Story about "mixed" family on cnn.com

[wanaads]

Don't know if this is the right place to post this but I just read the following story on cnn.com and wanted you all to see it. It's one of the first truly national stories I've seen about a family going through the waiver process.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/04/10/mixed.family.ap/index.html

[MMGCA]

this is a great post!....its what many of us on this site are going through. thanks wanaads!!!!

[JennyM]

I think we need to be more publicized!!!

[ojos_de_alicia]

i think i read apart where its not soo accurate.. like this
"She said the waiver request was denied March 13 by the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico, but it agreed to give Kecia Marquez 30 days to submit new evidence of hardship"

so we know it wasn't denied... it was just sent to the backlog right? i mean.. its really good that they wrote about it but.. i think they shouldve wrote about what had to be proven to DHS in the waiver...


i think its ridiculous that we have to prove why we cant/dont want to live in another country... arghhhhh

[Cfloresgirl]

thanks for posting..Yet another family in our position...:sad:

[want2b2gether]

Thanks for the post.
Is good that people is trying to be more open about this.
and no, she was not denied, just put in the backlog, but is definally good that their story was put up on CNN, that will help get the word out about what families actually suffer dealing with this whole immigration mess.

[nineten]

taskgirl started a thread about this on 03/23/08 about immigration in Kansas, this has been out already but it's good they ran this. Maybe it's time we all email and tell them we'd like to hear more news on this topic. Let's all email and let them know and begin getting our voices heard. We have to start somewhere.

[nineten]

Amoré across the miles takes dedication

.... However, an end is in sight for McGinn and Bertmaring, which is important for making a long-distance relationship work. McGinn is moving to Great Falls this summer and they plan to be married once they get her immigration business figured out.

[LilB]

Okay people, do you realize that although there was the mistake about it being "denied", this was publicized by a national network CNN?!?!? Do you guys realize what this means?!?!?! This is OUR chance to really get heard????

Yes, guys! This is our chance! To get the media on our side! To finally get the media to hear THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM. To get all the lies cleared up. To get the country to realize what US Citizens and their children have to go through (especially the backloggers). There are a ton of members on this site and I think it's enough to make a difference if we all do our part. This is what I think we should do, and the rest of you please give me your input:

1. We need to find out WHO wrote this article.
2. Each and every one of us need to write our own personal email about OUR experience and how it affects/affected our family...all the comments we get from all the misinformed people during the process, etc.
3. We need to ask the writer of this article to pass on the word about this website so that this poor wife in KS can get a true chance of approval.

Help me guys, please! This is our chance. Thanks for sharing, wanaads. This is our chance to get heard by our people and our government. Don't do it just for yourself, do it for others following our paths.

[gringoenterprises]

Okay people, do you realize that although there was the mistake about it being "denied", this was publicized by a national network CNN?!?!? Do you guys realize what this means?!?!?! This is OUR chance to really get heard????

Yes, guys! This is our chance! To get the media on our side! To finally get the media to hear THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM. To get all the lies cleared up. To get the country to realize what US Citizens and their children have to go through (especially the backloggers). There are a ton of members on this site and I think it's enough to make a difference if we all do our part. This is what I think we should do, and the rest of you please give me your input:

1. We need to find out WHO wrote this article.
2. Each and every one of us need to write our own personal email about OUR experience and how it affects/affected our family...all the comments we get from all the misinformed people during the process, etc.
3. We need to ask the writer of this article to pass on the word about this website so that this poor wife in KS can get a true chance of approval.

Help me guys, please! This is our chance. Thanks for sharing, wanaads. This is our chance to get heard by our people and our government. Don't do it just for yourself, do it for others following our paths.

You have a great point but the problem I see is the more it is publicized, the more the anti immigration crowd will fight it. Just my humble opinion.

