanie, and on March 5, it all came to a head. She appeared in bankruptcy court. Trustee Michelle Vieira asked her the usual set of questions: "Do you have any source of income?" "None." "Do you receive child support?" "No, ma'am. But I pay $255 a month ..." And then Melanie takes a moment to explain the situation to Vieira. "I'm religious," she says. "God's got a plan for me. I'm leaving next Friday to join my husband in Mexico." The hearing was quick. Melanie would forfeit all her assets, including $2,500 of her $3,400 income tax refund. She would drive a donated car. "That's all the questions I have," Vieira says. After a pause, she adds, "Good luck to you." Last week, Melanie and Ramon tried desperately, from their respective bases, to gain permission from the Mexican authorities to transport the family furniture across the border. Ramon paid $50 — a lot of money in Mexico — for a notarized letter granting permission for his wife to bring the furniture, but the Mexican Consulate in Raleigh demanded a signature in ink. "Ramon's in Mexico," Melanie explained to the officials on the telephone. It was no use. So she is headed to her new home in Monterrey with nothing but two suitcases full of clothes. Bitterness, resignation A deaf roommate in college taught Melanie sign language, but that skill is of little use in Mexico. She can't sign in Spanish. She can't work legally until she gets a permit. And, with three children to look after, securing a job soon is unlikely. She finds some solace in her invigorated faith. God has a plan, she says, but she's unsure what it is yet. Her daughters Joy, 7, and London, 5, are not fluent in Spanish and are entering a strange new world. Melanie says she will home-school the children at first, settle in and figure things out before deciding on how best to educate them. She's worried about the children's chronic asthma. What is medical care like in Mexico? She's worried about her own health. Melanie's family has a history of heart disease. Already, she's had two heart catheterizations to clear clogged arteries. Joy is unsure of what's happening and what it all means. London is too young to understand. Both Melanie and her first husband, David Snell, are concerned about their daughter, Hope. She is 12 and doesn't know when she'll see her mother again. Mature for her age, she lives mostly with her dad but splits her time between parents. She's a straight-A student at Cario Middle School. Her mother is glad to be reuniting with Ramon despite the circumstances, but says she is heartbroken to leave Hope. David is wracked with anxiety by the turn of events. He only learned about the worsening situation before Christmas. He grasps at solutions that don't exist. He will take care of all the children, he says. He's angry and frustrated. Sure, Melanie and Ramon are caught up in an imperfect system that needs fixing, but they made the choices that led to this, didn't they? But then he remembers Ramon, what a good father he is, how hard he works, how much he loves his family. "I could not be without my children for that amount of time," says David, who has two young daughters. "My biggest concern is, obviously, Hope," he says a few days before Melanie leaves for Mexico. "I think it's really starting to hit her now." Farewell — for now On Friday, Melanie packed the last of the family's belongings in the car and prepared to leave her country. It's a 30-hour drive to Monterrey. Hope will stay with her dad and stepmother. David is setting up a computer so Hope can talk with her mom and sisters and see them on the screen. In the meantime, Melanie and Ramon have a lot to do. The house needs appliances and furniture. The kids need attention and reassurance. Adjusting to a new family life in Mexico is going to be difficult, but Melanie says she still hopes to return to the United States someday. "The trouble with the immigration system is that it doesn't care about families," she says. "It has no feelings." Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 175 comment(s)
Posted by ridgerunner on March 16, 2008 at 2:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is sad story, but illegal is against the law, no matter where it is, will she be in mexico legally or illegal. I am not against anyone wanting to make a better life, but sneaking across the border is a crime.
Posted by simon_birch on March 16, 2008 at 5:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sorry, but the family placed the children in this situation and now try and point the finger at someone else. Do your children a big favor and accept responsibility for what you have done, unless you want to teach your children that it is ok to do something wrong as long as you don't get caught. Why have they not tried for the 20 years to become legal? Look at what has become of the millions of illegals here now! Finally the employers are being held responsible for hireing illegals, should have been done long ago, but it's never too late to make it right. It is a hard lesson, but one that I hope sends a message to the rest of the illegals here now, your next, go home before you get sent home.
Posted by pirate42 on March 16, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sad but the FATHER new he was not legal he put his whole family in this situation as well did the mother feel sorry for them sorry Can not there adults hope mexico treats you well.
Posted by ballachulish on March 16, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sad, but avoidable.
Everyone in this situation knew that they were committing a crime and still they chose to have children that would suffer because of their criminality.
Posted by Cid95 on March 16, 2008 at 7:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When he went back to Mexico for a year, that demonstrated that at least he was willing to come clean and play it fair to make a new start.
Being married to an American, working, and generally being a productive citizen should have gotten the waiver approved within one year.
Trying to sneak back into the US was stupid though, that sealed his fate and that of the rest of his family.
A bid situation for them, but one of their own making. I wish them luck in Mexico.
Posted by native1 on March 16, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Karma is a b***h.
Posted by moonpie on March 16, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree simon_birch, after the fact this is a sad story BUT dad knew what he was doing. I think he played the system.
Hey move to Canada they're looking for cheap labor! Did you guys see that story? Canada allows illegals for their cheap labor! Bu they're not in the US because of that, remember they're here because Americans won't work! BS! Hey the Misses probaly not gonna like Mexico after living on Daniel Island too. Better try Canada.
Posted by dustym59 on March 16, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this is a crock...wonder she didnt drag the white kid with her dumb a_ _ .
Life better in Mexico,hit the road...next!?
Posted by moonpie on March 16, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny tripsa! Your right imagine that, the peso worth more than the dollar. I may try to sneak into Mexico then...NOT!
Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on March 16, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She said she is looking for answers. Here is something that might be helpful: Galatians 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
For years they knew that they were involved in criminal activity. Now it's time to pay the piper. Good luck in your new life in Mexico. Maybe this will be a wake up call for the rest of the illegals.
Posted by Thomas1776 on March 16, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Send the felons packing.
Punish their employers.
Anything else shows our representatvies are corrupt.
These lobbyist can stick it where the sun don't shine.
Glen McConnell can resign (traitor).
Bobby Harrel can resign (traitor).
Posted by Thomas1776 on March 16, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Terrorist who will kill us all if given the chance.
This story just shows how easy it is for terrorist to come into the USA from Mexico and live in the shadows till they are ready to blow us up.
Posted by Zod on March 16, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It all started in 1987......He earned three dollars an hour."
The minimum wage in the United States in 1987 was 3.35 cents per hour. I could barely afford a 110 car payment, insurance, and taxes on the wage.
Some United States citizen were looking for work as a gardener when Ramon took that job. The employer took advantage of Ramon. The employer took advantage of illegal immigration. Without Ramon, the employer would be forced by the local economy to pay more.
While this story is sad, it points directly to the problem from the beginning. Ramon presence in this country immediately threw a wrench into the economy. Sure he did good for himself. But with every opportunity, opportunity was stolen from an american born citizen.
