Friends try to stop Killian grad's deportation
Two months after graduating at the top of his class, a Kendall teen faces deportation to Colombia. His friends at Killian High are trying to help him.
BY KATHLEEN McGRORY
kmcgrory at MiamiHerald.com
Juan Gomez was poised for greatness. At Miami Killian High, he aced 15 Advanced Placement classes and earned a near-perfect score on his SATs. He exceled in football and was popular with classmates.
At Miami Killian High, he aced 15 Advanced Placement classes and earned a near-perfect score on his SATs. He exceled in football and was popular with classmates. He had plans to attend Miami Dade College's Honors College.
But on Thursday, Gomez, 18, sat in an immigrant detention facility in Broward County, periodically placing desperate calls to friends. He's being deported to Colombia, where he was born.
Gomez's friends first found out about his ordeal in text messages he sent them as immigration agents drove him and his family to the facility. Hours later, more than 400 teens came to his defense the best way they knew how -- using the Web.
The teens have joined a virtual assemblage on Facebook.com and are furiously writing letters to lawmakers in Tallahassee and Washington, begging them to help Gomez.
''He's one of the smartest kids I know and an amazing friend,'' said Scott Elfenbein, 18, the Killian graduate leading the effort. ``We're doing all that we can to help him.''
Julio and Liliana Gomez and their two sons -- Alejandro, 19, and Juan -- have lived in the country since 1990. They came to South Florida on a visitor's visa, immigration officials said, authorizing the family to stay in the country for no more than six months.
Juan Gomez was 2 years old.
The family started a small catering company and enrolled their children in public schools, friends said. It's unclear why they chose to stay.
At Killian, Gomez was known for his good grades and his playful sense of humor. He had dozens of friends and enjoyed movies, video games and sports, his buddies said. He also worked a restaurant job to help support his family.
In May, Gomez graduated in the top 20 of his 780-member class, friends said.
''If there is a more appropriate poster child for who we should NOT be deporting in this recent immigration discussion it is Juan,'' Eric Krause, a U.S. government teacher at Killian, told The Miami Herald in an e-mail. ``Deporting a student who the entire Killian faculty would describe as one of the best our high school has ever produced is not the American way.''
He had hoped to go to Harvard or the University of Pennsylvania but had trouble applying because of his illegal status. Instead, he enrolled in Miami Dade College's honors program to study business administration. Officials at the school said he showed tremendous potential and promise.
But problems were brewing.
The family had gone to immigration court to seek legal status, and a judge turned them down. Five years ago, the Board of Immigration Appeals agreed.
''They had five years to make arrangements to return to their home country,'' said Barbara Gonzalez, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman in Miami. ``Instead of complying with the law, they ignored it and remained in the country.''
The deportation order caught up with them Wednesday. About 6:30 a.m., Gomez and his relatives were roused from their sleep at their Kendall home by immigration agents. They were handcuffed, loaded into the back of a squad car and hauled to Broward County, Gomez told his friends.
While in the cruiser, Gomez called and messaged his friends from his cellphone. He told them his father is at Krome detention center, while the rest of the family is being held at a facility in Broward. Gomez and his brother are sharing a cell with three other men. Their mother is being held in a separate women's facility.
''He says it's like purgatory,'' said Elfenbein, who spoke with Gomez on Thursday. ``It's terrible. This couldn't have happened to a nicer person.''
Elfenbein and his friends weren't about to sit idly by.
Hours after Gomez was detained, they mobilized on Facebook, the popular social networking site. They started a group dedicated to keeping Gomez in the country.
''We wanted to reach out to everybody,'' Elfenbein said. ``We figured the easiest, fastest way to do that would be using Facebook.''
Elfenbein posted directions on how to contact state and local lawmakers. He also included information on pending immigration legislation and pictures of Gomez.
Since Thursday morning, more than 400 teens have joined the group. Two dozen have posted the letters they're sending to lawmakers. Many are pushing Congress to pass the DREAM Act, legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants.
''We all just want to be there for Juan,'' said Kayla Rodriguez, 18, one of Gomez's best friends. ``He would be there for us.''
The students aren't the only ones concerned with Gomez's situation. Cheryl Little, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, said her office is looking into the family's case.
''We learn of a lot of cases like this at the last minute,'' she said. ``Often times, it's very difficult to help. People are deported very quickly.''