[nineten]

By Carl Manning, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

[nineten]

My crystal ball says this might be a start:

Kara Lineweber (Immigration Matters)
El Centro Hispanic Advocacy Group
650 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City KS 66101

913.677.0100 (ext. 212)
http://www.elcentroinc.com

[nineten]

Immigration reform has mixed families unsettled

By Carl Manning, The Associated Press

The couple talked about the decision for him to return to Mexico in the office of their immigration attorney, Mira Mdivani, shortly before Marquez left last month.

Mdivani said because Juan Marquez entered the country illegally and stayed more than a year, the law bars him from coming back for 10 years, unless the government approves a waiver request from his wife. She said Juan
Marquez will file that request this month with the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico, and wait, maybe for up to a year, for an answer.

El Centro Inc., a Hispanic advocacy group in the Kansas City area, said its 2006 survey showed 63% of Hispanics questioned said they lived in some type of mixed family status.

"The law is extremely unforgiving," Mdivani said. "But I think Kecia has a compelling case. She takes care of a disabled sister and uncle. She won't have the opportunity for any kind of decent job there and she will lose the house."


Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

To report corrections and clarifications, contact Reader Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com Include name, phone number, city and state for verification.



@gringoenterprises

[quote]She also won't be getting much sympathy from those pushing tougher immigration legislation.[quote]

[nineten]

Contact USAToday. They ran a series on family immigration around April '06 and individual families told their stories. One was published by a guy from American Families United. Maybe they'll run another series. It was under Editorial or Opinion at that time and ran for several weeks.

[gdalicia]

I went to read the comments section of most places where this story ran (it's an AP piece) and 99% of the reaction was very negative. That being said, I think we need to give Tasksgirl a big thank you and a lot of credit for being one of the only people to actually respond and try to tell her story.

So here's the problem I have with this piece. It makes it look as if the woman "just didn't know" when she married her husband that he was illegal. I think most of us are smart enough to figure out that is complete BS. And, if your husband married you and didn't tell you he was illegal, then you have some bigger problems on your hands than just immigration. So her husband lied to her (making the reader suspect that he is probably using her for papers) and she stayed with him, and now we are supposed to feel bad for her that he broke the law and they have to pay the consequences?? (not saying I agree with that folks, but that's how the average American who is not familiar with this subject is going to react)

National publicity is great, but not when the story can be portrayed as some sort of "poor me" moment by the anti-immigrant crowd. Look, we all knowingly married illegals and we must take responsibility for that. Rather than use the victim mentality, I'd like someone to say "Yes, I knew my husband was illegal when I married him. But he is a honest, hardworking man that came here to better his life. If we are going to have a system that ACTIVELY encourages people to immigrate illegally from other countries by giving them jobs and looking the other way once they arrive, then we can't really be that surprised when they act like human beings and want to marry, have children, make a life, etc...." So the real point here should not be "oh, take pity on me, I am a victim of this terrible system" it should be "look, we obviously haven't gone about this the right way and we really need to reform the system".

As flawed as the current waiver system is, I bet a lot of people think we are lucky to be able to apply for our husbands in the first place. I'm not sure that pieces like this really help change their mind.

[mouse7r]

Do I think its great they are trying to bring some light to the subject? Yes... But I agree this wasnt the article to do it, they were still trying to hide things, like the fact that the USC didnt know he was illegal, so its almost like they are passing him off as a liar, which doesnt help anything by portraying illegals as liars. And if he did lie to her.. than it was a terrible case to write about. And the fact, they didnt have their facts right about his 'denial' just shows how little education they have on the subject. This is local for me, and I plan on trying to contact the writer to help educate him some.

But I agree, it shouldnt be a 'poor me' piece, it should be a "I know laws have been broken, and we are willing to pay the price, BUT we need to reform the system, b/c its not working w/ the massess" I dont know something like that.... pity never got anyone anywhere.

[gdalicia]

"I know laws have been broken, and we are willing to pay the price, BUT we need to reform the system, b/c its not working w/ the massess"

Exactly!

