Thread: Economic Crisis Hits Migrants Hard

SAN DIEGO -- 10News has learned that many undocumented immigrants in search of jobs have found that there are not many available.

It's just after sunrise, and Hector is preparing for work. The problem is work is hard to come by.

"All I'm doing is surviving," Hector told 10News.

Many survive at places like an encampment in the North County, where makeshift shelters serve as homes.

Food supplies are dwindling, along with money.

Hector, who is an undocumented immigrant, has not found work in four days.

"If we can work, we can have money to eat. If not, we may not eat," he said.

Knowing what's at stake, 10News followed Hector and two of his friends on a mile hike to a site where others are waiting for work.

Like an unemployment line during this recession, the group gets bigger by the minute.

The tough times are born out by the numbers. In 2008, payments sent home dipped for the first time since they began recording the numbers 13 years ago.

According to census estimates, about 1 million undocumented immigrants went back home.

"They are depressed and hopeless," said one immigrant rights advocate.

Advocates call the current climate a delicate situation that's crumbling along with the economy.

"It's a double whammy; they can't get donations either because no one has the capacity to give donations," said the immigrant rights advocate.

Hector hopes for a job, not a handout. He said he has a wife and three children back in Mexico.

"I feel said; I just keep thinking of my family, waiting for money to come in," said Hector.

Hector waits and waits, but he knows he can only wait so much longer.

"In six months, if it doesn't get better, I'm going home," said Hector.

Critics of illegal immigration argued that the recent exodus would save millions of dollars in education, health care and other costs.

Others pointed out it does not include the positive impact of migrants, including individual spending.
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Comments
http://www.10news.com/news/18902135/detail.html

In six months, if it doesn't get better, I'm going home," said Hector.

why wait,head home now!
He is in San Diego and gee,in Sacramento you have American citzens living in tent city!

Knowing what's at stake, 10News followed Hector and two of his friends on a mile hike to a site where others are waiting for work.

It's only a hike if they're going through the woods...and a mile is nothing. They're trying to make it sound like it's such a difficult task. {SOB} I do a 12-15 minute mile....so what? 15 lousy minutes--tops. It takes me that long to warm up my car in the winter. I'm not impressed.

I really don't care anymore if these guys eat or not. Filling their bellies only means that some American's belly will go empty.