Little said she's concerned this kind of activity is on the rise. ''First, they're separated. Then, their lives are literally turned upside down on a moment's notice,'' she said. ``It's heartbreaking.''
Gonzalez, the ICE spokeswoman, said the arrest shouldn't be surprising.
''It's unfortunate that parents place their children in these situations by breaking the law,'' she said. ``But they did break the law.''
Late Thursday, Elfenbein and his friends gathered at a southwest Miami-Dade restaurant to plan the next phase of their attack. They knew time was running out.
''He's looking at a very, very slim chance of staying here,'' Elfenbein said. ``Short of the president stepping in, it's going to be hard to keep him in this country. We're doing all we can.''
VIDEO AS WELL:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19991045/
By EMAN on Jul 27, 2007, 08:09 in Friendly Talkzone.
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Miamigo says on Jul 27, 2007, 09:26: They did pay state taxes because Florida uses a sales tax instead of an income tax. Plus, even if they rented all of that time instead of owned, somebody was paying property taxes with that rent, and property taxes pay for school. At most they lived off of and used federal services, but what are those here, heh, hurricane relief, we all know the feds do a heckuva job with that.
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miamimike says on Jul 27, 2007, 10:31: Concerning those who operate Cash Businesses--they do so here in Miami(I live here btw) and its unfair competition to the Honest Business men who go thru all the Hoops of securing the Appopriate Licenses and Worker's Comp. Then you have Unlicensed Businesess competing unfairly against ALL those who are honest and the Honest Businesses have to DROP their prices and wages to keep their Customers. Its grossly Unfair these Illegal Businesses are allowed to operate. Its one thing that is dropping the Overall wages here in Miami-all these Illegals with businesses. Huge Huge Problem in Miami!! Fair is fair and everyone should have to compete equally. On the Immigration, I am with the Son(juan)he should be allowed to stay and here's why: We have all these Cuban Criminals here in Miami(dope dealers, medicare scammers , felons, ect) and because they are Cuban they are protected because of the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act, what makes them better then this Juan who appears to be an upstanding young person??? They let the Criminals stay in Miami and deport someone Good like him. He should not have to pay for his parents's Immigration sins. I agree the Parents should be deported as they ignored US Deportation orders but don't make the Son suffer for their indiscretions! Repeal the Cuban Adjustment Act! Grossly unfair as this is an Antiquated law that has outlived its usefulness. ALL immigrants should be judged by the same law. Cubans today coming to the USA are NOT coming for Political freedom to escape castro and communism, they are coming for Economic Freedom like the Colombians and Haitians. Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 27, 2007, 10:41: If the family never paid federal income tax (corporate or personal) they were still "free-riders" as the economists say. I believe almost all (all?) public schools receive state and federal money; they are not self-sufficient based solely on local property taxes.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 27, 2007, 10:45: hey, Tinto,...you found Bin Laden yet?? =) "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 27, 2007, 10:47: "It's unclear why they chose to stay."....all i have to say is that is one stupid reporter....=) "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Robert Jorge says on Jul 27, 2007, 10:47: What a sad situation. I feel bad for the kid. This story is another example of why you should do things the right way. (legally) I do have one question / observation: If they were handcuffed and put in a squad car, how did the kid text message friends? He who farts in church, sits in his own pew. 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 27, 2007, 10:53: Let's see...the parents had two kids...maybe each spent 12 years each in public schools x $6000 to $8000 annual cost per student. That's $168,000 they drained from the system and that's just for education. Then there's health care, libraries, parks, police, fire and everything else our taxes cover for local, state and national purposes.
