Miami: Undocumented(illegal) Workers Bemoan Immigration Crackdown

miamimike says on Dec 29, 2007, 05:26:

''Employers fear receiving no-match letters or that the government realizes they have undocumented workers,'' said Levis Torres, a Colombian farm and nursery worker in Homestead.

In Miami, two workers said they lost jobs because they couldn't prove legal status to their employers.

María, a Nicaraguan who asked that her last name not be published because she fears being discovered by immigration, said she was fired as a maid in a house she had cleaned for 13 months.

''My boss realized that she could not hire undocumented workers, because she had seen it on television, and she had a conversation with me and told me she was afraid that she could be taken to jail,'' María said.

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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Chelesupercono says on Dec 29, 2007, 05:35:

Very sad to hear about this type of situation, however, a Gringo cannot stay in Nicaragua or Colombia without papers even if he has money......

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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JulianUSA says on Dec 29, 2007, 05:53:

Although I was illegal in this country, I agree with what Chelesupercono says. Most of us criticize the immigration problems in the US, policies, procedures, etc. However, we do not realize how harsh immigration laws are in our own countries.

The same thing happens in Mexico. When Central and South American folks jump on trains trying to reach the Mexican/American border, Mexican police sometimes catch them. The folks are sent to jail for months before sending them back to their countries. I am not talking about “good" jails; I am talking about shitty jails with no food at all.

I think that if we ask for tolerance, we need to be tolerant as well. I am sure the same thing will happen to a gringo in Colombia without papers: sent to jail by regular police (not homeland security or a special agency.)

What do you think?

Julian Garcia

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Chelesupercono says on Dec 29, 2007, 06:02:

Worse is the fact that the Mexican Govt. says that the U.S. is violating the ILLEGAL 's human rights by preventing their entry into the U.S.A. WTF is that about. An American certainly has no right to come to Colombia and demand work, health care, schooling, etc. Going to jail is not the issue.

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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Atrevido says on Dec 29, 2007, 07:08:

My favorite was about a year ago when DAS caught up with about 30 Chinese illegals. They didn´t have the money in their budget to send them back to China so announced they were going to "watch" them.

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lpdiver says on Dec 29, 2007, 07:50:

This is the approach that I have always advocated. Punish the people who are making it attractive for the people to come here and work illegally. One of the main reasons there are so many illegals is that it is so profitable for them to be here.

I know many illegals and while I can have empathy and sympathy for their plight I also support our laws. If you don't like the laws...change them.

If you are caught profitting from cheap illegal labor there should be heavy fines and deportation in your future.

t

"cook some rice!"

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Atrevido says on Dec 29, 2007, 08:17:

...or at least pay them in S&N Green Stamps.

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Papi de Alejo says on Dec 29, 2007, 08:22:

LP, couldn't agree more. To me the problem has always been the employers. The employers have been making out like bandits hiring illegals for next to nothing and the illegals flock to these shitey jobs because they are paid more than in their own country. If there is a major disadvantage to hiring illegals, these jobs disappear and the attractiveness of crossing the border in the middle of the night disappears with them.

Not saying that there aren't other reasons why someone will leave their home and enter the US illegally, but the main reason that illegals flock to the US is economic. Let the employers do the right thing; let potential illegals do the right thing and follow the laws as they exist. And for those of us on this side, if we don't like the laws: do something to change them.

PdA

PdA

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miamimike says on Dec 29, 2007, 08:36:

I wish Immigration would repeal that Cuban Adjustment Act of 1967 that grants Cubans fast track residency almost immediately after they land here. And the most Hipocritical thing is that a few months after they arrive here(supposedly after fleeing Castro's imposing regime) they are already making plans to return to Cuba for a Vacation.So if they are so AFRAID of castro, how is it they can return in a Few Months to Cuba?? Did they get over that Fear of Political Persecution in 2-3 months?? Their Miami relatives are paying $8-$15,000 for their fast Boat Trip passage from cuba to the Keys and then they arrive looking like the Cubans in the below link.Then after they get here, next day they head to the SS Office, Food stamps, Plan Ocho(8), reduced college tuition, in many cases free schooling for 1 year courses. Even American Citizens don't receive this giveaway. Then after they get their Residency, many marry citizens from other countries in "Fake for Pay Marriages" and the fraud continues. I don't know why in this day of advanced technology the US Coast Guard cannot catch more of these Smuggling operations. Why is it they ALMOST ALWAYS catch the Poor Haitians and ship them back yet not the Cubans?? Maybe Immigration needs to Enlist the Aid of those Unmanned Aerial Drones inservice in Iraq presently to cruise the Florida Straits. They could alert the CG as soon as the Smugglers Boats leave Cuban Waters and give the CG plenty of time to intercept them! Every Day lately a couple boats arrive with 15-20 cubans! We have enough Cubans already in Miami! Send 'em home!


http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/cuba/story/360428.html

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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juancegomez says on Dec 29, 2007, 10:45:

I'm not against crackdowns against illegal immigration, provided that basic human rights are respeted, but it seems that legal immigration to the U.S. is becoming more difficult and more expensive than it's been in decades, at least from this side of the world.

If legal immigration isn't made truly viable and realistic, it's entirely reasonable to suppose that illegal immigration as a whole will prosper despite all the crackdowns.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 29, 2007, 12:15:

And just in case you don't know what Miamimike is taking about with "plan ocho", it is subsidised housing. It is very common in Homestead where I lived in the past. Basically, if a woman isn't married, but has kids and low income, she can qualify for section 8 housing assistance. The government will put her in a $1000 a month house or condo, and then she has to pay $150 of it per month. The balance paid by the taxpayer.

When I lived in Homestead, I couldn't afford a regular apartment. But I made too much money, $23,000 per year. I actually rented a room, built on the back of a regular home in Leisure City, for $400 a month. The family I rented it from lived in the house for $200, assisted by the section 8 plan. So not only did they pay one quarter of the real rent, I put $400 in their pocket per month - under the table.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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miamimike says on Dec 29, 2007, 13:24:

JG-Immigration is getting harder for everyone but the Cubans!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RJ--the other scam the Cubans perpetuate through Plan Ocho Apartment Housing is that its only for the One Person on the Application(or the couple on the application) In Reality, the Cuban Mom or Grandmother in many cases moves in the whole Family(or the latest new arrival from cuba) and they live Rent Free off the Backs of the US Taxpayers. Cubans constantly chime on about how they are the most ambitous and smarter then all the other immigrants; in reality, they get all these benefits like plan ocho, food stamps, reduced or free college tuition so its no wonder with all these financial incentives, they progress faster. has nothing to do with them (cubans) being inately more intelligent,,, This is a common practice/scam in Little Habana, Hialeah, Kendall. Milk the Country to the last drop who gave you freedom and a second chance. And they(cubans) wonder why other Immigrant Groups(as well as Americans) resent them so much. Well this is ONE BIG Reason,,,Not to mention, if they arrive here and are 65 years of age, they march up to the local SS Office next day and apply for SS and Medicare Benefits, even though they never worked a DAY in their lives here. American Citizens cannot receive THIS UNLESS they work a Minimum of 10 years in the SS System(pay in) or if the marry some american who did or become disabled. Sweet dealI would say, albeit not a fair one,,,

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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slguy says on Dec 29, 2007, 13:31:

For all their faults, one has to admire the political savvy of the Cuban exile community. They were smart enough to realize that being loud about their complaints, and getting people to the polls is the entry to power here. Thus the "special" treatment they receive today. No candidate or politcal party wants to antagonize the Cuban exile community in delegate-rich Florida.