Looking for a job in Mexico? Try the automotive industry. Over 2 million cars and trucks are assembled in Mexico each year. Only half of those cars are purchased in Mexico. The other half are shipped to the United States.
Toyota's are made in Tijuana.
Ford's are made in Hermosillo and Cuautitlan.
Nissan's are made in Aguascalientes and Cuernavaca.
Honda's are made in Guadalajara.
VW's are made in Puebla.
Chrysler's are made in Toluca.
GM's are made in San Luis Potos, Guanajato, Satillo, and Toluca.
......and those plants speak nothing for the 430,000 jobs producing 24 billion dollars worth of parts annually.
Does it sound like it's tough to find a job in Mexico?
Posted by Tulane75 on March 16, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The comments of Thomas1776 do not merit a response.
Posted by moonpie on March 16, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ZOD is right. We get the scums of the Mexican economy, the welfare illiterates.
Posted by dbeast420 on March 16, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Sure, Melanie and Ramon are caught up in an imperfect system that needs fixing, but they made the choices that led to this, didn't they?"
HUMPH........
Ain't life a bitch
Posted by tbird19552001 on March 16, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ridge Runner wrote that this is a sad story. I disagree. It depends on what side you are looking at it from. Since his painting business is gone and he is not employing illegal aliens to work for him, then the chances are that native South Carolinians will get some of their business back. Business that was stolen from them when this illegal started his own company and undercut other legal businesses that have been in business for decades.
On another note, I wrote my esteemed senator, Lindsey Graham back in August when my business was shot to hell by all the illegal companies undercutting me. It took 4 months for me to get a reply back. It was a form letter explaining exactly why he was for comprehensive immigration reform. Nothing at all about anything but amnesty.
So if this reporter is seeking the sympathy factor from a small businessesman in South Carolina, like me for instance, she had better get into another line of work. She writes crap like this because she knows that she never has to worry about getting replaced in her occupation by an illegal alien. Like my business and occupation for instance. Which just happens to be home construction in Columbia. An industry that just happens to be over run with 75% illegal aliens.
Posted by sherrick13 on March 16, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good, get out. Illegals and their enablers can go to he11.
Posted by Zod on March 16, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amnesty =
Since we failed to protect our borders and enforce our laws, would the US citizenry please let these incidents of illegal immigration slide? We don't know how to fix this other than to make illegals legal. But we promise to protect our borders and enforce our laws in the future......
Posted by boomerluck on March 16, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This couple may have gone about things the wrong way...Yes...and when all of you see words like illegal and crime and Mexico,I guess it's easy to sit back and throw around hateful and insensitive words. I lived by this couple and their childern. Some could only hope to be as lucky as we were to have neighbors we actually liked. They had a business and worked very hard. They were very friendly and kind. Their children were always happy. I only wish that we knew of their troubles and the extent of them a little sooner.I know I would have done whatever I could to help.I wonder... if any of you would have had the chance to know them...would your thoughts be different?Looking at some of the comments I can understand why they might not have asked for help from their neighbors.I wish them well and hope that something good happens for them and they can soon live back in the U.S.
Posted by issuetaker on March 16, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
First, I love the line on the front page of this story. “But a decision Ramon made two decades ago, a gamble that seemed to have paid off handsomely, finally caught up with him”. Are we supposed to feel sorry about this? So you got to take some risks (even illegal ones) to succeed, it that the message? This isn’t as if it were a legitimate enterprise in the first place that suffered some unpreventable tragedy.
Second, according to the article and his wife’s account he landed in a place in Atlanta that everyone looked like criminals. Well, wasn’t that because, they no doubt were? If they looked like him, could it be that was a place used to house “illegal aliens” upon their surreptitous arrival? The story didn’t want to go into that aspect of the human trafficking and illegal entry portion of the grand scheme though apparently. Perhaps that will be delved into in a later portion of these ongoing “human interest” stories.
Thirdly, thanks for the revelation of the hand of Sen. Grahamnasty in this to manipulate Federal law, no doubt under the guise of “constituent service” for the American citizen wife. Certainly the “Gentleman from South Carolina” would not do anything for an illegal alien, especially as “constituent service” and in derogation of other members of his constituency.
I note Mrs. Bernal isn’t to work without a permit. Imagine that and being married to a Mexican citizen too. What an absolute shame. Does not the Mexican system of immigration care about families? Ah, well, given the propensity of the husband to break laws anyway, I’m sure with a little coaching she’ll catch on fast. Who knows, perhaps her decision to go to Mexico and maybe work illegally will be a gamble that may pay off handsomely.
And so she says the, (presumably American) immigration system doesn’t care about families and has no feelings. Ha, well what consulate in Raleigh refused to allow their furniture across the border despite what the paper attempted to cleverly describe with optional vocabulary of another term, the sum of $50 being paid by the husband. Yes, I recall now, it was the Mexican Consulate in Raleigh.
Finally, did the paper investigate to discover if the “decline” of the business, was calculated and may have been in anticipation and preparation of this move? Was there a liquidation of business assets and transportation of those liquid assets to Mexico before the filing for bankruptcy protection?
Are these not legitimate inquiries the paper should have made in this story? If they did, why not preclude the observation of any apparent slant of the report by indicating that issue had been reviewed?
Posted by Zod on March 16, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Boomerluck,
While I do not think you were addressing my commments, I do think you are misinformed on this issue. Much of it may have to do with how you choose to deal with problems individually. Here is my take on this problem. The problem is 12 million (illegal immigrants) strong. Americans do not care to deal with individual issues at this point. Illegal immigration is a plague at this point. Squashing the issue comes down to one of two choices.
A) You can forgive and forget as some in the US government have already attempted and failed to do.
B) You can fix the problem without regard to any individual characteristic.
I think most americans quietly choose option B knowing that eventually option A will win the day. What you are reading is not hateful words toward this family. It's hateful words for the failure of the US government irrespective of those involved.
Posted by ridgerunner on March 16, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
tbird
What you missed in my post , was i was a bit sareastic in my first sentence. This immigration war sounds like Barney Fife when he said you give them 5 mph they will take 10, you give them 10 they take 20.something needs to happen now. if not the average blue collar workers will be fighting trying to get the job cutting the grass at TACO BELL
Posted by stono on March 16, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This sentence says it all. "It all started in 1987. That's when Ramon came to the United States illegally from San Luis Potosi in central Mexico." ILLEGALLY... 'nuff said!
Posted by disco on March 16, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe this story was done to bring sympathizers to the Bernal family, but it backfired. I do feel sorry for the children in this, but the parents knowingly put them in this predicament. Hopefully, this will be a lesson to all illegals that no matter how much they contribute, they are still here illegally and will be taken care of accordingly.
Posted by ridgerunner on March 16, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
also he was an illegal running a business, was he paying taxes, did he have insurance and pay workers comp on the illegals that worked for him. why did a bank give him money for cars houses ect. I know what Thomas said dosent apply to this criminal, it does show that anyone can move in next door.
