Wilkes-Barre man caught in country illegally for fifth time


Brian McElwee
Scranton Immigration Policy Examiner
May 18, 2012



Mike Cutler, a 30 year retired INS Special Agent, places a high priority on educating citizens on the subject of illegal immigration. He stresses the importanance of recognizing that although Mexico is the source of most of our alien population, people from nations around the world enter our country illegally every day, in every way. Some simply walk or run across our porous borders. Some arrive by plane. Some stow away on ships, melting into our busy ports without drawing notice. Others may sneak across our borders in vehicles or trains.


Cutler's friend and ally in the fight against illegal immigration, Congressman Lou Barletta, agrees with his assessment. At the NEPA Forum on Illegal Immigration in November, both men warned the audience that any city with an international airport or seaport is now a border town.


Our region affected


The greater Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region is no different. While a significant Hispanic population catches our attention, other groups barely show as a blip on the radar screen. In recent years, islanders (Haiti, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad/Tobago, St. Lucia and more) have settled here in noticeable numbers as have those of Romanian and various Asian descent. One of the finest men I've had the pleasure of knowing came here from the South American country of Guyana. Unfortunately, so did Leonard Sampson.


According to a report in the Citizens' Voice, Sampson has thumbed his nose at our nation's immigration law on five occasions. The previous four times have resulted in deportation, only for him to show up on our soil illegally again. This time, in addition to illegal re-entry charges, Sampson also faces charges of aggravated identity theft, falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, false statements made to acquire a U.S. passport, and food stamp fraud. In other words, he knowingly assumed (stole) the identity of someone else not only to enter the United States but to live off the taxpayer once here. For his troubles, he faces $1 million dollars in fines and 70 years in prison, if convicted.


This is not the first notable arrest in our area involving an illegal alien and fraud. I.C.E. announced the cracking of an identity theft ring in January of this year and three of those charged were apprehended in Hazleton. On multiple occasions, police have identified aliens during traffic stops. In one instance, the alien had a valid driver's license and social security card under a name other than his own, and was also in possession of a receipt showing a recent income tax return in excess of $7,000. In another case, the alien was found to be in possession of two public assistance cards under two different names, as well as having cash on hand of over $3,000.


Affects felt in many areas

Illegal immigration is not quite a victimless crime. Many aliens come here illegally, often stealing identities to do so, while others simply overstay their visas. Once here, they work illegally, not only snatching a much needed job from a citizen but devaluing the pay scale in the process. Additionally, much of the money they earn is pumped into another country's economy via remittances, effectively robbing our economy of the boost. They apply for and receive benefits which you and I pay for, such as food stamps, housing assistance and more. Their children receive specialized education in the form of Head Start and English as Second Language programs, which we also pay for. Many file income tax returns, some using ITN numbers provided by the IRS, others using the identities they've stolen.

Emergency rooms are clogged with a flow of aliens who treat them as clinics, and the resulting increase in cost of services also gets passed along to you and me.

Millions claim the Child Tax Credit (to the tune of $4.2 billion, annually), perhaps two million bold enough as to claim the credit for children (theirs and others') who don't even live in our country. They may even be collecting unemployment benefits, as their immigration status will only be checked if they answer no when asked if they're a citizen of the United States, even though they may not speak a word of English. In fact, whether you know it or not, you are more than happy to pay for a translation service for them, Spanish more frequently than any other language, also paid for by the taxpayer.


No honor in illegal immigration

The simple truth of the matter is that our illegal alien problem has grown so large that the costs to us are nearly incalculable, certainly not so within any degree of accuracy. So, the next time you're tempted to think illegal immigration is a victimless crime, remember that you don't speak for me or most Americans who shoulder the alien burden via taxes. We should all resent the presence of aliens in our communities and the increased burdens they place on us. Just as importantly, we should resent and resist titles of affirmation being conferred upon them such as what occurs when apologists refer to them as immigrants, Christians, or any term which implies honor.


Whether black, white or yellow, from Mexico, Ireland or Guyana, there is nothing honorable about illegal aliens nor those who in any way encourage or assist them.









The flag of an alien who has already been deported four times flies in Wilkes-Barre.

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Brian McElwee, Scranton Immigration Policy Examiner

Brian is a married father of two with deep concerns over the future of our country. He believes uncontrolled (read illegal) immigration represents a serious risk to our national unity, security, economy and more. Brian is also a Christian who believes the Bible clearly teaches obedience to...

Wilkes-Barre man caught in country illegally for fifth time - Scranton Immigration Policy | Examiner.com