[mouse7r]

Okay I wrote to the AP (info@ap.com) and to the USA Today, pointed out the issues with their article and what issues they could/should cover! Lets hope they listen to us!

[2004mms]

You have a great point but the problem I see is the more it is publicized, the more the anti immigration crowd will fight it. Just my humble opinion.

I feel like its worth a shot. The more controversy it creates the more attention it will get. Seems like that's the only thing the media wants to cover anyway. Plus, the more the antis fight it, the more times we reply with the correct information and the more it gets out there the better. There has to be some, decent, inteligent people out there that can see past the negatism.

We are actually trying to do the right thing by legalizing our spouses. Yet, they would rather us go drastically in debt, be forced to file for bankrupcy and ruin or future credit and live off the government instead of allowing our spouses to pay a fine and finish their legalization process in the USA while they continue to fulfill their responsibilities as husband and father.

Yes, they broke the law by entering illegally, but I feel it is a lot lesser offense than a rapist, drug dealer, etc. who get a chance to post bail and is free until they are tried and convicted (if they are even convicted) and have to serve a sentence. Why can't our spouses post bail and stay in the USA until their case is final. At that point if, the FBI files show that he/she has commited a worse offense, then a punishment can be issued. I, personally, would not have a problem with making a sacrifice such as what I am having to deal with, if I knew that my husband had a criminal offense on his record, but, Lord, the guy barely even drives the speed limit so he has never even received a speeding ticket!!! He broke the law to better himself and help his parents. A rapist and a drug dealer break the law for pleasure and to harm others. Please?!!!

OK, I need to stop. I am fuming and I am at work. This is just my opinion, I would never attempt to offend anyone and I respect every individual's opinion, even the negative ones (it is impossible to agree on everything), but I strongly believe that a person needs to make a decision , ONLY, after the correct information from both sides of the story has been considered. Sometimes its hard to get both sides of the story, but on matters like this, I believe it can be done. We just have to get the correct information out there.

I apologize if am rambling, but I am a little ticked off! Sometimes, I wish I was more assertive and have enough courage and time to jump out there and lead the way. But I will be more than happy to do as much as I, possibly, can and follow behind providing any support that is needed.

So, Lynette, jump out there!!! :go: I'll follow behind to keep you pumped up.:rockon: (Just kidding, but, it would be nice if everyone could think about it and make a stand. It could make life a lot easier for future petitioners.)

[2004mms]

Exactly!

Okay I wrote to the AP (info@ap.com) and to the USA Today, pointed out the issues with their article and what issues they could/should cover! Lets hope they listen to us!

Excellent!!! I am a bit slow with my responses. :shy:

I'll give them my opinion, as well.

[mouse7r]

I feel like its worth a shot. The more controversy it creates the more attention it will get. Seems like that's the only thing the media wants to cover anyway. Plus, the more the antis fight it, the more times we reply with the correct information and the more it gets out there the better. There has to be some, decent, inteligent people out there that can see past the negatism.

We are actually trying to do the right thing by legalizing our spouses. Yet, they would rather us go drastically in debt, be forced to file for bankrupcy and ruin or future credit and live off the government instead of allowing our spouses to pay a fine and finish their legalization process in the USA while they continue to fulfill their responsibilities as husband and father.

Yes, they broke the law by entering illegally, but I feel it is a lot lesser offense than a rapist, drug dealer, etc. who get a chance to post bail and is free until they are tried a nd convicted (if they are even convicted) and have to serve a sentence. Why can't our spouses post bail and stay in the USA until their case is final. At that point if, the FBI files show that he/she has commited a worse offense, then a punishment can be issued. I, personally, would not have a problem with making a sacrifice such as what I am having to deal with, if I knew that my husband had a criminal offense on his record, but, Lord, the guy barely even drives the speed limit so he has never even received a speeding ticket!!! He broke the law to better himself and help his parents. A rapist and a drug dealer break the law for pleasure and to harm others. Please?!!!

