CNN Reports: Deportation separates families
Julie Quiroz clutches her teddy bear crying. “Mommy,” she says softly, as her mother wraps her arms around her and rubs her back. One of her brothers tries to console her. “You’re going to come back,” he says.
.
The 13-year-old Quiroz begins to walk away to catch an airplane from Mexico to the United States. Within moments, she rushes back to her mother’s arms. “Mommy,” she says again, tears streaming down her face.
.
Quiroz is one of an estimated 3 million American children who have at least one parent who entered the US illegally, according to the Urban Institute, which researches and evaluates U.S. social and economic issues.
.
In Quiroz’s case, she was born in Washington state, lived there her entire life and went to school there. But her mother, Ana Reyes, entered the United States illegally before Quiroz was born and U.S. immigration officials caught up with her last year on her birthday. [read more]
Boo friggin Hoo. You decide to break the law, pop a kid, and then get booted. How exactly should anyone feel sorry for these scumbags.
Comment by Anon — September 10, 2008 @ 8:28 am
Why do parents do this to their children. Very irresponsible.
Comment by mike — September 10, 2008 @ 8:28 am
TOO BAD! This country acts like it’s reflects on us if we seperate these illegal families. First off, it’s not us, these people know they are here illegally and if they have a kid here (i think it should be considered illegal ALSO)they take the chance of getting caught and being seperated. So, they NOT the USmake their illegal bed and they can now lie in it. I think most of these people come here just to deliver the non-illegal so when something like this comes up and they get caught hen everyone can feel so sorry for them because they broke the law. Let me tell you if I broke the law and had to go to jail or prison, I would doubt very much if anyone would say “oh, that is just wrong to seperate this man from his family” no, my a– would be sent off without any thought…it would be my fault and my punishment…JUST like it’s their punishment.So lets stop the boo-hoo for these law breakers
Comment by mark — September 10, 2008 @ 8:29 am
Why does CNN make it sound like it is the government’s fault for this child’s heartbreak? Put the blame where it deserves, on the mother. She knew that she was in the US illegally and knew the risk she was taking with her childrens’ lives. The government is enforcing the law, which the mother broke! What about all the children of legal US citizens whose dreams are being shattered because of the economy? When you break the law there are consequences.
Comment by Laura — September 10, 2008 @ 8:45 am
It certainly sad that these children are suffering from their parents well meaning acts, but even American citizen’s and legal immigrant’s children suffer when their parents break the law. Where are the organizations to help those children who are separated from their parents if they go to jail? Why are these American children more deserving then American children whose parents are here legally and break the law? Which laws are O.K. to break where you can have charities to help your kids out? As an naturalized citizen my parents immigrated here in the 50’s legally. It was just as difficult to enter the U.S. then. America can not take all the world’s poor, like all other countries, need to provide for their legal residents and have a responsible immigration policy that does not diminish the lives of there current legal residents. How many poor neighbor’s children can you provide for in your home before your own children start to suffer for it? The country is no different.
Comment by Pat — September 10, 2008 @ 8:49 am
Yes… the story is moving… but who is really at fault here? us? or the ILLEGAL immigrant who wanted to leave an anchor baby here? They knew there were here illegally… they knew if they get caught they will be deported… they take that risk… now they are crying foul because they have to leave their children behind?
How about us LEGAL immigrants??? where is the sympathy when we were separated from our loved ones??? We followed the code of the law, spend time and money, separated from our family for a long period of time??? Who was helping us???
Why so much sympathy for people who broke the law??? Should we let a murderer go, because she/he has some children???? ok… maybe too far… how about robbers who didn’t kill??? ok… still too far… how about just drug dealers?? maybe not… how about common thieves???? or just people do DUIs???? where do you want to start??? it is a very slippery slop here…
Currently, there are hundreds of thousands people in the world waiting to get reunited in U.S. with their family, only they won’t be on the top news of CNN because they followed the law???? why should these ILLEGALs get to stay here when people who follow the law wait?????
I guess that is what you get following the law…
Comment by echo40 — September 10, 2008 @ 9:11 am
I feel for the children of illegal aliens, but the U.S has to enforce laws, if we allow people to just enter the country without going through the usual steps what’s the point in homeland security, I know I can’t just move to Canada or any other country without going by the laws and then expect them to help me out since I didn’t ask first!! The other problem is if parents are illegal then they’re children should be illegal regardless of where they were born. They know when they come into the U.S without proper authorization they’ve done something wrong.