Posted by boomerluck on March 16, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Zod,
I'm not misinformed on the real issue of illegal immigrants. I know and understand what a huge problem it has become. I'm not denying it and I don't live in a closet and think that I'll come out one day and it will be taken care of! My comment was for this family!
Posted by iculukin on March 16, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Of course the post would pick this family to write an article on. Why not pick a family out of Walmart? The law is the law. Its time to enforce it. I'm tired of pressing 1 for English.
Posted by jimisle on March 16, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The anger and resentment toward guys like Ramon should be redirected to our lawmakers who have buried their heads in the sand. I can't say I wouldn't have done what Ramon did given the same circumstances. Was it wrong? Absolutely. But desperate situations sometimes are resolved by desperate measures. If we want to control our borders, then Congress needs to get serious about reenforcing our immigration laws now. And citizens need to vote for/against these lawmakers according to this issue. Otherwise, this cycle is going to continue, and nothing any individual state legislature does is going to work. Sorry, SC lawmakers are wasting their (and our) time with this feel good immigration reform law.
Posted by Paul on March 16, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel their pain, but an illegal immigrant is just ...
ILLEGAL !
Posted by PennyGirl on March 16, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Heartless. Unbelievable really.
Posted by palmettotree on March 16, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I personally don't like the illegals being here, they all need to be deported. I could say tough tooties but I do feel sorry for them all. Ramon and Melanie obviously married for love and not for a green card. How many people would willingly move to Mexico to keep the family together? Well at least they tried to do everything the right way but they were denied.
They are all going to have it rough in Mexico. He is only making 400.00 amonth and rent is 350.00 a month. Geez talk about not making ends meet. I betchya that there won't be any help from the Mexican government with food stamps and free medical care!
Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on March 16, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
palmettotree:
You are wrong on one point. They DID NOT try to do everything the right way. First off, his presence here was the wrong way. Remember, he was here as a criminal. Secondly, after leaving he tried to cross our border illegally the second time. Does this sound like someone trying to do things the right way? If I go up to you and ask you if you want to sell me your house and you turn me down, then later break into your house and try to live there because your house is nicer than mine, would I be doing things "the right way"? Just wondering. . .
Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on March 16, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Next question. Is she going over there legally, or is she sneaking into the country illegally like her husband did???
Posted by palmettoruckus on March 16, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good for her. She is doing the right thing. Trying to right the wrong someone else did.
Posted by mnbvcxz on March 16, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
y'all broke da law stop krying
Posted by hadenuff on March 16, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think most Americans welcome legal immigration. People who go through the steps necessary to immigrate here and eventually become citizens have been and are very much welcomed with open arms. Both sets of my grandparents legally immigrated here. They didn't sneak across the border in the dead of night as the majority of these illegals among us now did.
Go to the website http://www.immigrationshumancost.org and have a look-see at the cesspool we are creating for ourselves with this travesty now in-effect. The failed Amnesty plan of last summer that was almost shoved down our throats by our gutless politicians is about to be resurrected very soon so be on the watch for that.
This man broke the law twice. And now we're supposed to feel sorry for him?
Posted by recentcharlestonian on March 16, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What everyone has to ask themselves is "what would i have done if i was in his situation?" We often take for granted the country we live in and the freedom and rights we have. If you were from a poverty stricken country and needed to survive, maybe you should consider what extent you'd go to in order to survive. If the gov't was so concerned about it, maybe they should have had tighter boarder patrol. Is what he did right? Hard for me to say. Before you can pass judgement, maybe you need to stand in their shoes for a day. We're supposed to Love God and Love People. Most of you should open your hearts and rethink your comments. I personally think we Americans are a bit spoiled. God has a plan for them and He will prevail. They will be in my prayers.
Posted by dolphin on March 16, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have never placed a comment on line about anything so this is new for me but I have known this family for many years and to hear all of your heartless comments have brought me to tears. All of you must have way too much time on your hands. Yes, it is ok to have your opinions and feelings, but to say such hateful things when you dont even know anything about these people is really crazy!!!!
In your lifetime you will never meet any parents that loved their children more! Joy, Hope, and London are complete angels that have always brought love and laughter into our home. Joy and London will be truly missed and forever engraved into my heart!!!!!!!!!
I know that Romon and Melanie made mistakes but EVERYONE makes mistakes. Instead of saying heartless things maybe you should ask yourself what choices you would have made if you where in their shoes. People do crazy things when their family needs them. People steal food when their children are hungry, people steal money when they are financially strapped, people do whatever they can to make money even if it is wrong or goes against their beliefs.
I dont agree with any of that but I do have sympathy for each situation. I am a christian and I have compassion for people no matter what race you are or what country you are from or whatever situation you happen to be in.... I believe that EVERYONE deserves to have a good life full of love and hapiness. I dont believe anyone should be homeless or with out food. I wish every child had a good family to come home to. Does that always happen? NO! But everyone deserves it. There are alot of imperfections in our systems and we need changes made in alot of areas, but we also need compassion for people and that starts with each of us.
Posted by Cherubim on March 16, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In Mexico there is a very rich ruling class of elites. Mexican citizens should stop marching in the streets of the U.S., and go to their own government and demand the officials in their government stop being corrupt and stop taking money from the drug cartels. I fear that the ruling elites on both sides of the border are in a plot together:
The ruling plutocracy on the Mexican side want to
dump their poor into the U.S. so the U.S. Middle Class tax payers will take care of their education and health needs, while the ruling plutocracy on the U.S. side want to get slave labor and cheap ocean front property.
By the way here is the forbes.com list of Mexican billionaires. Why won't the Mexican citizens in the U.S go home and march in front of their streets:
Mexican billionaires:
Names Personal worth in Billions of U.S. Dollars
Carlos Slim Helu & family 60.0
(the second richest person in the world)
Alberto Bailleres & family 9.8
German Larrea Mota-Velasco & family 7.3
Ricardo Salinas Pliego & family 6.3
Jeronimo Arango 4.3
Isaac Saba Raffoul & family 2.1
Roberto Hernandez Ramirez 1.7
Emilio Azcarraga Jean 1.6
Alfredo Harp Helu & family 1.6
Lorenzo Zambrano & family 1.5
Posted by recentcharlestonian on March 16, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dolphin - I'm so sorry that you have lost your friends. God willing they will be back soon.
I think we often forget that foreigners are people too and we're so quick to judge. :(
Posted by Cherubim on March 16, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
California has a 16 billion dollar state budget deficit, all entirely attribuatble to the costs of providing free benefotsm, including K-12 education, for illegal immigrants.
California has over 1 million illegal immigrant students, each costing $9,912 per year, attending California schools. This amounts to a 10 billion dollar cost. Incarceration of illegal immigrants in California costs 1.4 billion dollars a year.
Calfornia classrooms are overcrowded, necessitating new schools being built, paid for by taxpayers.