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miamimike says on Jul 27, 2007, 10:54: Prorbably handcuffed the parents. The Da is detained in my old Workplace, the Federal Krome detention center in SW Miami-a mosquito infested wetland. A friend of ours, Colombian also, was taken there 2 months ago and is also slated for deportation. H, like Juan's parents, were guilty of overstaying their Tourist Visas. They also had a home in SW miami and worled para la izquierda. Sad, except for this Visa shortcoming, these folks get deported and Cuban Felons are released from Krome and allowed to continue their Crimes.Saw 100s of Mariel Cubans, all Criminals in Krome, released to freedom in Miami! Our US Immigration system is grossly unfair in this respect,,, Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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webmanco says on Jul 27, 2007, 11:00: It is sad for the whole family regardless of right or wrong doing. I know of a woman who had been denied visa to Canada where her only son and only grandson reside 8 years ago. For her to see him she needs to got to USA. He only could comeback to Colombia once and after 7 years due to his refugee status. ...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ... 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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panthdave says on Jul 27, 2007, 12:48: This is the funny thing usually ICE will go after only the easy ones who have paper work filed and a judge ordered a deportation order...ICE very rarely gets the underground ones unless they raid a workplace or the local police have arrested a illegal on a felony charge OR the Big question somebody knarked them out...Yes its a shame I work all my life and have to pay taxes each year and file and also I am a W-2 and not a 1099 who is always on the run and gets away with murder..Very famalier with ICE in there nice little white vehicles. Gringo has a point what would happen if I did that in Colombia...I would be fined before I can leave the country at least the United States just deports you and does not fine you..I betya Colombia would you keep you until you pay the fine and beg a family member to wire the funds. Anyways it is a shame after so many years there getting deported when millions in the USA are getting away with murder...I stress again ICE only goes after the easy ones....there lazy...they should be going after the ones that hide underground and with fake Social Cards...and the ones who process paper correctly and judge orders deportation then ICE goes after those because there easy...Discrimination I see here with ICE because they don't go after everybody... panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Jul 27, 2007, 14:51: Hey, we could use this kid here in Colombia "DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Jul 27, 2007, 19:54: Dude, I was so glad to come back. At least here he won't have to ever hear another cocaine joke again! "DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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suis_heureux says on Jul 27, 2007, 21:50: wow this hits close to home, I just graduated from Sunset High which is about 15 min. from Killian, I'm sure he'll be fine, I'm pretty well off academically and economically speaking(have to thank the public schools) and let's just say I wasn't in advanced placement classes.
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suis_heureux says on Jul 27, 2007, 21:51: I forgot to mention I moved to Medellin right after high school. Not deported..close though
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rumronrum says on Jul 28, 2007, 11:37: When people decide to break the law there are consequences. It doesn't matter how popular you are or how smart you are. RumRonRum and http:/www.medellinvisitorguide.com and http:/www.medellinexecutivehotel.com and http:/www.communitywalk.com/medellinexecutivehotel 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Jul 28, 2007, 12:39: "Let's see...the parents had two kids...maybe each spent 12 years each in public schools x $6000 to $8000 annual cost per student. That's $168,000 they drained from the system and that's just for education. Then there's health care, libraries, parks, police, fire and everything else our taxes cover for local, state and national purposes. "DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 28, 2007, 13:11: Taxpayer money, Simon....everyone has to chip in....and con mucho gusto we all do it....=) "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 28, 2007, 13:15: Yes, it's "free" to the families but it most certainly has a cost to taxpayers. Depending on the state and the school district, that cost ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per child, per year. That is why illegal aliens with children and even citizens that are poor/working/lower middle class are an economic drain on the system for most, if not all of their lives. That's not a value judgment, it's just the economic reality in a society with highly progressive income tax rates.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 28, 2007, 13:52: Unfortunately the kid with a bright future will suffer due to the bad decisions of his parent....but, that is life...The parents knew there was a possibility of a bad ending to the family story, but went ahead full bore...well, that bad possibility is a reality, and back to their country of origin like everyone else. Personally, i do not reward bad behavior, but rather good behavior....the parents should be banned for the 10 years then allowed to reapply, but the kid should not be similarly banned....he was too young to be a party to the bad decision making process....The kid should be allowed to reapply ASAP, not that he will get in soon at all.... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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JohnNewYork says on Jul 28, 2007, 15:12: This is basic US politics. They republicans are pushing the illegal immigation issues. They are attempting to public concern from the war and the economy to immigration. I feel sorry for these people. IRS will collect it's back taxes and penalties before they are deported.