Comment by Steve Duran — September 10, 2008 @ 9:25 am
Go live with your Mom in Mexico. Problem solved. It is not the usa’s fault she illegally delivered her baby (for free probably) in the US. Go change your country and realize your dreams. Fight for them there!
Comment by tb — September 10, 2008 @ 9:29 am
Too bad, so sad.
Comment by Monty — September 10, 2008 @ 9:29 am
I think it is sad that families have been and may continue to get separated like this. However it is not the fault of the US government. The parents of these families made a choice with full knowledge they were breaking the law. It is neither the government’s, nor legal citizens responsibility to support those who willing choose to break the law and sneak into a country illegally, This country has procedures that are not unreasonable and used by scores of people to enter and live here legally. It would be nice be able to keep families together, but we should not always feel bad or those who knowingly made a bad choice and put themselves in this type of situation. It may be un-politically correct but the fault of this type of thing lies with the parents of these children. On the positive side it seems these children are being allowed to stay and take advantage of what this country has to offer. Maybe their parents can apply for citizenship in the proper manner and be reunited with their children.
Comment by fred — September 10, 2008 @ 9:34 am
I’m sure it’s hard on this girl, but that’s something her mother should’ve thought about before she came here illegally and had kids.. This girl is no different from the countless other children of criminals in this country, which is what her mother is. We have to change our laws and stop granting citizenship to children of illegal immigrants just because they are born in this country. We are encouraging and rewarding illegal immigration when we give girls like this citizenship.
Comment by Rick — September 10, 2008 @ 9:36 am
We have no choice. We can’t allow non-citizen parents to be able to stay in the US on the basis of having US citizen children. Otherwise, anyone who wants to skirt the immigration laws would just have to come to the US, have a child, and there you go – instant residency.
The child did nothing wrong, I agree, but the blame rests solely with the parent. Lots of children end up suffering for the actions of their parents, unfortunately, and this is no different.
Comment by Kevin Hamilton — September 10, 2008 @ 9:40 am
It’s pretty simple. Follow the immigration laws, stay with your kids. Break the immigration laws, get sent home.
The entire blame for this incident is on the mother.
Comment by Scott — September 10, 2008 @ 9:41 am
as much as i empathize with the difficulties associated with situations like these, I can’t help but wonder, where are people like Kennard to help American Children whose parents are here legally, but are struggling economically? there are millions of children and adults in this country who were either born here or have come here legally, and would like to get quality education and improve their lifestyle, yet most of them are stuck doing it on their own. those who are determined to do it, can’t always rely on financial aid either. we all know that the cost of college goes beyond what financial aid can offer, and some of them don’t even qualify for financial aid because their parents make “too much”. they end up getting student loans and potentially struggle for the next 5-10 years after college, because they just could not afford their expenses otherwise. during that time, they are also bombarded with taxes, and most likely have to live on some sort of a budget until the school loans are out of the way. oh and by the way, their taxes are in one way or another channeled into thousands different places, one of which is the inner city schools where, ironically enough, the children of illegal immigrants are getting their free education. protecting the children should always be the priority, but let’s protect them equally, let’s not pick and choose the ones who seemingly have it “tough”.
Comment by MR — September 10, 2008 @ 9:46 am
A horse can not give birth to a cow.
If the mother is illegal, so are the kids and they should all be deported when momma is caught.
Comment by Dennis — September 10, 2008 @ 10:13 am
I think there are laws that need some serious updating, but they are laws. ICE is enforcing what this country has passed as “immigration laws”. The unfortunate result is the pain and suffering American children have to endure during this time. In my opinion, the mothers and fathers in situations like this should be given time to deal with the immediate situation and maybe the government should have programs in place for these children if the parents choose to put their children in those programs. It shouldn’t be up to churches to do this. However, once the given amount time expires, the government must uphold the law.
It is what it is
Comment by C Reina — September 10, 2008 @ 10:43 am
Glad to see U.S. immigration is finally enforcing our laws. I’m tired of my tax dollars supporting these criminals.
