Tools

Local Undocumented Immigrants Step Out of Shadows

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Aug 16, 2012 at 11:01 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 17, 2012 at 7:17 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Young undocumented immigrants from across the Grand Valley are joining thousands of others around the nation, gathering paperwork to obtain temporary work permits.

Over 100 people gathered at St. Joseph Church in Grand Junction to learn more about President Barack Obama's immigration policy change.

The bold policy change is giving young immigrants the opportunity to apply for work permits and deportation deferrals for a two-year period.

To be eligible, they must have arrived in America at age 16 or younger and must currently be under 30 years of age. They must also have no criminal history, be enrolled in school, or have graduated from high school or served in the military.

Daniel Talavera, the co-coordinator of the Hispanic Affairs Project, said, "You wouldn't even realize they were born in a different country cause they probably don't even speak their native tongue very well."

A 16-year-old undocumented immigrant who referred to herself as Maria, said, "Living in fear that although you haven't really been outside of the United States, you've never been where you're originally from, that you'll be sent there, exiled there."

In June, President Obama stunned the nation with an immigration policy change.

Nicole Bernal Ruiz, also with the Hispanic Affairs Project, said, "Immigrant children that were brought here as minors have the opportunity to apply for a work permit."

Those who have lived in the country for nearly their entire lives now have a chance of getting the same privileges as citizens.

Thomas Acker, a Spanish professor at Colorado Mesa University, said, "These students have been productive members of our communities. They've studied, they've worked, they've been doing the right things all along."

"I'm just really happy to have the opportunity to be someone who gives to the community, because I really do feel like an American," said Maria.

However, some people are not convinced that this policy change is right or fair to Americans. Phyllis Hunsinger, secretary of the Mesa County Republicans, said, "That student, that young person can hold their parents accountable, but they shouldn't be trying to hold the American taxpayer accountable."

Many against the immigration policy change hope that a new president will bring new change. "The United States Congress and the president have an obligation to represent the interest of American citizens," Hunsinger said.

Despite the controversy, many immigrants believe that the country is heading in the right direction.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Dave Francis said on Friday, Aug 17 at 7:17 PM

Nothing—nothing will ever CHANGE in Congress, if Americans just keep voting in the same old incumbents of the Democratic or Republican parties. Change will only come through the intervention of the TEA PARTY that is gaining momentum through the GOP. Everything will remain ‘Quid Pro Quo’ (you scratch my back, and then I will scratch yours?) Entrenched politicians are happy to keep collecting taxpayer’s money and go on trillion dollar spending spree. It’s no wonder China and other unfriendly countries own our grand children’s futures? DREAMER’S ARE HERE TO STAY, BUT THEY COMPROMISE THEIR PARENTS STATUS? THEY ARE NOT PROTECTED. Everything from another illegal alien amnesty, more Sanctuary cities, the passage of E-Verify; stricter birthright citizenship; energy, bloated government, taxes, state insolvency, new infrastructure, voter fraud, and many other issues will be ignored or remain frozen. Want new policies enacted that have been sitting around for ages, according to the U.S. consti

Here's An Idea said on Friday, Aug 17 at 11:54 AM

If these folks are so anxious to fit in and become part of our society, then I suggest they start by becoming citizens. If they know their immigration status and have done nothing to correct or improve it, then it is highly likely that the contempt for the law will continue regardless of status.

Anonymous said on Friday, Aug 17 at 7:48 AM

Taxpayers pay for the offices/manpower that issue work permits. At the same time, lots of our own (citizens of USA) kids and young adults can't find work--and don't even try to tell me kids like the article's "maria" will be working in the crops. I say the president should travel the world and see how many countries are willing to just grant him a work permit because no one knows where his parents were when he was born.

Steve said on Friday, Aug 17 at 12:17 AM

Phyllis Hunsinger, secretary of the Mesa County Republicans, said, "That student, that young person can hold their parents accountable, but they shouldn't be trying to hold the American tax payer accountable." How is allowing them to apply for work permits and gaining two-year deportation deferrals holding the American taxpayer responsible?

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather