Immigrants: Bill bad

By ALONSO HEREDIA
Courier-Post Staff


CAMDEN
Nayeli Vela was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and has lived in the United States for the last 18 years.

She studied journalism in her country, but now works as a businesswoman in Camden.

She knows what it's like to be an undocumented immigrant and she knows the benefits of having legal status.

"I was undocumented and know the suffering of that situation," said Vela, one of several patrons interviewed at La Pobanita, a produce store on River Road in Camden. "I also know, from personal experience, that when you are legal you can produce more and get ahead. That is good not only for the immigrant, but the country."

As Congress debates a major overhaul of immigration laws, people like Vela are wondering how the proposed changes could affect their lives and the lives of family members.

Vela said she disagrees with the measure that the heads of families have to return to their countries of origin, re-enter and apply.

"That could be a trap," said Vera, 40.

She also does not like that undocumented immigrants would be required to pay a $5,000 fine.

Felipe Lopez, 36, originally from Argentina, has lived in the United States for the last six years. He works as a contractor.

"It is obvious that they should reach an agreement to legalize undocumented immigrants because that problem cannot go on; it is bad for everyone," he said.

Juan Murillo owns a grocery store and has been living in the United States for 14 years.

Murillo, who was born in the Dominican Republic, said that as far as he is concerned, the agreement is no solution because there is no amnesty.

"We have known of many proposals to solve the undocumented immigrant problem, but none of them has worked, and this one won't either," said Murillo, 40. "Anything that is not amnesty does not work."

He also thinks that paying a $5,000 fine is outrageous.

Edgar Martinez, 32, is a Mexican who works delivering bread.

"I think it is wonderful that something is being done to solve the undocumented problem." said Martinez, who has being living in the U.S. for nine years.

However, he thinks the mechanisms to reunite families are unclear. Martinez believes that paying $5,000 will be difficult for many immigrants.

He said more attention needs should be paid to temporary workers.

Alejandro Rendon, 42, is a Mexican national who has lived in the United Status for six years. He works in a grocery store.

"This proposal is just like any other. It is no good, pure politics," he said.

He disagrees with the measure that requires heads of families to leave the country and reapply. It's a trap, he said.

Rendon also said paying $5,000 is an unfair measure, and that waiting 13 years to become a citizen is too long.

While it is not a perfect plan it is at least a start, said Natalia Morales, 28, who has lived in United States for seven years.

"I think it is very good that an agreement has been reached because this problem with undocumented immigrants must be solved," said Morales, who is from Mexico. "Right now, it is urgent that they are given a work permit. The rest will get worked out slowly."

Morales, who works at a restaurant, said that the $5,000 could be paid, but added that those who must leave the country first should not be deceived later.

Activist Angel Cordero, a Puerto Rican who organized several marches supporting undocumented immigrants, said that the proposed plan is not the solution.

"I reject almost all items in it. Charging $5,000 is absolutely unfair; waiting 13 years is an insult; and making heads of families leave the country is a trap," he said.

Reach Alonso Heredia at (856) 486-2919 or aheredia@courierpostonline.com
Published: May 20. 2007 3:10AM
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/p ... 00370/1006