Comment by Steve — September 10, 2008 @ 11:07 am
This girl’s mother is a criminal.. I am sick of people defending these criminals. They are no different from any other criminals. We should not be granting citizenship to the children of these criminals. They should all be sent back to wherever they came from.
Comment by Rick — September 10, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
here we go again…..all to “easy” for people (C. Reina and others) to pass judgement and comment
1) if anyone has NEVER been through the “system”
or even remotly tried to work with it .then you’ll know
it’s “broken and disfunctional”
2) laws are like a car…they need updating/servicing from time to time.
3) the world and people and situations change…and laws need to change and adjust accordingly nothing stands still or stays the same for ever
4) 21st century ideas and laws are needed for 21st century people and situations
5) then the laws should be upheld
Comment by derek — September 10, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
This is a very interesting story for this particular blog. I think that most people will agree that the mother was in the wrong and if the law dictates she should be viewed as a criminal. But what about binational same sex couples? Lets not forget that there are same sex couples who have CHOSE to break the law by remaining together in the US. Therefore, if the law dictates, they should be viewed as criminals, right?. So what is the consensus on this blog? Are gays who over stay their visas criminals too? The law is the law, right? We cannot make exceptions to the “law” just because it suits our “cause”.
Just wondering what y’all think.
Comment by nola — September 11, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
Amazing. I cannot understand how you people can harbor such hate. Many of your partners are breaking the law too. I cannot wait until one of you are in this situation.
Fine, illegal is illegal. Now go ahead and call ICE, tell them to come get the person you love.
Comment by Chris R — September 11, 2008 @ 10:19 pm
I agree with Chris – this is a sad glimpse into our community. Many of us are forced to live with one person who is undocumented because of homophobic laws – we are all here because of how heartbreaking and unfair this situation is. It is really sad that we are willing to throw around such hate and intolerance from our vulnerable place. This thread has made it clear to me that the only thing I have in common with other people on this blog is that my partner is not American – I had hoped that common experience would bring about compassionate understanding in more people, but it looks like the same old hateful, Republican American politics.
Comment by tyler — September 12, 2008 @ 10:31 am
Chris and Tyler, your both absolutly “RIGHT”
1) …AGAIN!!…these people have no clue as to
the sheer disfunction of the system, they are just gonna have to walk a mile in “that” other persons shoe’s before they finally “wake up”!
2)…my main frustration is if the “rules’ and “laws” were working “Fairly” and Correctly…then “Half” the people that are said to be illegal wouldn’t be because
they would be doing the right thing legally,….
so instead of 12 million illegal it might only be 6 million……as said before the system is like a car it needs servicing from time to time……a car will not run forever without some sort of maintenance…
so the laws and rules need updating to fit the times
people and places..
3) …final note this also is about getting some sort of a path/option/avenue for gay people in a 21st century world, and in step with 19 other countries around the world.
Comment by derek — September 12, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
thank i am glad to see that there are fair mined people out there still.
Comment by Chris R — September 12, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
derek you are totally right, so are chris and tyler, im ashamed to hear the others talk the way they do! if i could have my partner here even illegal i would do it!!
Comment by pam hermens — September 13, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
……people…these days “seem” to lack “empathy”
Comment by derek — September 13, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
there not criminals you just because you cracker jacks say so.
Comment by og loks — December 10, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
THE U.S. GOVERNMENT IS USING THE SAME TACTICS AS HITLER USED DURING WORLD WAR2=IMPLEMENTING FEAR TO ITS CITIZENS WITH PROPAGANDA=HITLER HAD HIS OWN BUILDINGS IN STALEGRAD BLOWN UP SO HE COULD IMPLEMENT FEAR ON ITS CITIZENS=FEAR MONGERING TO CREATE FSCISM ACROSS THE GLOBE=THE SAME IS HAPPENING IN THE UNITED STATES=WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!
Comment by Wayne perkins — January 8, 2009 @ 7:40 am
I AM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN…IT MAKES ME SICK TO SEE HOW THE U.S. GESTAPO HOMELAND SECURITY VIOLATES INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGTHS LAWS BY PUTTING HUMANS IN DETENTION CENTERS AND SEPERATING THEM FROM THEIR FAMILIES THIS IS ALSO GOING ON FOR LEGAL RESIDENT ALIENS WHO HAD CRIMINAL INFRACTIONS IN THE PAST AND NOW THEY ARE BEING DEPORTED FROM SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED 15 TO 20 YEARS AGO-ALREADY PAID THEIR DEBT TO SOCIETY= THESE ARE GESTAPO LIKE TACTICS
Comment by Wayne perkins — January 8, 2009 @ 7:56 am
I hate how most of these “Americans” say that Latinos, Hispanics, Europeans, and Asians are illegal when they are illegal too. answer this question for me: were the Americans(Whites) here first? Where you guys here before the indians?