Cuban Adjustment Act? Cuban Asskissing Act.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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miamimike says on Dec 29, 2007, 18:30:

SL Guy--the Shameful Politicians from both parties allow themselves to be manipulated by this small vocal group. Save for Republican Ron Paul, who in the last Republican Debates, stated that the "Travel Embargo and trade Embargo should both be lifted as thet are failed policies" and of course he was loudly Booed by the Cubans present. He is right though and the only one with the balls to say it! They(miami cubans) set travel policy for us Americans and many of us resent it. They won't allow us Americans to travel to Cuba but its acceptable for their nationality to travel to Cuba. Many Americans would love to go legally to Cuba as they do now to Communist China. On the Polls, they are the biggest Cheats going! I know, I am a Florida state certified Poll Monitor and monitored the last Presidental elections at a South Miami Polling center and what I saw going on was beyond belief. They Are NOT smart about their Cheating and they do get caught. I could write a book on the scams these Miami Cubans pull, young and old and the rest of us taxpayers pay for it. I have little respect for them!

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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David Pristupa says on Dec 29, 2007, 19:00:

I have heard that Puerto Rico is another
port of entry for illegal residents. However to my knowledge this doesn't
make the news.
Another item. Mexican residents both legal and illegal frequently return home.
They hadn't anticipated the hardship of
living in the US.
Could someone eloborate on these items.
Are they factual?

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Papi de Alejo says on Dec 29, 2007, 19:28:

I have heard that Dominicans and Haitians try to enter Puerto Rico by sea. I think that it is too far for any other nationalities. Even if they do land in Puerto Rico, they aren't going far. I travel quite often through San Juan's airport and I am always put off by the ICS guys standing on the jetway inquiring about citizenship. I realize that they are trying to do their job, but I get the feeling as if I'm crossing the George Washington Bridge from NYC to New Jersey and when I get to the Jersey side, the guy at the toll booth not only wants my money but wants to see my passport as well.

I made the point earlier that if the employers were severely penalized for their infractions, that the illegals would not be attracted so easily to the US. Perhaps, some employees are doing the right thing and the hardships that you talk about are no longer just an aberration but the beginning of a pattern that just might help to stem the tide.

PdA

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miamimike says on Dec 29, 2007, 20:20:

In the Case of the Illegal Cubans, more must be done then just penalize Employers. Its not enough in their case! In their Case, the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1967 that grants them fast track residency(and all the financial incentives) must be repealed as well as the Wet Foot dry foot law where as soon as they touch US soil, they are home scott free. Smugglers should get 20 year mandatory sentences! They are finally syarting to get tough here in Miami on the Smugglers and dealing out some harsh sentences, esp if someone dies on the Boat or if they jump into the water in an attempt to touch dry land. They(the smugglers) need to know there are Consequences for their actions,,,

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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Papi de Alejo says on Dec 29, 2007, 20:39:

You are right on point as far as the Cubans are concerned. Most of the laws that are in place are to encourage internal dissent in Cuba and undo the revolution. After God knows how many assassination attempts against Fidel and 50 years of revolutionary existence, I don't think that the revolution is going to be undone any time soon.

I am not a proponent of marxist economics but the situation as it exists was created in large part by US attempts to destabilize Cuba. The Cuban response was and continues to be to point to the gringo invaders and encourage their populace to tighten their belts. How much tightening they can do remains to be seen with fewer and fewer marxist allies available to bail out the Cuban economy.

Anyway, I digress. Now that the Republican Party can no longer count on the hispanic vote as a bloc, maybe rational policies will evolve for how to deal with Cuba and Cuban refugees. We can only hope.

PdA

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athensugadawg says on Dec 29, 2007, 20:41:

Hey MMike...good to see you here, been a while...

Regarding illegal aliens entering Puerto Rico, it is very common and not too many are aware of it. Primarily run by Dominicans that cross the Mona Passage between Hispaniola and PR, the illegals are usually dumped on the west coast of PR. One will read about unknown bodies washing onto shore here and there, but that is something not covered in U.S. mainland press.....guess that Britney's trials and tribulations are much more important.

Regarding the SJU airport, upon departure the INS agent asks in a quick fashion "Where are you from"? That's it...if you are quick in your reply you are good to go....