However:
Layoff notices set to hit 10,100 California teachers' mailboxes
More than 10,100 teachers will see pink slips in their mailboxes over the next few days as districts up and down California meet a Saturday deadline to warn staff of anticipated layoffs due to the state's budget crisis.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...
Posted by tbird19552001 on March 16, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey recentcharlestonian, My wife and daughter is from a poverty stricken third world country and they came here the right way. And as for showing compassion, how about showing some for the thousands of South Carolinians that have had their jobs and businesses stolen by people who chose to break our laws. Put yourself in my shoes, I am in construction just like that illegal was. Except I try to play by the rules. My bills are so far behind that it isn't funny. Yet just the other day I passed by 16 different construction sites where illegals were working. Tell me, is there something wrong with this picture? I am a native of South Carolina, my ancestors have been here since the mid 1750's. What am I supposed to do with my business, just give it up to invaders from another country without a whimper? All in the name of compassion and love for my fellow man? You are either retired or in a job where you don't have to ever worry about being replaced by an illegal alien. I do not have that luxury because 75% of the construction industry in this state is composed of illegal aliens.
Posted by whome on March 16, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cherubim: To be fair, you can't attribute ALL of CA's budget deficit to illegal immigration unless you factor in positive effects of illegal immigration. For example, the 10B that you cite for public education gets factored back into the system as teachers' salaries, school construction, etc. Furthermore, illegal immigration has had "positive" effects in both keeping inflation in check and offsetting our upside down population pyramid. This is not a zero-sum game. The irony is that there are 40+ posts on this issue yet no posts on the shocking devaluation on the dollar, which has a much greater impact on the everyday lives on individuals as well as the budget crises affecting all levels of government than illegal immigration. But then again, this should not be surprising, as xenophobia has generally been history's response to domestic issues. I guess it's easier to blame others than to point the fingers at ourselves.
Posted by native1 on March 16, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If America is so great, she should stay here and send HIM money. Her church can help babysit while she goes to college to get a degree.
You can still preserve the family and be separated. For example, military families here in America live with separation every-other 6 months. It is totally doable. Today we have phones and email. 10 years while Ramon is stuck in Mexico? Try the 20 years of off and on separation for a career military family.
Uprooting and moving the entire family to the "dangers" of Mexico to "keep the family together" is taking the victim role as well as endangering the children.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 16, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dolphin, I certainly commend you for your loyalty to your friends, but you cannot lose sight of a few things.
Ramon's first official act when he illegally crossed the border from Mexico was not only only a violation of the sovreignty of the United States of America, but a crime under Title 8 Section 1325 of the US Code. His second crossing was a felony under the same code. Melanie's love for him does not excuse her harboring a criminal. She is partially responsible for the scourge on this nation that is known as illegal immigration. Melanie is part of the problem, and I trust you knew not of his illegal status, for you would be part of the problem, too.
I feel pity for their children, but their problems were creating by their parents, and the fault lies completely with them.
My only regret is that the feds aren't this efficient all the time.
Posted by Popeye on March 16, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Time the residents of SC started telling law breaking contractors who hire illegals that they won't do business with them. Personally that is what I do and it works! Canada has started hiring the illegals who are leaving the US due to the state's crackdown on companies that hire those law breakers. Only thing is the illegal has to go back HOME to mexico and apply for the Canadian job! Ain't that sweet. If they go into Canada illegally their kids don't get into school or get medical care or other welfare benefits like they do in the USA. It would be that way in the USA if it were not for "people" like Lindsey Graham, Ted Kennedy and Juan McAmnesty.
Posted by Cherubim on March 16, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
American citizens, if you want to see what your future will be like, if illegal immigration is left unchecked, come and visit the schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on March 16, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The point is that he was a criminal for invading our country, she was harboring a known criminal. We don't need people who don't think twice about breaking the law among us. Good riddance and I hope they have a happy life in Mexico.
Posted by pirate42 on March 16, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ILLEAGEL Dang Enough said he she they commited a crime against USA if it was a murder a rapist or a drug dealer all same,,, CRIME dam people GET OFF IT he lucky to be just deported not in PRISON... He should NEVER be allowed back in ths country ever again.....
Posted by JohnS on March 16, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On James Island for many years all you had doing landscaping and yard work was pot smoking bubbas born here. They would never show up on time. The Latino men who work the yards in the area have been great. They show up on time and always do extra. These people are not criminals they are economic workers having to leave a poorly run nation for a better life. Many have started families. Under US law the child who was born in the United States can sponser parents and close relatives to become a legal residents. It's nice to have cheap labor.
Posted by ndngirlntx on March 16, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't even know where to start. i want to say i'm sorry to this family, that they have to go through this. but i'm happy for them, that they're able to reunite & be together again. i was very disgusted after reading the comments of the people who read the story. i bet you'd all think & feel VERY DIFFERENTLY if you were in the situation of this family!! you can rant & rave that they're criminals simply because he entered the U.S. illegally. but what if YOU were born in a poor country?? i bet all of you would come to the U.S. to work, WHETHER IT BE LEGALLY OR ILLEGALLY! all of you are such hypocrites! i'm full-blooded native american & i'll soon be getting married to a man who's not from here. it doesn't matter to me that he's illegal. what matters is i love him, he treats me how i want to be treated. he's never been in trouble with the police, used drugs or sold them & he's never hurt anyone. i think it's very unfair to judge someone & call them a criminal because they're in the U.S. illegally! they're only labeled as criminals because the self-righteous, closed-minded, heartless people who run this country say so! and i'll say the same thing about them: if they were born in a poor country, THEY'D DO THE SAME THING & COME TO THIS COUNTRY TO WORK & MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR THEMSELVES & THEIR FAMILIES!! all of them & all of you need to come off your pedestal & have some compassion! years ago, the white people tried to control & kill off my people, the native americans. but did that work?? we're still here! so just because the U.S. "says so", DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT & DOESN'T MAKE IT GOSPEL!! i am & have been very disgusted & angry with the U.S. & how they treat people just because they weren't fortunate enough to be born here. not all illegals are rapists, murderers & drug dealers! the U.S. needs to let the people who want to work & stay out of trouble become legal & deport the troublemakers! simple as that! what the U.S. wants & is doing is obviously NOT WORKING, so they need to try another approach. think of how much more rich this country would be, if they let the non-troublemaking illegals become citizens & pay taxes! i know many people have not thought of that. this family will be in my thoughts & prayers. i want them to know that not everyone is heartless, racist, judgmental & downright mean. some of us do have feelings. if my fiance were to ever get caught & wasn't allowed back in the U.S., i'd move to his country & live with him, if there was absolutely no other way. and for those who want to make a comment for me to leave the country now because i'm a so-called "traitor", remember that my people were here first. the white people were the invaders, the "illegal aliens". again, i'm very ashamed & disgusted with the United States!!!!! PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE, NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 16, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"These people are not criminals..."