You guys came here ILLEGALLY and took over this land. Im a U.S. citizen i was born here, my dad is also a U.S. citizen and he came here legally, my mom has a green card and she is here legally and i’ve seen them struggle to give me and my siblings a better life. I know people who are here illegally who came here for a better life, I really wish that one day these people, the ones who are talking(pardon my french)S**t about “illegals” dont have to go thru the physical and mental exhaustion that “illegals” have to go thru to have a better life. They are NOT criminals, an they are NOT aliens, they are human beings with the same emotions and heart everyone else has. i hate how “Americans” say they hate mexicans coming in here, but they LOVE to go down to Tijuana and party and get drunk and do all those things the U.S. doesnt let them do. they like to go down to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Rosarito, Cabo and many other places on vacation. so hopefully Obama changes things for immigrants so they can be here peacefully, and most of them dont come here to stay they just come here to work, and I understand how the economy is bad right now but there are jobs Americans dont want to do.
Comment by Luis — January 27, 2009 @ 10:16 am
hi i was sent back from usa because of asylum i have 4 child they ar usa citzen and i want to go back no visa for me if they gat 18 year if i can go back to usa please reply me
Comment by mamadou camara — September 18, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
Unfortunately the mother must take responsibility for breaking the law and putting her children in this shameful predicament. A parent is suppose to protect their children not put them in harms way. I would never illegally enter Mexico or any other country, bore two children, probably at taxpayers expense, and wait for what, deportation? Illegal immigration is harmful to all involved. It undermines the 1 million legal immigrants who come here annually. Sadly ignorance of the law is no excuse for amnesty.
Comment by Eileen — October 19, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
Seriously, people have some common sense! America needs immigrants and cheap labor to continue and endure the harsh economy! These kids are innocent.
Comment by Jaci Mactorell — January 19, 2010 @ 12:07 am
To all these empty hearted americans that continue to reffer to “humans from this planet we call earth” as “Illegal Aliens” are still suffering from the same hatred and bigotry their ancestors carried with them when they left europe and colonized All the Americas and the rest of the world as much as they could possibly do and still do, including what we know as The U.S.(Just in case any of you forgot your history or have a short memory) raping and wiping out Indiginous peoples, slaving africans, stealing more than half of Mexico, Stealing Puerto Rico,Hawaii, and we can go on and on… All those voices of discontent with the so called “Illegals” or “Illegal Aliens” are nothing but a mirror of their ignorance, hate, arrogance, intolerance and unloved and unnurtured childhoods. Those poor disfunctional people think they have more rights than everybody else. I can’t help but notice that they don’t have any peace in their hearts and have a true lacking in every sense of the word. May they regret all their dehumanizing terms, nazi laws, and ignorant opinions and may they one day realise that we all have the same rights as humans that we all are regardless of legal status.
Comment by Tatiana — May 24, 2010 @ 10:43 pm
My husband was not and never entered the country illegally. His mother brought him when he was two years old legally. However, when he reapplied for his papers he accidently sent in the wrong amount so the request was denied and now my son and I are totally abandoned and my husband is in a country he has never lived in. This is not right. Eventually, I lost my home and we became homeless until someone took us in. This is not right. I do not agree with illegal immigration and understand that we have to secure our borders, but we have suffered so bad. There needs to be a way to try to keep families together. Apparently, you guys don’t know how bad it feels and I am shocked at the unsympathetic views that have been displayed. I am not on the right or left. I am reasonable and I want my husband back. I have cried everyday for 560 days because of the seperation and don’t think I didn’t go to be with him because I did. My son and I kept getting sick because of the poor sewage and I was forced to return. If you guys do not want us here and it is my choice to go be with him I will gladly go to another country if you help me pay for it. I mean after my income went down over 3000.00 a month what do you expect?
Comment by Leslie Landeros — August 4, 2010 @ 5:10 pm