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droble77 says on Dec 29, 2007, 21:39:

Ha! I mentioned a few months back on PBH about the tremendous built-in demand for cheap immigrant labor and I practically got flamed here. Now everyone else is starting to see the light. . . ;)

The problem of course is that draconian laws against employers will be very unpopular and seem almost oppresive. It could also lead to some nasty inflation, something that EVERY administration has tried to avoid. . . no one wants to be the next Carter!

So it will be interesting to see if any major legislation/reform will happen in '09/10 after Bush is gone. There are very powerful, entrenched interests that do NOT want to lose access to cheap immigrant labor. Ditto when it comes to reform in the health care system. There are very influential players in the insurance and pharma industries that will not easily give up the gravy train they're currently enjoying.

The whole "Miami Mafia" thing mentioned above is another example of a special interest group with way more power and clout than they deserve, all because they can swing a presidential election one way or the other, as witnessed in 2000. (If Reno hadn't f***ed up the whole Elian debacle, 2000 could have been a different story, as Clinton had an okay relationship, for a Democrat, with the Cuban-American vote.)

It just goes to show how the U.S. is growing characteristics of second and third tier countries what with all these entrenched interests: the "military-industrial complex" , the subsidized farmers, the insurance/pharma axis, the Miami Right, etc. etc. Everyone wants a bigger slice of the pie but no one wants to pay for it. . . actually, just let the poor and middle class pay for it, haha! ;0) So cut cut cut those taxes and keep those fingers crossed baby, and hope the bad stuff happens to someone else. . . ;)

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jorgegdiaz (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 29, 2007, 21:52:

carrasco says on Dec 30, 2007, 01:06:

yeah, and i want to see all the white people doing the dishwashing, lanscaping, construccion, metal picking jobs for under 10 or less bucks per hour, yeah right,

busca una mujer la cual digas la pude haber encontrado mas bella, pero no mejor.

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miamimike says on Dec 30, 2007, 04:48:

JD: ''Employers fear receiving no-match letters or that the government realizes they have undocumented workers,'' said Levis Torres, a Colombian farm and nursery worker in Homestead.

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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nine inch nails says on Dec 30, 2007, 12:16:

"I don't know why in this day of advanced technology the US Coast Guard cannot catch more of these Smuggling operations."

It's purely because the USCG's resources are stretched extremely thin. The USCG is also very heavily deployed to the Persian Gulf to board and search all cargo vessels in and out of Irak as well as normal patrol duties. Even before the start of Gulf War II I read where our CG could on a good day only intercept 1/3 of inbound drug boats let alone all the human cargo boats.

Our country has fallen apart.

I love that sweet pretty house music, house music....

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nine inch nails says on Dec 30, 2007, 12:17:

Most of our resources are now going to Irak.

I love that sweet pretty house music, house music....

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lpdiver says on Dec 30, 2007, 12:25:

The US government does not wish to stop these boats. They have the technology and the resources readily available.

t

"cook some rice!"

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john_stark says on Dec 30, 2007, 12:57:

It's all about money. If employers could only hire legal US residents they would have to pay enough to attract people to do the job. Instead they hire illegals for a pittance. Same for the H1Bs. There are huge apartment complexes across the street that house the hundreds of Indians working where I work. They use them as slave labor because they don't want to pay what they would have to for Americans. Big business owns the Republicans so you'll never see them do anything about it. The Democrats want the Latino vote so you'll never see them do anything about it either.

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lpdiver says on Dec 30, 2007, 13:20:

If the H1B's go away alot of the IT jobs will simply be outsourced anyway. Then we will lose the spending and tax dollars of their positions. A damned if you do and a damned if you don't situation.

Face it; like it or not, we now live in a world economy.

t

"cook some rice!"

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john_stark says on Dec 30, 2007, 14:27:

Then let them outsource the jobs to India. That in itself has a lot of problems and the price has gone way up for IT talent in India. Big business wants their cake and eat it too. With the H1Bs they can have a slave labor camp right here in the good ol' USA. I say let's elect the Dems and fuck 'em all.