Not only have they broken federal law by coming/staying here illegally, a large number of them are doing a fine jobs of violating our state and local laws as well.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 16, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ndngirlntx quote:
"i'm very ashamed & disgusted with the United States!!!!! "
I am fairly certain a plane ticket can be found for you as well as your illegal alien fiance. When you return to his home, you can grease the way through the front door with your US passport so he can apply for citizenship.
Posted by ndngirlntx on March 16, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's right, THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT CRIMINALS! they're only labeled criminals because all those rich people running the United States weren't born in a poor country, have never been homeless or hungry & never had a hard time finding a job to support themselves. they've never walked in their shoes! again, EVERYONE NEEDS TO STOP BEING SO HEARTLESS, JUDGMENTAL & HYPORCRITICAL!!! IT'S PATHETIC!!!!!!!!
Posted by ndngirlntx on March 16, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bklynirish, your comment is hardly worth my attention or anger. so i'll leave a brief comment. i know you weren't able to come up with a decent arguement. i know you can only comment as your ignorant, simple-minded IQ will allow. it's obvious you're at least part white and also that your ancestors were illegal in this country at some point. you have alot of nerve telling ME to leave, when my people were here in this country first! so if anyone should leave, start with yourself! so go buy yourself that plane ticket & go back to where YOU came from.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 16, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"you can grease the way through the front door with your US passport so he can apply for citizenship."
Well, my dear, there was your opportunity to do the legal
(and RIGHT) thing to prevent the same thing from happening to your family. Instead, you would rather see him maintain his illegal status so the Family ndngirlntx will follow him back home when he gets caught.
No sweat on this end.
Posted by ndngirlntx on March 16, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bklynirish, for your information, NOT THAT YOU CARE IN THE LEAST, we are doing everything we can to make my fiance legal. the family obviously did what was right by the law, and look what happened! they were applying for him to become legal! we're talking with a lawyer right now & preparing to try to make my fiance legal. so you have no right whatsoever in judging me. you obviously have nothing else to occupy your time; you have to talk bad about other people who are trying to do the right thing. at least i'm having first-hand experience in this, i do have a right to talk.
Posted by LowCountryCrime on March 16, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately, the original occupants of this nation failed to pass any immigration laws. As a result, European settlers did not enter illegally. The USA, however, has had established immigration laws for a couple of hundred years. In light of the above facts, the argument of ndngirlntx is negated.
The citizens of this country have grown weary of those from other countries flagrantly violating our immigration laws. Unfortunately, our politicians don't seem to be getting the message. Those of us in Charleston have become weary of the Post and Courier's obvious sympathetic devotion to these law breakers when writing their sappy stories.
This fella could have had it his way if he had waited another week. Now, he's paying the price for breaking our immigration laws twice. Unfortunately, he's forced his family to have to pay a price, too.
Posted by ricktib on March 16, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While I agree that we need to stop people from sneaking into the country (I'm all for a wall), I don't believe we should have such ill sentiments toward these individuals. We definitely have bigger problems in this country. These are people (generally) who come here to line up on streets and parking lots for the opportunity to WORK. You don't see that on Charleston's east side.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 16, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are rather touchy, ndngirlntx. I don't recall "talking bad," as you so eloquently put it, about anybody. Perhaps somewhat critical of you harboring a criminal, but certainly not "bad mouthing."
You certainly have every right to speak your mind, and while I whole-heartedly disagree with 99.9% of what you have had to say so far, I will defend to the death your right to say it. (Thank you, Evelyn Beatrice Hall).
You will I will never agree on this, but your fiance is a criminal, and the crime, however trivial you...and perhaps you alone...believe it to be, is an affront to the millions of naturalized citizens who have come to America's shores the proper and legal way. Furthermore, you harbor a criminal, and I consider you to be no better than the perpetrator of the act itself.
Many thanks for a spirite debate, and have a lovely evening.
Bloody slow news day for the P&C to print this drivel to begin with.
Posted by The_Mouth_of_the_South on March 16, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ndngirlntx:
Not only is your boyfriend a criminal, but you are as well for harboring a known criminal. I Hope INS shows up at your door to send your boyfriend back to where he belongs.
Posted by hadenuff on March 16, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cherubim, I stand with you and your proven, substantive comments.
I see where the Charleston area local limousine liberals have chimed in, among them being WHOME writing this blather: "illegal immigration has had 'positive' effects in both keeping inflation in check and offsetting our upside down population pyramid." SAY WHAT?
Go to http://www.numbersusa.com/index and have a good look- see there too. Look at the graphs referencing illegal immigration and tell me if you see anything positive for the USA therein.........
WHOMME further writes: "xenophobia has generally been history's response to domestic issues. I guess it's easier to blame others than to point the fingers at ourselves."
Please explain yourself WHOME. Correct me please if I am wrong. Because I and the millions like me prefer not to view the illegal immigrant with any fanciful thoughts of legality, we are all xenophobes? Same thing with Senator Graham, because we were against the blanket amnesty bill of last summer, all of us who were (and are) against amnesty for these lawbreakers, we're all bigots? We view the illegal immigrant as people who shouldn't be here and need to leave. Nothing more, nothing less. I guess that makes us xenophobes and bigots, as such, both terms your pro-illegal immigrant fellowship brethren like to toss at us when factual reasoning isn't within your reach to explain your crazy ideas.
Posted by JC on March 16, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here illegally is here illegally. If this is a hardship on the "family", then the "family" should have thought about that to begin with and not play the poor me, this is not fair card. We don't care.
Posted by magoo on March 16, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RIDGE RUNNER: The business was obviously in his wifes name if he was illegal, I dont think the state, city or county would give an illegal a business license but who knows
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on March 16, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ndngirl, your last post sounds a wee bit breathless. Are you scrambling because you belatedly realized the powers that be can unearth your identity, and by extension, the identity of your groom-to-be, via your posts? You went from fist-in-the-air to "we're preparing to try to make my fiance legal..."
If I were born in a poverty-stricken country, I'd sacrifice, get educated and work my fingers to the bone to make a better life. What I would not do is illegally enter another country to get my share of the pie.
Have a nice evening!
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on March 16, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BKLYNIRISH, you da man! Anyone well-read enough to ascribe that quote to EBH is someone I'd like to know :-) Bravo!
Posted by ridgerunner on March 17, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Johns
here we have criminals yes they are no matter what some say taking over lower paying jobs, big deal they put their kids in our schools, they get more education so they go up a step in job market, blue collar,next white collar,then how many legal citizens will be out of work,
That would be good for you because you would have time to cut your own GRASS.
America going to hell in a handbag and you worry about your grass.
sin is sin
crime is crime
Posted by give_me_a_chance on March 17, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It’s not wise for Ramon to bring the girls to Mexico. He should know better since he recently got mugged at knife point. Ramon should toughen up and make it work by keeping the family in the States, this would provide a much better future for the girls including mom. Many US military families make it work when family member(s) are away for months at time.
