Thread: Illegals afraid of guestworker plan

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/stories/ ... 4b9ec.html
Undocumented immigrants concerned about proposed guest worker programs

08:03 AM EST on Friday, March 31, 2006
By ANNA CROWLEY / 6NEWS
E-mail Anna: ACrowley@WCNC.COM





6NEWS

Protests about immigration reform have taken center stage on the news, but beyond the rallies and news conferences there are those too afraid to march.

Politicians, editorial writers and marchers have all been speaking out about the immigration issue, but there are also silent voices to be heard, immigrants too afraid that if they speak out they'll lose the lives they've built in the U.S.

It's estimated as many as 50,000 undocumented workers are living in Charlotte.

Protests about immigration reform have taken center stage on the news, but beyond the rallies and news conferences there are those in the shadows too afraid to march.

Two of those undocumented immigrants, Maria and Juan Carlos spoke to us.

"I don't like this reform because it's a double edged sword for the immigrants and it feels like a trap," said Juan Carlos.

He said a guest worker program is a ticking clock.

"It's basically wanting to keep track of us so in later years they can find out who we are and deport us," he said.
"I feel very insecure that I might not be able to stay or have my job," said Maria.

Juan Carlos said thousands of dollars in fines and a new language would be impossible for most immigrants.

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"For me it may be possible, but I speak for all Hispanics and there are many of them who don’t have an education to begin with," said Juan Carlos.

With two children in the Charlotte school system, who will likely not be able to apply for college without legal status, Maria and Juan Carlos hope for meaningful change soon.

Juan Carlos said undocumented workers are a vital part of the economy and that Americans don’t get it. He said all it would take to prove his point would be a one day illegal worker strike.

I guess now the illegals want us just to let them remain illegal, not paying taxes and sucking our system dry, or grant them FULL amnesty, with no penalties or fines. They say they don't have the money to pay a fine, yet.....they have the money to pay coyotes to get them here Why do they think we owe them something?

Because they're "special", Rebel.

We don't think too much about the amnesty either Carlos.

We're trying to help you out here.