The other side: The story of an illegal immigrant in the Southland

August 12, 2007


When 33-year-old Fortino sneaked across the Mexican border earlier this year, he knew what to expect: several days of wandering through the wilderness, an aggressive "coyote" leading him, a good chance of getting caught and -- if all went well -- a job picking produce.

Though Fortino has crossed illegally into the United States four times in the past two decades, he still gets scared when he makes the trip.

"How can you not be?" he said in imperfect English. "You're not always in control."

Fortino is one of two farm workers the Daily Southtown located who have crossed the border without proper paperwork. He spoke openly about his journey and what it's like to be here illegally.

Fortino wants to stay in the United States for two or three years -- long enough to save the seed money to start his own business back in Mexico.

"This is my last trip here," he said. "After this, I want to stay home."

Waiting at home for Fortino is his wife, 8-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son.

"My wife doesn't want to be here," he said. "Not at all."

A short, slight man, Fortino works with great efficiency. When he starts to talk, he stops stacking crates.

Fortino said a coyote led him into the country, eventually taking him to Laredo, Texas.

From there, he came to Illinois.

To him, the political debate over U.S. immigration policy is irrelevant. As long as America continues to generate opportunities to make money, Mexicans will find a way to stream across the border -- regardless of the law.

"The white people don't work like us," he said. "You know what I mean?"
To provide proof of citizenship to his employer, Fortino said he simply paid for fake papers.

What will Fortino do when he returns to his home in Queretaro?

"I want to start a restaurant," he said.

Isaac Wolf

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