Ramon needs to be man and really provide for the family by letting them stay here. I know it must be hard to be away, but they could visit him in Mexico at least once a year. Not wise!!
Either way, I wish them well…
Posted by ticket3477 on March 17, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does this family act so surprised...are they serious? He was here illegally for over 20 years! and they thought that finally getting around to applying for citizenship would be easy breezy? HAHA...sad. That would be like if I was embezzeling money from the bank for 20 years then one day I thought to myself "you know...I should make this right and turn myself in, they surely wont send me to jail!" Right...that is the most idiotic way to think.
Ramon had been here illegally for over 20 YEARS!!! How can anyone defend that? You do something illegal and you will eventually get caught. Just because you decide to "do the right thing" does not mean that you will be shown mercy. OVER 20 YEARS! not he was here a couple of months 20 YEARS!
I have no sympathy for him, maybe his children...but not him or his wife. They knew better.
Posted by mominthesouth on March 17, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ndngirlntx....first of all, you need to brush up on your english and writing. Do you know that a sentence always begins with a capital letter? Now that you have spilled the beans about your illegal fiancee, I hope you will do the respectable and legal thing and turn him and yourself in to the law. You are breaking the law just the same as Mrs. Bernal. You are harboring an illegal alien. Is your fiancee paying taxes, insurance, medical insurance, and rent, or is he living off of us?
I wittnessed a car wreck recently that was caused by two hispanics. After they slmmed into the back of this poor college girl and then another van, they took off running. We gave a very detailed description but the police said they would probably never be caught.
I just finished my imcome taxes. Did Mr. Bernal? How did he do the right thing? Cheating and lying is not what I call the right thing! What a poor example he and his wife have show their 3 children. These girls are victims and my heart goes out to them. I think Hope will blossom and have a better life with her real, legal Dad.
Posted by boucka on March 17, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All of these comments are really interesting. I agree w/ BKLYNINRISH's point of view, though....
An 18 year old heterosexual man should know that where ever he goes, he's likely to start a relationship w/ a woman and likely have a family. If that man knows he illegally enters the US, he knows he may be deported. He thus knows he may be separated from his wife and from his children. I like Ramano from the story and it's not that I don't have sympathy for him. But he should have known that this could happen to him and to his family. In short, he made a bad life decision. (I agree w/ the poster who said Mexicans like Romano need to petition their gov't to change things.)
As for his wife, Melanie, I hate to say it, but I have less sympathy for her. She was a mother to Hope when she met Romano. Even hopelessly in love with Romano, she knew when she married him that he was illegal, that he could be taken from her (and their future children) at any moment. THIS SITUATION WAS ALL VERY FORESEEABLE. THIS WAS NO ACCIDENT. CITIZENS WHO MARRY ILLEGALS KNOW THEIR SPOUSE MAY BE DEPORTED. And she made the decision to marry him, knowing she could be forced to either raise their children in the US without a father OR move to Mexico to join her deported husband and leave her daughter, Hope, without a mother. Melanie, in my opinion, made the wrong decision of marrying Romano and putting her daughter Hope at risk.
Bottom line: This was a situation of Melanie's and Romano's own making. I hope Hope grows up OK and I'm thankful her dad and his wife are there to care for Hope.
Posted by mominthesouth on March 17, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Did I read that Mrs. Bernal was pregnant again? When does it stop? How are they affording PRIVATE school? Why is a private school like Palmetto Christian Academy allowing them to send their children to the school. Isn't that being unfair to the legal families at the school? Their sad story is not belivable. It looks worse and worse for the mom. If she has that baby in Mexico, it will be illegal if they sneak back in to America. It does not stop!
Posted by BillMan on March 17, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is Economics 101, if you have good workers willing to work for a low wage you employ them, this is what we will not come to grips with, we like the work they do and the reduced price for labor and products they produce but complain about all the foreigners being in the country, this is the contradiction we find ourselves in!
Posted by ticket3477 on March 17, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The baby would be a mexican citizen...just like if you went over seas to have your baby then your baby is a citizen of whatever country he/she is born in.
Posted by uniequnough on March 17, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow. Horrible decision made by them. On more than one occassion. This story is sad. And yes, it made me feel sorry for them. But i think if they would sit down and think about the decisions they make before they do them, they wouldn't be in half as much trouble. Not only is Ramon not going to be able to get back in the states, but they are also going to have to fight for this child once it's born, to get citizenship. It's like a string of events that happened from one decision.
Posted by forget on March 17, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nndngirl - You are jumping through hoops trying to get this illegal person "help". Your fiance, you say. As the divorce rate in America is about 50%, I'm sure he's going to appreciate your efforts when he's legal to do and get all the benefits of being a citizen and hooked up with someone else. In 10 years he won't even remember your name. You would do much better to "help" yourself by getting an education and meeting someone that doesn't need as much "help" and can contribute equally to your relationship. You didn't say how old you were, but I'm guessing you're young. My advice to you would be to listen to all the advice I'm sure you've been given.
Posted by mominthesouth on March 17, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ndngirlntx: Indian Girl in Texas
You are so quiet now. Maybe you are afraid that you just made a HUGE mistake by exposing yourself and you "fiancee".
Why was Mrs. Bernal paying $255 a month child support. Why? Was she commiting adultry while she was married to Hope's dad?
Posted by ticket3477 on March 17, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand (not really) wanting to be with your husband and support him...
but this lady has seriously lost her mind.
"Do you have any source of income?"
"None."
"Do you receive child support?"
"No, ma'am. But I pay $255 a month ..."
And then Melanie takes a moment to explain the situation to Vieira.
"I'm religious," she says. "God's got a plan for me. I'm leaving next Friday to join my husband in Mexico."
The hearing was quick. Melanie would forfeit all her assets, including $2,500 of her $3,400 income tax refund. She would drive a donated car.
"That's all the questions I have," Vieira says. After a pause, she adds, "Good luck to you."
----
Maybe i will understand when I get married (hah no) but I can say this with certainty...I would never...NEVER marry into a situation such as this...no matter how much I loved the person.
Posted by BillMan on March 17, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember,
Immigrants have always been the engine of this country, and racism has always been associated with their presence! Now, I'm not saying just open the borders to everyone but in a free enterprise economy it usually balances out, enforce the laws on the books is the key, thats were the politicians have failed us! Seems McCain isn't too far from Obama/ Hillary on this, I think they all pushed the "amnesty" bill that failed last year!
Posted by strangers_unaware on March 17, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
I am disheartened by the lack of mercy being shown to this family and many others in their situation.
How many of you have ever been convicted of a traffic violation? You too are law breakers then! So am I. Yet when we break the law, we are not punished harshly or cruelly. No one takes our car, or our driver's licence and throws us in jail for breaking the law. We pay a fine, maybe our insurance goes up.
Why is is that the decent, hard-working people who come here out of desperation to get a better life be treated in the same way? I agree that their law-breaking should not be ignored, but if they have been otherwise productive and moral, why can they not pay fines or some other form of punishment for their crimes other than deportation?