OK, I need to stop. I am fuming and I am at work. This is just my opinion, I would never attempt to offend anyone and I respect every individual's opinion, even the negative ones (it is impossible to agree on everything), but I strongly believe that a person needs to make a decision , ONLY, after the correct information from both sides of the story has been considered. Sometimes its hard to get both sides of the story, but on matters like this, I believe it can be done. We just have to get the correct information out there.

I apologize if am rambling, but I am a little ticked off! Sometimes, I wish I was more assertive and have enough courage and time to jump out there and lead the way. But I will be more than happy to do as much as I, possibly, can and follow behind providing any support that is needed.

So, Lynette, jump out there!!! :go: I'll follow behind to keep you pumped up.:rockon: (Just kidding, but, it would be nice if everyone could think about it and make a stand. It could make life a lot easier for future petitioners.)


I like the bail comparison... you are so right! There are USC that commit much more horrific offenses and are aloud to walk free on bail..

We would pay a fee of any amount to have hubby here legally... I wouldnt care if we were debt for the rest of our lives.. but to not have the worry of him being picked up and shipped away from us.

REFORM! REFORM!

We have to fight for it, the gov. doesnt do anything unless it makes them look better, so its something we are going fight long and hard for. :gaah:

[gohan95]

I'm in the same situation. my wife was dennied. and she can't returne 'till 10 years. but I feel that the goverment doesn't wan't to hear us. we have to get together type a letter explaining our cases. and get signatures. I'll Be that first one to sign if some can help me to create this letter.

[tasksgirl]

I agree with Lynette we all need to try and get the word out.. coke and losg really should find newspapers in their hometowns or to CNN and get their story out there also!!! Their stories are very sad and we don't know the ending yet....

Also I tried to contact that couple before to refer them over here to I2us so they can maybe get advice on submitting more evidence and get emotional support.. anyone know how can I contact that couple ??

[tasksgirl]

By Carl Manning, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Yeah I tried googling him before but I couldn't find anything....

[Adriane]

Tasks, I tried to PM you, but your box is full.

[mouse7r]

I couldnt find Carl Manning their site says they dont give out personal email addresses, so I used the one they suggest the info@AP.org

As for that couple.. I know they are local, Ill have a look in the yellow pages and see if I can find anything

[mouse7r]

Okay I have their address and phone #... I dont just want to post it so if you want to contact them PM me

[tasksgirl]

oh wow really? Do you live in their same town I didn't know.. I will PM you hang on my box is always full :bleh:

[mouse7r]

Yeah we live in the same area at least :)

[nineten]

taskgirl started a thread about this on 03/23/08 about immigration in Kansas, this has been out already but it's good they ran this. Maybe it's time we all email and tell them we'd like to hear more news on this topic. Let's all email and let them know and begin getting our voices heard. We have to start somewhere.


I was beginning to wonder if anybody was interested.

[nineten]

Green Card Day Launched to Reform Immigration
Green Card Day campaign!

By Doc Thompson

Have your voice heard!

New website and movement Launched: WEBSITE
Simply mail a green postcard to your Senators and Representative ON May 5th.
Prepare now but MAIL on Monday May 5th 2008!
GOAL

The goal is to unite Americans for the purpose of changing current immigration policies. Most Americans feel that, at least some parts, of The United State’s immigration policies and practices are flawed. We need to send a clear united message to lawmakers and administrators, at every level (federal, state and local) that we expect affective change. WEBSITE

THE PLAN

We are designating one day a year as a reminder that America is being victimized as long as ILLEGAL immigration continues. That day is May 5th…

http://www.rightsidenews.com/20080411706/border-and-sovereignty/green-card-day-lauched-to-reform-immigration.html



The anti-immigrants certainly manage to get their voices heard.