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panthdave says on Jul 28, 2007, 15:36: You really think IRS will collect back taxes before deporting them...ICE and Krome(S.Florida) will have them on flight real quick if there is no appeal status..They have limo service right to MIA>>>>>>and first class ticket you limited time before getting an appeal out...if there is deportation order now if ICE caught you not even with any papers filed I wonder how many days they keep you in Krome until you get the boot. Well I guess you cannot file papers if you overstay your Tourist Visa correct..Anyways....ICE Discriminates..and they pick and choose who to pickup...If there going to do this they need to do this with everybody so that means they can just sit in Miami,Texas,Georgia,California and just do random checks on road blocks like a DUI Checkpoint and at least there not discriminating by doing that and picking and choosing..houses to go and pickup people thats crazy Thats my biggest complaint.. panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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JohnNewYork says on Jul 28, 2007, 16:03: This case is more than five years old. They went before a federal judge, taxes were paid. And those of you frequently visiting Colombian. I am sure the US Customs passed your names along to the IRS and DEA. Big brother is always watching. Why are visiting Colombia so frequenty? One minute please!
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EMAN says on Jul 28, 2007, 16:15: Now Congress Woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is involved! He has some great persistent friends! For such a smart kid, he should work on his hand writing but maybe he is under stress!!
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panthdave says on Jul 28, 2007, 16:42: I think I am now at 18 RT tickets within 9 months I have not been searched yet by MIA Customs and only about 10 of those times only the XRAy machine...I now only carry a little office carryon for paperwork and they just say Welcome Back.. but you know I am noticing lately they type notes everytime now..with me and notice many others quickly go thru with a US passport I walk up they swipe and they look and then they type notes on the computer..Your really think because its frequent visits to Medellin...Colombia..I do they tell them though I have an apartment and girlfriend..and they just so go...I had one customs agent tell me your lucky guy and says he sees beautiful Colombiana's coming thru all the time and there amazing.. panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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JohnNewYork says on Jul 28, 2007, 16:56: I worked for the IRS for 5 years. We investigated people without them even knowing. I bet your return was reviewed. If you were a drug dealers. The government have done a jeapordy assessment. That means all your taxes, penalties and interest was due yesterday. We are seizing accounts today. And that was pre-911 I could only imagine the power they have now!
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Simon says on Jul 28, 2007, 19:21: I saw the video on EMAN's link and the reporter quotes this Juan Gomez as saying that "Colombia would seem as foreign as China". What a little prick, on second thought, I don't want him here! I bet he doesn't even speak spanish!! "DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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slguy says on Jul 29, 2007, 08:13: I'm trying really hard to see what's "unfair" about this situation. Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 29, 2007, 08:51: And the catering business - did they have a driver's license and insurance for their vehicle(s)? If not, chalk up two more laws they broke.
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panthdave says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:03: Again I stress....If people are going to be deported then ICE needs to go after everybody and not just pick on the easy ones only...Five years with deportation order and it took ICE that long surprising.. panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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panthdave says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:07: Your telling me ICE has right to go to a certain House..and arrest this family and after those immigration parades for Amensty they did not arrest one of those illegals in the parade panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:13: Sure they have that right. They also have the right to go at 4 a.m. in the morning all dressed up in black S.W.A.T. gear and scare the bejeebers out of the illegals. I don't know if that's effective...it doesn't seem to be much of a deterrent, but they have the right to do it.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:13: One illegal at a time.....so who cares how long it takes? as long as they get them in the end....discrimination? now that is funny..."Its all your fault! It too you so long to find me and arrest me!".......they have to comply will all applicable laws, and that is laws as in plural....tactics, stategies, allocation of resources, production vs cost, all come into play....oh, the ones like in the OP are the freebies.....Law violators often do make stupid mistakes, and eventually get caught.... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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panthdave says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:20: One illegal at a time..Job Security I would say....Disagree...ICE are assholes and stupid.. panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:26: I agree that the selective enforcement of the laws makes a mockery of the whole system. They could have reeled in thousands of illegals at the parades or even at the USA-Mexico soccer game in Chicago. Now THAT would have been the perfect venue - just block the exits and you've got them all rounded up. Plus bathroom, first aid and food facilities. What a missed opportunity. Haha.