Thread: Boy wages fight for mother -critics say son exploited

I didn't see this so I'll post. It was on the cover of the Chicago Tribune. Finally some criticism. Note the reporter's name. This poor kid.....


http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nati ... 5503.story
Boy wages fight for mother
Critics charge immigrant's son being exploited



By Oscar Avila, Tribune staff reporter. The Associated Press contributed to this report

November 15, 2006

Saul Arellano sounded like any sleepy 7-year-old clinging to a comfortable, warm bed as the first rays of sun poked through: "I want to sleep. I'm tired," he called to his mother, dragging out the last word.

Even as Saul blinked to wakefulness, family friends were bundling him up Sunday to head to the airport for a flight to Mexico City, where Saul would be the small frontman in yet another attempt to help his mother, activist Elvira Arellano, avoid deportation for entering the country illegally.

On Tuesday, those adults took Saul to meet with Mexican lawmakers. Swayed by his plea, they passed a resolution urging the U.S. government to suspend deportation for Arellano and other parents of children who are U.S. citizens. The resolution carries no legal weight, but supporters hope it will build sympathy.

For Saul, the trip has at times been too much. Flashbulbs exploded as he entered the Mexican congressional chambers. Saul scurried into another room and hid under a table.

Since Aug. 15, when she took refuge in a Humboldt Park church, Arellano has enlisted every possible ally--ministers, politicians, radio hosts.

Now she is increasingly turning to a wide-eyed boy whom she sent to Mexico with two suits, a freshly printed passport and his wrestler action figures.

In recent weeks, Saul has fronted a "children's rally" at the White House, in which he unsuccessfully tried to hand-deliver a letter to President Bush. He and an adult traveling with him were interviewed on "The Cristina Show," a popular Spanish TV talk show taped in California.

Because his mother is unwilling to leave the church, fearing arrest, Saul carries their story as he travels with one or more of the activists who have become family friends.

Arellano has gotten used to those who accuse her of arrogance for breaking the law and then asking the U.S. government for a break.

But her voice rises when she talks about criticism that she is exploiting her son. "It's wrong for another person to try to be in my shoes," Arellano said. "These are people on the periphery who don't understand the truth about our lives."

Though Arellano's case has attracted global attention and Saul's situation is like few others, experts say the children of immigrants are often forced to grow up too fast.

For the estimated 3.1 million U.S. citizen children of undocumented immigrants, "the talk"--that first difficult discussion about the ways of the world--is often about how federal agents might someday come for Mom or Dad.

Those children often translate on shopping trips and in doctor's offices. They read letters about themselves sent to their parents from school.

In that sense, they are like Saul, who used his perfect English recently to guide his mother through a TV interview.

His appearance as a media regular comes at a critical time for his mother.

Arellano said she is hopeful that a leadership change in Congress might help her obtain a "private bill," legislation that would give her a legal extension to remain in the United States. The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee had refused to advance bills introduced on her behalf by Democrats.

But Arellano recognizes some risk in Saul's travels, for her child and herself.

She said one of her biggest fears is that immigration agents will take advantage of Saul's absences to arrest her. She speculated that they are more reluctant to enter the church if he is there because they fear a public-relations backlash.

But Arellano said Saul's trips are worth the risk because he can make her case in a personal way. "What I lived, he lived," Arellano said.

Carola Suarez-Orozco, who heads the applied psychology department at New York University and researches the adaptation of immigrant youths, said Saul's activity at his young age "borders on the worrisome."

These experiences could make Saul a stronger adult, she said, but they might also upset the parent-child dynamic.

"He may one day become this wonderful attorney or fabulous advocate, but this is young to be assuming that kind of role," Suarez-Orozco said. "It is born of desperation, no doubt. The normal balance is that your parents protect you, not the other way around."

Some have been more pointed in their criticism of Saul's role.

A writer for the Coalition Against Illegal Immigration blog wrote: "To shove him in front of cameras to make a case for his mother's crimes is, in my opinion, now at the top of the list of crimes this woman has committed."

Arellano stressed that Saul has maintained his grades, and that he has missed only three days of school for his lobbying. A tutor traveled with Saul to Mexico to ensure that he kept up with his schoolwork.

As a single mother, Arellano has an unusually close bond with her son. They often converse in intense, hushed tones. But they also trade jokes and verbal jabs like playmates.

Arellano said Saul welcomes her bearhugs, but not around cameras, because people will think he's her boyfriend.