I am also sorry that Chip Campsen, a member of East Cooper Baptist is fashioning and supporting laws that show such little compassion for his fellow church members and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Do not forget to entertain strangers for by so doing you may be entertaining angels unaware." Hebrews
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 17, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"How many of you have ever been convicted of a traffic violation? You too are law breakers then! So am I. Yet when we break the law, we are not punished harshly or cruelly. No one takes our car, or our driver's licence and throws us in jail for breaking the law. We pay a fine, maybe our insurance goes up."
You do realize you are comparing apples to say...hmmm, let me think about this....weather satellites?
Posted by palmettotree on March 17, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mouth of the south. What I meant was that they were trying to rectify an illegal situation by making it legal. Most people wouldn't do that, they would just keep on staying illegal. Why rock the boat right? I know that he was an illegal alien.
Posted by ndngirlntx on March 17, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To answer what you all are wondering, I'm 31 yrs. old. And i really don't care what any of you think of me. I was simply stating what I thought of the story, and also sharing my own personal experience. And to answer your question, big mouth mom in the south, NO, I'm NOT afraid that I supposedly exposed myself & my fiance! And FYI, I was quiet for a little while because earlier today I typed out a response & then my computer froze & i lost what I'd typed. Some of us do have lives & don't have all the time in the world to talk badly about other people & condescend everyone. Strangers unaware, I thank you for what you said! I agree totally. I've been thinking about all of this, and it's very sad what this world's come to. There's so much hate & judgment. as for what "forget" said, I totally disagree. I found what I wanted in a man, and I'm more happy than I've ever been. I'm not a little girl & I don't need to listen to the advice I've been given & find someone else. I'm in college right now & I don't need anyone to preach to me. mominthesouth, YOU are the one who needs to brush up on your english & writing. Do you not know that the end of a question ends with a question mark?? You need to take your own advice before you give it! My fiance pays for everything HIMSELF, including rent, medical & everything! He's the one taking care of me! So you don't need to worry about that! walleyedwoman1215, my last post was not "a wee bit breathless". And I'm not scrambling at all. You can say you'd sacrifice & work your fingers to the bone if you were born in a poverty-stricken country. But that's easy for you to say, considering you were born in the United States! That's so easy for anyone to say! Things would be very different, were you in that situation! So PLEASE. I don't even want to hear your lies. If your parents, spouse, brothers, sisters or kids were sick & hungry, I know you'd be singing a different tune!
Forget, I don't care what the divorce rate is in this country, NOT all people are the same! There are some marriages that actually work out. As for INS showing up at my door, that's hardly going to happen. Where I live in Texas, hispanics/illegals are the majority, and white people are the minority, THANK GOD. And for everyone who thinks I'm a criminal along with my fiance, I guess you can't read. I've already SAID we've started the process with a lawyer to make my fiance legal! So I don't need to "turn myself in along with my fiance". If I knew how to get a hold of this family who now live in Mexico, I'd do anything I could to help them, including sending money. Some people do have hearts and want to help, regardless of where they came from.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 18, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"And for everyone who thinks I'm a criminal along with my fiance, I guess you can't read. I've already SAID we've started the process with a lawyer to make my fiance legal!"
Ah, the difference between being legal and not being legal is akin to the difference between being pregnant and not being pregnant. Starting the process is not "being legal." If he has come here illegally, or has come here legally and then overstayed his visa, he is here ILLEGALLY. No "ifs, ands, or buts" about it.
Not too bright, are you?
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 18, 2008 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did I mention that if your husband is here illegally that he is indeed a CRIMINAL?
Posted by ndngirlntx on March 18, 2008 at 4:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Damn, you're not only white, you're stupid as well! I had people telling me to turn ourselves in. WHAT NO ONE SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE'RE DOING WHAT'S RIGHT TO MAKE HIM LEGAL!!! AT LEAST WE'RE TRYING TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT, NOT HIDING IN THE SHADOWS!!! When your slow mind can grasp this concept, then get back to me. Then you might actually have something besides a weak arguement.
Posted by ndngirlntx on March 18, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And by the way, he's my FIANCE, not my husband yet! You need to go look in the dictionary & distinguish the difference between the two words. NOT TOO BRIGHT, ARE YOU?
Why are you so concerned in the first place that my fiance's a "criminal"?? Why don't you get a life & mind your own business?? He's not affecting you or your life in the least.
ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME!!!!!!!!
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 18, 2008 at 5:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry for the confusion reference husband v. fiance. Did I mention that your fiance is a CRIMINAL? As long as he resides in the US illegally, he will be a CRIMINAL until such time as he is granted citizenship by the United States of America.
I say again: the difference between being legal and not being legal is akin to the difference between being pregnant and not being pregnant. Starting the process is not "being legal." If he has come here illegally, or has come here legally and then overstayed his visa, he is here ILLEGALLY and he is a CRIMINAL. No "ifs, ands, or buts" about it.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 18, 2008 at 5:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way, "doing the right thing" is turning himself in, or at least going back to Mexico to start the naturalization/citizenship process.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 18, 2008 at 5:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"WHAT NO ONE SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE'RE DOING WHAT'S RIGHT TO MAKE HIM LEGAL!!! AT LEAST WE'RE TRYING TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT, NOT HIDING IN THE SHADOWS!!!"
Lovely. Now you are trying to rationalize his ILLEGAL act...a crime, if you will...and your harboring of someone who is essentially a fugitive from justice.
Just like a common criminal.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 18, 2008 at 5:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Damn, you're not only white,"
If ndngirlntx's true colors were not readily apparent before, they are certainly shining through now.
Posted by give_me_a_chance on March 18, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now now kids, settle down.
You do not want to go there folks.
Posted by mominthesouth on March 18, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Indian Girl in Texas.....A town in Texas of which the majority of its townspeople are hispanics/illegal.....that sounds like a great place to live. You might as well be living in Mexico. You and your so called fiance are living a very scary life. You said you had a lawyer, but is he really giving you right advice? You are harboring a criminal. He has to stay in his country until he is legal.
How is he working to support you? Probably at an illegal place of employment. You are digging yourself in deeper and deeper. You better get out while you can.
Strangers_Unaware....East Cooper Baptist Church and our Community and State should be PROUD to have a senator like Chip Campsen doing the right thing. He is trying to make our state a safe place to live by removing a huge part of our unsafe community. Just go to the website..www.immigrationsHumanCost.org and read the horrific murders and crimes being commited every day by illegals in this country. It will break your heart...and who is paying for all of this...We Are..the LEGAL citizens of the United States of America. Unlike, Indian Girl from Texas, I am glad we have people in this country that will stand up for what is right and legal. We may not agree with the laws but they are the laws we have to abide by.
Posted by uniequnough on March 18, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ndngirlntx - i have no quarrel with how you live your life and what you do. If you choose to live how you live, that is up to you. You could learn from Melanie and Ramon's situation though. Good luck and best to you on your situation.