[Brisa6]

I agree Lynette, we have to do something. That's BS! The people have to respect the law and respect for those who are doing it the right way, Whatever! They are not respecting the United States citizens. I see the 14th Amendement being violated. I do not think they should be forcing U.S. citizens to move to their spouses' home country or U.S. children for that matter, what about their rights? Come on, if they want to punish them for a year or two even up to five, but 10 years in ridiculous. We need to fight back.

[mouse7r]

Green Card Day Launched to Reform Immigration
Green Card Day campaign!

By Doc Thompson

Have your voice heard!

New website and movement Launched: WEBSITE
Simply mail a green postcard to your Senators and Representative ON May 5th.
Prepare now but MAIL on Monday May 5th 2008!
GOAL

The goal is to unite Americans for the purpose of changing current immigration policies. Most Americans feel that, at least some parts, of The United State’s immigration policies and practices are flawed. We need to send a clear united message to lawmakers and administrators, at every level (federal, state and local) that we expect affective change. WEBSITE

THE PLAN

We are designating one day a year as a reminder that America is being victimized as long as ILLEGAL immigration continues. That day is May 5th…

http://www.rightsidenews.com/20080411706/border-and-sovereignty/green-card-day-lauched-to-reform-immigration.html



The anti-immigrants certainly manage to get their voices heard.

I so read that wrong!!! I DONT like the sound of that.. Ugh

[LilB]

Also I tried to contact that couple before to refer them over here to I2us so they can maybe get advice on submitting more evidence and get emotional support.. anyone know how can I contact that couple ??


OMG guys, this is great! Thanks for your help! Thanks for emailing if you have. For now, another priority is to locate this couple and give them this website! What about emailing the author to the story and possibly him forwarding the message???

[mouse7r]

I have found them!!! :) They live like 10mins from me! I have their address and phone number I just dont know which is the best way to contact them.

[LilB]

No way! Are you sure it's them? Girl, call them...or if you have the guts, go visit them. Take your laptop with you and show them the site. Or at least call... tell them that all of us were touched by their story and we'd like to help them get approved. :)

[mouse7r]

Im pretty sure, I mean she has an unusual names... there cant be many Juan and Kecia Marquezes out there... and its the right city

I was thinking just to send a card... do you really think I should call?

[WaitingtoExhale]

I so read that wrong!!! I DONT like the sound of that.. Ugh

My interpretation of the post was it was an awareness issue and posted to try to rally people to share their stories and have their voices heard. The anti-illegal groups have all sorts of organized methods of doing so. The time has come to rally back! It is time to bring to an end all of the lies and misleading information relative to illegal immigration. The best way to accomplish this is to share true life stories. That's what America needs to hear!

[mouse7r]

Okay, well I thought it was a positive post, until I read the link and found out it is actually the anti-illegal groups that are sending out the green cards... It would be great if we were doing something like that.. but its them, thats why I didnt like the sound of it. Wouldnt it be great if those wanting reform, did the same thing w/ another colour card on the same day?!? It would throw them off!

[nineten]

@WaitingtoExhale Recently many universities, organizations and churches are presenting more and more forums to dispell myths. Stories about an illegal and a relationship isn't going to change an anti's opinion, illegal is illegal and they've no concern about family unification. It won't surprise me if in the future the anti crowd will rise up and cry out about the waivers. If you, as I do, keep up with the buzz from anti's and pro's alike, we've not known of them to pounce upon the waiver issue as of yet.

The perception among anti-immigrants is that Mexicans are not assimilating into mainstream America as previous generations of immigrants did. This is a major issue and one main contention is that the immigrants won't learn English. The anti crowd would be more open to hearing about immigrants learning English rather than a desire to get an illegal spouse back to the U.S. The latter, they don't give a 'proverbial' about.

mouse7r has a great idea. The pro's need to use the same modus operandi. Think about how many anti websites and blogs get attention. The pros need more media coverage regardless of which outlet is used.

[nineten]

Kansas Community Pages

- MyTown Forums


http://mytown.hdnews.net/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=32&func=showcat&catid=2

Forums like this are also a place to get word out.