While family friends said their love is genuine, Saul's public appearances walk a fine line between sentiment and stagecraft. Saul conceded he didn't know whom he would meet with in Mexico. When he went to D.C., he carried a letter bearing his name that was unusually eloquent for a 7-year-old.

After Saul gave his mother a farewell embrace in the church before leaving for Mexico, activist Emma Lozano realized that the television cameras on the sidewalk had missed the scene. Lozano matter-of-factly called out to Arellano: "Elvira, please come to the door to hug Saulito again, for the newspapers."

Supporters say children like Saul naturally have come to the forefront because these legal battles are ultimately about them. "These actions by Saulito keep the faces out there of the ultimate victims, who are the children," said Chicago immigration attorney Rosalba Pina, a friend of the Arellanos.

Arellano said she spoke briefly with Saul by phone Tuesday afternoon. He told her that everything went well, but that he couldn't talk because Mexican congressmen wanted to meet him. Saul's biggest concern was that their puppy, Daisy, was OK.

----------

oavila@tribune.com
Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune

On Tuesday, those adults took Saul to meet with Mexican lawmakers. Swayed by his plea, they passed a resolution urging the U.S. government to suspend deportation for Arellano and other parents of children who are U.S. citizens. The resolution carries no legal weight, but supporters hope it will build sympathy.

That pretty much says Mexico doesn't want them back!

Dixie

She said one of her biggest fears is that immigration agents will take advantage of Saul's absences to arrest her. She speculated that they are more reluctant to enter the church if he is there because they fear a public-relations backlash

All about herself. She's just using that poor child as a shield for herself. Maybe since he's met the Pres. and all......he can be his new pop-pop like Castro was for Elian.

These illegals use their kids as pawns all the time as they consider them expendable they can just make more.

Let Elvira's nightmare come true and she can join her son back in Mexico where she belongs. I think we all have had enough of her and her fatherless child. Who is the father? If he is legal than he can stay with his dad just like Elian did.

This woman is a pathetic excuse for a human being. The man running for president who swears to just go in and deport her illegal butt is the man I'm going to vote for.
How much longer do we have to put up with her crap?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2006


Media Contact:
Daniel Díaz
(202) 548-5876
ddiaz@chci.org

Rebecca Dreilinger
(202) 543-1771
rdreilinger@chci.org


National Policy Conference To Feature Members of Congress And U.S. Senators Leading Summits On Education, Business, Civil Rights, Health, Housing, Immigration, Labor, Technology

Conference Hosts AstraZeneca and Ford Motor Company Celebrate “Our Youth, Our Future, Our Legacy” And Help Commemorate Three Anniversary Milestones

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s premier Hispanic youth leadership development and educational organization, today announced Members of Congress and prominent Hispanic experts will lead over 20 events at this year’s Public Policy Conference, Oct. 2 – 3, featuring summits on education, business, civil rights, health, housing, labor and technology.

Conference Hosts AstraZeneca and Ford Motor Company will help celebrate this year’s CHCI Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Our Youth, Our Future, Our Legacy.”

With their support, CHCI also will commemorate three anniversary milestones: 25th Public Policy Fellowship; 20th Congressional Internship and 5th Annual Scholarship Awards.

“This year we honor the accomplishments and resiliency of Hispanic youth – our nation’s future, our legacy,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI president and CEO. “Over the last 25 years, CHCI has remained at the forefront in developing the next generation of Hispanic leaders – today our founding fathers’ mission is alive through CHCI’s programs.”

“Conference participants will benefit from powerful summits and networking sessions on key issues affecting Hispanics.”

CHCI’s 2006 Annual Public Policy Conference kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month events for the organization. Note to editors: For conference details see schedule at end of press release or visit www.chci.org.

Reyes of Comedy Night, scheduled for Tuesday, October 3 at the historic Washington, D.C. Warner Theater, promises to be an unforgettable evening of laughter, as Hispanic comedians take the stage for two non-stop hours.

Closing the week of events is CHCI’s 29th Annual Gala, taking place Wednesday, October 4 at the Washington Convention Center. With more than 2,000 guests — ranging from federal and local elected officials, celebrities, corporate and nonprofit leaders — the gala honor’s our nation’s Hispanic leaders for their leadership, community service and commitment in helping develop the next generation of young Hispanic leaders.

CHCI’s Gala is the organization’s primary annual fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting its leadership development and educational services programs.