Now, I do have a problem with your statement - "you're not only white, you're stupid as well". Sounds like you have some inner demons to take care of. Because those "stupid white people" are who you are going to have to go through to get your fiance's legal status. A "stupid white person" will probably be your lawyer. I feel very offended at that statement. To say that shows true racism and I understand if you're angry at what everyone here is saying. But that was a blunt racist comment.
Posted by Jane on March 18, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He would be in this country legally now if he hadn't tried to sneak back in. Notice Mexico has shown them no mercy by not allowing them to bring their furniture nor allowing her a work visa. Where is Mexico's compassion? She went there the legal way and she can't get work! He should have come here on an agriculture visa the legal way. We give unlimited work visas for agriculture. Or course, he would have had to fill out paperwork and gone through a medical screening and who can be bothered with that!?
As far as starving in Mexico? There are crops everywhere people are not starving in Mexico. Everywhere I went, including villages with no cars, there were vegetable stands everywhere. Crops were plentiful. Yes, poverty is rampant because of corruption. Mexico will never solve their problems if we continue to be their dumping ground for their illiterate masses. We cannot go out into the world to help people if we allow ourselves to be destroyed from within. I am sure this is a wonderful family, but we have to look at the big picture and save our nation. You come here illegally? Out you go!
Posted by trod on March 18, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets see i broke the law once for a decade or so then i didn't like the wait so i broke it again.i got caught now im being punished waaaaaaaaa!some of my family are legal immigrants. to make exceptions because they had children knowing he was illegally in this country is bunk.that is a slap in the face to all legal immigrants who had to wait to get in to the usa and to those are waiting to do so.
They made the choices now they have to live with it.she should be arrested for harboring an illegal alien.
Posted by forget on March 18, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ndngirl - we all go into marriages thinking "mine is going to be different" some do go the distance, but when you go into one with the deck stacked against you from the start you don't really stand much of a chance.
Just out of curiousity, what does your family (parents, etc) think of this situation? I really don't think that they think this is in your best interest for a happy prosperous future.
And after reading all of these posts, ndngirl, you have more racially motivated remarks than most of these people, and most of them are emotional outbursts.
From what you have said, and how it has been said, you sound like a teenager that has been told no, and is going to do it anyway.
Posted by mominthesouth on March 18, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is great reading!
Posted by forget on March 18, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It did take an interesting turn. Especially with you and I on the receiving end of her emotional outbursts!
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on March 18, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"This is great reading!"
I am having a ball! By the time the last post for this article appears, folks will not have a clue who Ramon and Melanie are.
Posted by forget on March 18, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess ndngirl lost interest in us.
Posted by mominthesouth on March 18, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ramon and Melanie Who? This is better that the Young and the Restless! Hey....That may be a good plot for the soap.
I can see it now....Victoria leaves JT for an illegal mexican immigrant. They are living in the barn down the road from Victors place. Victor hires him to work the farm.
Victoria gets pregnant again and has a son named Jose.
Great Stuff!!
Posted by give_me_a_chance on March 18, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You have to agree with Jane!
Had Ramon waited just a little longer this would not be going on. But I’ve said it before, I do wish them well because Mexico ladies and gentleman is not the best place to live, especially in their situation…broke as they are. The girls need to move back to the States at once! It won’t be any easier to be together down there and roughing it. They will at least survive here without Ramon.
I’ve lived in Mexico and will tell you it can be a fine country, if it wasn’t for all the police roaming around. These people will flash their cop badges at you and then they tell you “this is a robbery” right at your face. Seriously! And don’t get me started with the politicians ‘cause who knows, I might get murdered overnight for saying too much like Colosio did (who was running for President in the 90’s and got shot in the head on national television). Someone mentioned in this read that those illegal immigrants marching and protesting here in the US should get together and protest in Mexico. I could not agree anymore.
And so this family tries to move to Mexico and what do they get? Bull sh1t from the Mexican government. I’ll say it again, the girls must move back at once! Ramon needs to be a man and let them come back so they at least can survive.
It’s a sad situation.
Posted by forget on March 18, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with the statement of them making a stand and better their own countries. If they all (protesters, etc) got together there like they do here, they can start to right a wrong. And, Melanie does need to get herself and her children back here as soon as possible. For her and their own safety.
Posted by mominthesouth on March 18, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THERE ARE....21,426,294 illegal immigrants in the USA
$26,456,787,622 Money wired to Mexico in 2006
$243,374,279,521 Money wired to Latin America
$397,449,852,464 (and rising) Cost of Social Services for illegal immigrants since 1996
5,299,047 Children of illegals in Public School
$13,939,719,561 (and rising) Cost of illegals
K-12 since 1996
360,433 (AND RISING RAPIDLY) Illegal immigrants incarcerated.
$1,395,804,396 Cost of these incarcerations since 2001.
673,731 (and rising) illegal immigrant fugitives
1,936,654 (and rising) Anchor Babies since 2002
10,414,160 (AND RISING) skilled jobs taken by illegal immigrants
0 Taxes Paid by illegal immigrants
0 Health Insurance Paid by illegal immigrants
0 Respect for America
Yes, fellow Americans, this is what our money is going towards. We are talking not thousands, or millions of dollars but Billions of our dollars.
As a home owner who has worked very hard for 50 years for what I've got, I DO NOT want them living next to me. They are criminals and do not care who they hurt.
Melanie and Ramon are very dangerous. They won't give it a second thought to keep doing these crimes over and over. They have already started.
Posted by strangers_unaware on March 18, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
forget- Don't assume that ngirltx will not have a good marriage just because her husband is undocumented.
Here is the truth- I am in the same situation as Melanie and Ramon right this very minute. We are getting ready to fight our own legal battles. However, I do not regret my decision to marry, and neither do my parents. They love my husband very much and think I couldn't have made a better choice. My husband is wonderful person who would do anything to help anyone in need. He treats me well and is a good father. He volunteers in the community too. I am sorry that we have this looming over our heads, but like many people we didn't know the complications of immigration law when we married and thought as many do that when we got married working out the legal stuff would be easy. We were wrong and it's going to cost alot! But I'm not complaining, because that's the price we pay.
mommie in the south- check your facts- immigrants are paying sales taxes and many pay taxes through employment too. My husband and I have paid every dime we owe to IRS. We also have health insurance, and have paid every penny owed to any healthcare provider. You may have websites documenting crimes by illegals, but what about all the American citizens who also commit horrific crimes? I'm sure that if statistics were checked, the percentage of American citizens committing the same types of crimes would be nearly the same. There is evil among every group of people.
Posted by YankeeLiberal on March 18, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a tough situation, and one can see both sides. As a family man with two young daughters, it makes me sick to my stomach that there are two young girls heading to a strange land, with no guarantees in education, standard of living, health care, etc., and you have a 12-year-old girl who will not see her mother on a consistent basis during