Thread: Supporters feed, clothe illegal day laborers

Supporters feed, clothe immigrant day laborers
Sunday, March 4, 2007

By ELIZABETH LLORENTE
STAFF WRITER


BERGENFIELD -- The aroma of the meat-filled turnovers, known in Spanish as empanadas, filled a narrow side street Saturday, as more than 100 immigrant laborers who gather here daily were treated to breakfast.

Laborers also availed themselves of doughnuts, bread, milk, juice and bottled water. And most of them picked up brochures that offered information in Spanish on everything from work-related accidents to recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and hydrogen sulfide leaks.

The food and information were courtesy of a group of immigration advocates from various towns of Bergen County. The advocates said they hosted the breakfast to show support to the laborers and offer encouragement at a time when the federal government is cracking down on illegal immigrants and political tensions are rising.

The Bergen County Community Action Program, which is increasing its involvement with day laborers, coordinated the event.

"These laborers contribute to our society," said Ellie Spiegel of Leonia, one of the advocates. "I wanted to show them support, that we recognize that people are people, regardless of their immigration status."

Spiegel was among about a dozen North Jersey residents who mingled with the laborers, asking about their lives in North Jersey and the lives they left behind. Together, they looked over the brochures and spoke about the services that the county offered them despite the illegal status of nearly all of them.

Many of the day laborers -- most of whom are from Guatemala and Mexico -- said they were moved by the outreach.

Every Saturday, after all, they are also reminded that many Americans object to their presence. Nearly all of them crossed into the United States illegally or came on a visa and overstayed it. Church groups occasionally bring the coffee and breakfast breads, but every Saturday members of United Patriots of America stand yards away, holding up placards that denounce illegal immigration.

"We feel so alone, so alienated, usually," said a 21-year-old laborer from Mexico who said he lives in Bergenfield. He asked to not to be identified for fear of deportation.

"What these residents who came out to here to be with us this morning are doing means so much to me, to us, because these are American people telling us they understand our plight and that they appreciate that we're here to work hard for them," he said.

Another laborer, a 39-year-old man from Peru, said the gesture made him feel he was part of the community.

"It feels like family, this interaction with the Americans," said the laborer, who came to New Jersey from his homeland four years ago. "That's precious to us, because we have left our family to be here, and it gets lonely. This feels like an embrace."

Within minutes, a black sports car passed by, slowing down as it got closer to the clusters of laborers. The laborers swarmed around the car, thinking that the driver wanted to hire someone.

"Nice clothes, I have nice things for you," said the driver, a man who looked as if he was in his 30s. He then handed over piles of neatly folded pants, shorts, shirts and even shoes.

"Enjoy. Bye!"

The men checked the sizes and marveled over the brand names -- Banana Republic, Perry Ellis, L.L. Bean. The clothes all still had their price tags affixed.

The laborers beamed and said that residents routinely pass by just to give them food and other goods.

"That's what we trying to show these men," said Cesar Estrella, the Bergen County CAP community organization coordinator who put together the breakfast. "There are many people like him -- I don't even know who he is; he just came and drove away -- in the community who want to do help these laborers and bring them things like this."

E-mail: llorente@northjersey.com

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These laborers contribute to our society," said Ellie Spiegel of Leonia, one of the advocates. "I wanted to show them support, that we recognize that people are people, regardless of their immigration status."

Mz Spiegel you should be ashamed of yourself! Your helping turn Bergen County into a third world slum! Thanks you turn coat!!!

Send these people to jail. Our laws said that this is a criminal offense.

Maybe we should join them give the invaders T shirts with a message printed on it. Any suggestion???

((("These laborers contribute to our society," said Ellie Spiegel of Leonia, one of the advocates. "I wanted to show them support, that we recognize that people are people, regardless of their immigration status." )))

They contribute diseases, lawlessness, murder, racism, division, over crowding, increased drug trafficking, language confusion, slums, anchor babies and lower wages for legal American citizens.

Let's send Ellie Spiegel to Mexico and let her contribute her garbage over there.

How can this, by any definition of the law, not be considered aiding and abetting?

Since Ellie is so moved by their plight, she should invite 20 or more to move in with her. Maybe they could babysit How much do you want to bet she lives in a gated community and feels no ill effect in her community. She probably hires them for handy jobs