CHCI Hispanic Heritage Month Schedule of Events:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2006

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Opening Breakfast “Celebration of Labor Leadership”
Hon. Ed Pastor (AZ-4) – Breakfast Chair
Hon. Linda Sanchez (CA-39)
Hon. Hilda Solis (CA-32)
John J. Sweeney, President, AFL-CIO
Linda Chávez-Thompson, CHCI Board Member, Executive V.P. AFL-CIO
Maria Elena Durazo, International Executive V.P., UNITE HERE!

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Opening Plenary: “State of Hispanic America: A Demographic Overview”
Jose Diaz-Balart, Anchor Telemundo’s “Cada día” – Moderator
Hon. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-3, CHCI Board Chair
Hon. Joe Baca (CA-43)
Hon. Nydia Velazquez (NY-12)
Pat Pulido Sanchez, CHCI Secretary, President & CEO,
Pulido Sanchez Communications
Roberto Suro, Demographer, Pew Hispanic Center

Sponsors
AstraZeneca
Raquel Egusquiza, Ford Motor Company

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Summits: Concurrent Break-Out Sessions

* Education I - Hon. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15)
* Banking & Finance - Hon. Loretta Sanchez (CA-47)
* Civil Rights - Hon. Charles Gonzalez (TX-20)
* Livable Communities - Hon. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-7)
* Health I - Hon. Hilda Solis (CA-32)
* Mental Health - Hon. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-3,
CHCI Board Chair
* Housing - Hon. Nydia Velasquez (NY-12)

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Opening Lunch: Capital Markets & Wealth Creation
Senator Christopher J. Dodd (CT)*
Hon. Loretta Sanchez-Moderator (CA-47)
Deborah Rosado Shaw, Dream BIG! Enterprises, LLC
John Manley, Smith Barney Asset Management
Maria Contreras Sweet, Chairwoman, Promerica Bank
Noe Hinojosa, Estrada Hinojosa & Company
Martin Cabrera, Jr., President, Cabrera Capital Markets
Henry Cisneros, Chairman, Cityview*

Sponsors
William C. Bell, President and CEO, Casey Family Programs
Reg Weaver, President & CEO, National Education Association

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
General Session: “State of Latino Youth: Struggling at the Margins”
Armando Guzman, Noticiero Azteca America – Moderator
Hon. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15)
Delia Pompa, V.P. Education, National Council of La Raza*
Maria Gomez, Executive Director, Mary’s center for
Maternal and Child Care
William C. Bell, President and CEO, Casey Family Programs
Dr. Luis Zayas, Professor of Social Work, Psychiatry,
Washington University*
Washington, D.C. Metro Area High School Students

Sponsor
Annie E. Casey Foundation

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
HOGAR Summit: Sustaining the American Dream for Latino

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Latina Leaders Celebration
Hon. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-3, CHCI Board Chair
Hon. Hilda Solis (CA-32), Event Chair

Awardees:
Maria Elena Salinas, Univision National Evening News Co-Anchor - Media
Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, New York Times Best Selling Author “Dirty Girls Social Club” - Literature
Judge Vanessa Ruiz, Federal Court, D.C. Appellate Court – Law
Angelica Salas, Executive Director Coalition Humane Immigrant Rights – Advocacy
Angela Sanbrano, Executive Director CARECEN – Advocacy
Maria Contreras Sweet, Chairwoman of Promerica Bank – Finance
New Mexico Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron – Government

Sponsor
Willie Zuniga, President & CEO, Grifols Biologicals, Inc.

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception & Alumni Reunion
Hon. Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Reception Chair
Virgina Mosqueda, CHCI Alumni Association President
Jim Padilla, CEO Ford Motor Company

Sponsors
Leticia Aguilar, Consumer Executive President, Bank of America
Lisa Quiroz, Vice President, Time Warner

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2006

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Closing Continental Breakfast in Partnership with the
American GI Forum: “Salute to Hispanic Veterans”
Hon. John Salazar (CO-3),* Breakfast Chair
Hon. Silvestre Reyes (TX-16)
Hon. Solomon Ortíz (TX-27)
Hon. Hilda Solis (CA-32)
General Sanchez
Anthony Morales, National Commander, American GI Forum
Hon. Billy Tauzin former Congressman (R-La.), former PhRMA CEO

Sponsors
Marieli Colon-Padilla, PhRMA
Angela Garcia-Lathrop, SVP Community Affairs, Countrywide Home Loans

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Closing Plenary: Immigration
Maria Elena Salinas, Univision National Evening News Co-Anchor* - Moderator
Hon. Luis Gutierrez (IL-4), Plenary Chair
Emma Lozano, Director, Centro Sin Fronteras
Angela Sanbrano, Executive Director, CARCEN*
Jose Vega, National Leader of Civicas*

