El Paso Immigrants Worried About Immigration Compromise

POSTED: 8:04 pm MDT April 6, 2006

April 6, 2006 -- A vote on an immigration reform bill could come soon after the U.S. Senate reaches a tentative compromise on Thursday.

In general, the proposal would allow undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States longer than five years to stay in the U.S. Those in the country less than two years would be required to leave and get in line with others seeking entry papers.

Some El Paso immigrants complained that the legislation would tear families apart and destroy dreams.

Eighteen-year-old Karina has dreams and aspirations that she feels she can accomplish only in the United States.

"In Mexico it's really hard to get money and jobs; you get less than here. Here working, you can go to college," said Karina.

Karina is an undocumented immigrant. She's been in the United States for years now trying to obtain her residency. But she has concerns that with the proposed legislation she may have to leave the U.S.

"Over there is my family, but my dreams are here. I came here with dreams, a better life for me and my family," said Karina.

Immigrants with whom KFOX spoke said they won't accept anything less than legalizing the hard-working people who come to the United States for a better life.

"There's families whose husbands have been here for years, but just a year ago, they brought their family over. What's going to happen? His family will be deported. What's that going to do to a family?" said Esther Camargo, who has been in the U.S for more than 20 years.

She renews her work permit every year. After years of working three jobs, she now makes a decent living in El Paso and said she doesn't want that taken away from her.

"Most of us who come to the U.S come to work. We're here looking for a better future for our kids," said Camargo.

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