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:33: ICE does alot of good work....you are entitled to your opinion on them....assholes and stupid? i would disagree....i see it as they have their hands full, in a currently hot enviroment to remove the illegals....it is indeed a reall mess nowdays,..thanks to our elected representatives, both Dem and Rep.....it has grown to such proportions that it is almost like swimming upstream..... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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panthdave says on Jul 29, 2007, 12:58: I stand..Good to see other sides..but I see ICE Discriminates...especially between S.Americans and Mexicans.. panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 13:24: the roundemup tactic would be fraught with racial profiling legal monkeywrenches ,,,,memories of japanese roundups during prior times....and a violation of the civil rights of people who are US citizens who are held capitve druing the party....damn those partypoopers! =) "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 13:31: they would be negligent if they ignored the court orders...they have to take all that is presented to them....and i think your beef would be with the top brass of ICE who call the shots, not the ground soldiers doing what their superiors, the government, and the american want and expect them to do..... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 13:41: Dont let the door hit ya on your way out, Juan......=) "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 14:34: Should be fairly easy to apply: "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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panthdave says on Jul 29, 2007, 14:46: Illegall No Cya there all having a barbaques right now in Kendall and drinking beer panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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panthdave says on Jul 29, 2007, 14:49: Any I betya a few ICE Agents are having brunch and beer with them too...and telling them don't file your paperwork or I have to come after you...because you will be in the system...If you stay out of the system I cannot come after you nor do I want to because it will involve to much work..to get ya... panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 14:54: until ICE catches up with them,, as in Juans case,however...maybe in your state, but not in CA...i have absolutely no issue with them except there should be more of them, and local LEO agencies need to join in the party and do their part...... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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panthdave says on Jul 29, 2007, 15:06: The only issue is they need to start random check points like DUI Checkpoints..So they don't discriminate against underground ones and the ones that try to do there paperwork legally..They have a problem catching up with the ones that don't file paperwork..So until then they should stop everything until they can figure out how to go after everybody which would be easy in LA and Miami..Go house to house..at least there are not discriminating because its disgusting to have a family booted when two houses down there probably illegals underground which will never get caught because they never filed there paperwork...and ICE does not have paperwork on them....The only solution I see is random street checkpoints..because they cannot go in a house without a search warrant I am assuming.. panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 15:18: Random DUI checkpoints are not what you think.....to be legal, in CA at least, there has to be an oppurtunity for all drivers to choose NOT to enter the checkpoint...otherwise your case will be thrown out in a heartbeat...and the DUI checkpoint legally has to be publicly advertised through the media within at least 24 hours prior to activating the checkpoint.... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 15:37: Many people with easy access to the internet can download the music of their choice,,,,many minorities have more access to radio music than PC provided music....and, the hispanic target group is a rapidly expanding market..... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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slguy says on Jul 29, 2007, 16:06: Now I'm really confused. Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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EMAN says on Jul 29, 2007, 18:27: He is extremely fortunate to have such loyal and persistent friends. They will be heading to Washington DC tomorrow Monday July 30 to fight for Juan and his brother to stay in the USA under the Dream ACT. The Dream Act, which is a law that would allow immigrant students who live in the U.S. to stay, based on the premise that, as youngsters, they had no choice but to follow their parents when they made the decision to enter this country. More information on the Dream Act below. Below the Dream Act link is a link to more videos of Juan Gomez story, there are now 6 different videos.
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 29, 2007, 18:37: as i understand it, the Dream Act is not law currently....and probably wont help Juanito at all...as it is a long ways in becoming law......Everyone caught by ICE has some sad story to tell...why should his family be any different?....unfortunately his family will get booted.....in due time....like they should....=) "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Simon says on Jul 30, 2007, 12:13: Hey Tinto, "DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 30, 2007, 12:16: Simon, I don't know. I can understand issuance of a social security number for work visas (obviously) and maybe even student visas (because a lot of college students work or are in work/study programs sponsored by the college). But a social security number issued for a TOURIST VISA? That doesn't make any sense to me.
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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 30, 2007, 12:35: On a related note: I posted a story a while ago about Dan-el Padilla, a Princeton honors graduate who won a scholarship or prestigious research position at Oxford. Problem was, he came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic at age four and never obtained legal residency. If he accepted the position at Oxford, he would not be allowed back into the U.S. for up to ten years.