Sponsors
AstraZeneca Executive
Sandy Ulsh, President, Ford Motor Fund

10:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Summits: Concurrent Break-Out Sessions

* Health II - Hon. Hilda Solis (CA-32)
* Technology, Communications & the Arts - Hon. Xavier Becerra (CA-31)
* Workforce - Hon. Ed Pastor (AZ-4)
* Education II - Hon. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15)
* International Relations - Hon. Silvestre Reyes (TX-16)
* Small Business - Hon. Nydia Velasquez (NY-12)
* Corporate America - Hon. Joe Baca (CA-43)

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Emerging Youth Leaders’ Series
Carmen Joge, CHCI Chief Operating Officer

Sponsors
Loretta Abrams, VP Consumer Affairs, HSBC
Nissan North America, Inc.

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Emerging Youth Leaders’ Series Keynote Lunch
Hon. Ana Sol Gutierrez, Maryland General Assembly, Keynote
Allstate-NCLR Scholars Presentation
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Executive

12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Closing Lunch: “Changing the Perception of Latinos in Film”
Hon. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-3, CHCI Board Chair
Sissi, Entertainer, Actress, Model - Moderator
Wilmer Valderrama*
April Hernandez*
Alejandro González Iñarritu*
Isai Morales*

Lunch Sponsors
Jeffrey Markowitz, VP of Industry and State Relations, Freddie Mac
Fernando Hernandez, Director of Supplier Diversity, Microsoft Corporation

2:00 pm. - 4:30 pm
Emerging Youth Leaders’ Series Issues Management Training
Gustavo Torres – Trainer*

8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Reyes of Comedy

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2006

8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Alumni Breakfast
Hon. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-3, CHCI Board Chair
Virginia Mosqueda, CHCI Alumni Assoc. President
Nitza Milagros Escalera, Esq., CHCI Alumnus, Class of 1981,
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Fordham University
Dr. José M. Garzón, Ph.D., CHCI Alumnus USAID Chief
Democracy and Governance Office in Guatemala,

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Gala General Reception

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
29th Annual Gala

10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
After Dinner Dessert Reception

*Asterisk notes invited.

LOCATIONS:

* Chairwoman Cocktail Reception/Building Dedication & Tribute to Past Chairs
911 2nd Street NE
Washington, DC 20002

* All Public Policy Conference Events (except Welcome Reception)
The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036

* Welcome Reception & Alumni Reunion
Smithsonian-S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive SW
Washington, DC 20001
(between the “Castle” and the Freer Gallery of Art)

* Alumni Association Fundraiser
Heritage Restaurant
2400 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20007
(Cross street: Calvert St. NW)

* 5th Annual Reyes of Comedy
Warner Theatre
1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004

* Board of Directors Lunch
Cannon House Office Building
3rd Floor-Cannon Caucus Room
Room 345
Washington DC 20015
Independence Ave. & 1st Street SE

* 29th Annual Gala
Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Washington, DC 20001

* Gala After Party
Avenue Nightclub
649 New York Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20001

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders and corporate executives. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.
http://www.chci.org/media/06sept19.html

If the Democrats in congress now give this illegal criminal a pass to stay in the United States, I fear for the survival of our country. Every illegal with an american born child will ask for equal treatment. Illegals by the hundreds of thousand will be crossing the border to have their babies.
God, what a mess we have in this country and our lousy leaders do nothing about it!!!

I say we deluge the department of human services there in Chicago with emails, letters and faxes and phone calls! this child is an american citizen, we have laws about children being in school, why is this child not in school as other 7 yr olds are? This is pathetic, if our Congress gives her a pass, it will be unacceptable fo most Americans I hope!

Originally Posted by nittygritty

I say we deluge the department of human services there in Chicago with emails, letters and faxes and phone calls! this child is an american citizen, we have laws about children being in school, why is this child not in school as other 7 yr olds are? This is pathetic, if our Congress gives her a pass, it will be unacceptable fo most Americans I hope!

Interesting........what's her CHILD been doing ALL this time that she's been an "activist?"

Take a look at the Elvira thread in the gen disc that I put up, NITTY. Found out that she's not been working but been running with Elenna Lozaro all this time......at least since 03. Haven't looked back any further yet. I believe that Lozaro is one of the people who's carting the "little guy" around the country.

Sooooo, what's the kid been doing all this time? Riding buses OR being farmed out???

.