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alejandra07 says on Jul 30, 2007, 15:51: To Tinto and Simon:
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panthdave says on Jul 30, 2007, 16:57: Some do pay there taxes.. and also Ilegals can get a Tax ID via IRS to pay there taxes if they cannot get a social... panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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slguy says on Jul 30, 2007, 17:48: From where I sit, paying taxes means you only broke one less law.... Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Monpirri says on Jul 31, 2007, 04:32: I just got an email from a friend of mine and told about this unfortunate case. The life spam of a taste bud is ten days 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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LA_MONA says on Jul 31, 2007, 04:36: Monpi that would be great! He would certainly have a big job to do.... Para volar, es preciso tener resistencia. -M.Lin 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Monpirri says on Jul 31, 2007, 05:21: Yep, Mona there are too many cases already and time will tell. The life spam of a taste bud is ten days 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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EMAN says on Jul 31, 2007, 07:05: As Juan and his family wait to gind out their future, the USA welcomes 6 new Cuban arrivals. The GO FAST BOAT made it to land before the Coast Guard could intercept them. They ar now welcomed citizens and can not be deported as part of the "WET FOOT DRY FOOT POLICY" This Policy was designed as Cubans are facing Politicial Persecution but these NEW ARRIVALS only mention working hard and to make money, nothing about the Political Persecutuion they have endured in Cuba.
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panthdave says on Jul 31, 2007, 13:51: EMAN yep that is correct... panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Cerealkiller says on Jul 31, 2007, 15:23: I just read an article on this family on El Tiempo. I must say everyone seems to portray them as victims of an unfair system, but the truth is every country has the right to decide who comes in. If they did not like it then tough, a denied petition means they're not welcome to stay in a foreign country. Its almost like going on holidays to a friend's house, deciding that because its nicer than yours you're just gonna crash indefinitely and then when you finally get kicked out you say "well Im a victim, I bought milk and bread every week"... I am sorry to hear the kid is facing deportation. If it was up for me to make a decision I would allow him to stay and kick parents out, the guy is old enough to get a job and study...it was not his fault that his parents decided to put him through all that crap, so deport the parents and allow the kid to stay. My two cents. Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 31, 2007, 21:40: i agree with fellow anti-potatohead CK....jajja...and that fricking Cuban law has to be stopped.....what a joke.....and Colombia should enforce their immigration laws.....but i am sure that is not on the top of their priority list at the moment.... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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EMAN says on Aug 1, 2007, 18:13: Juan and his family were released from the detention center and were granted a 45-day reprieve. Story below!!!
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panthdave says on Aug 1, 2007, 18:59: Good so they can prepare there appeal status...with the lawyers which I am assuming.. panthdave Miami 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Monpirri says on Aug 1, 2007, 19:45: While Juan Gomez and his family await for the Immigration Subcommittee to pass an immigrations bill, Ana Elizabeth Cajamarca and her 11 years old daughter Angélica Loja Cajarma both from Ecuador were returned back to Belgium after almost being deported. The life spam of a taste bud is ten days 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 1, 2007, 21:54: that should give them just about enough time to pack some things in preparation for deportation....=)..45 days after 5 years to prepare...? hope they make good use of it...=) "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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EMAN says on Aug 2, 2007, 16:36: One day after winning a 45-day temporary deportation reprieve for the Gomez family, the Save The Juan Campaign on Thursday did not succeed in getting a special bill before the House Subcommittee on Immigration. Congress is out for Summer recess until September 4 and the Gomez's 45 Day reprieve ends September 14, so this will come down to the wire. Full report and video here:
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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 2, 2007, 16:52: tick.....tick....tick.....cyaaaaaaaa "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Monpirri says on Aug 2, 2007, 18:20: Not too worry. If Juan Gomez and his family are to be in the states they would have a special provision, or they would go to Colombia and return back to the states when congress is in full section again. The life spam of a taste bud is ten days 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Miguel_Clavo says on Aug 2, 2007, 18:41: sorry, M, doesnt look like the Act has a retroactive clause in it.... "I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave" 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
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Monpirri says on Aug 2, 2007, 18:56: You both are commenting on your own experiences, and I have posted my comments based on my own perspective, I see it from a diferent angle. The life spam of a taste bud is ten days 0 funny, 0 helpful. |
More posts by the same author:
Gomez Brothers Facing Deportation Can Stay Until '09 0
AVIANCA PROMOTION FOR $199.00 RT 1
Will Most Places Be Closed in Colombia July 6, 7, & 8 9
Nice place to stay in Lago Calima 1
Now that I am back in the States I can have Colombian Food 0
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