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miamimike says on Dec 30, 2007, 19:00:

JS--they have my Vote come Nov 2008! Change is in the Air!

I think politically the Coast Guard has been instructed to lay off Boats coming from Cuba Yet they Nail every one coming from Haiti so I doubt the shortage is that grave. Use Unmanned Aerial drones over the Florida Straits if needed,,,

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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droble77 says on Dec 30, 2007, 19:21:

Microsoft has research centers in Canada, China, and India because they can't get ENOUGH H1Bs, or so they claim!

Anyway, IT is a weird example. But yeah, this is all part of the globalization trend. It's pointless to complain though, this is a phenomena that will not be easy to reverse, and may be a case of if you can't beat them join them. . . ;)

Miamimike, I think you're right about the Coast Guard laying off the boats which is disgusting because one can make a convincing argument that the economic and political situation in Haiti is WORSE than in Cuba!

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miamimike says on Dec 30, 2007, 21:37:

D77--the situation is MUCH worse in Haiti then Cuba but the Cubans are on the right side of Politics. Get this, when I worked at the Krome Detention In SW Miami, I examined one Cuban who came through our Clinic and he had on a Rolex Mariner Watch. And they have it (life) so hard in Cuba they can come up with a Rolex?? LOL

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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john_stark says on Dec 30, 2007, 22:40:

Yeah, they're all crying they can't get enough slaves, er I mean H1Bs. You whiney bastards, start paying the freight and you'll have plenty of applicants. I bet if he could Bill Gates would bring back slavery. Picking it up here, Massuh Bill.

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miamimike says on Dec 31, 2007, 08:14:

GB--the Coast Guard was my Military Branch and I was stationed at Coast Guard Stations during my Enlistment so I have more then a Fair Idea of how they operate, Thank You. They (CG) have been stretched thin since the begining of the 80s when they were unfairly saddled with additional duties and never given additional resources. I have been out on many many search and rescue missions during my 4.5 years Active Duty but not in Miami, the 7th district. My Comment however was how is it that almost never does a Haitian Boat escape detection. Divine Intervention?? They(CG) always detect it and deport those apprehended yet the Cuban boats slip by. Not Hardly,,,By the way, there is a Device known as Radar,,,,Why does the Haitian's boat show and not the Cuban's; Cubans are in a Ghost Ship maybe??? LOL No GIB, in all likelihood, its Political and the local Coasties have been told to lay off the Cubans,,,BTW, who blamed the Coasties? Not Me! I blame the Miami Politicians!

What do mean they Coast Guard has NO idea of where a Boat is until its almost on top of them?? They Better have a almost exact idea of where oncoming boating traffic is way ahead of time or they'll have a Collision! That is what RADAR is for and the Coasty's Patrol Boats have the Best and the Latest Technology. The Miami station is well equipped also so no excuse "They don't have an idea until its almost on top of them: I don't buy that for a second, not in this day of Advanced Radar Technology! They are compassed, GPS equipped and maintain Radio Communication with the Shore office located close to Government Cut Channel here in Miami!

http://www.boatus.com/husick/nd_radar.asp

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 31, 2007, 16:28:

I wasn't in the CG, but I sure saw evidence that they know what is going on (along with Customs and DEA). Black choppers flying south out of Homestead AFB all night long. Blimps with electronic equipment tethered around Key Marathon and / or Big Pine Key. AWACs jets flying in and out of Homestead and NAS Key West. I imagine there is a record of every dingy in the Florida straights at any given time. If somebody gets through, there is a reason.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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joshhyman says on Dec 31, 2007, 19:43:

The only thing I gotta say about this topic is; where does a Mexican go to in Mexico to sign up for a visa to come to the USA to work picking lettuce. People against illegal immigration sometimes say that it is unfair to the people who want to come here legally to let illegals stay or not deport them. Ok, well in case those people don't know this, I'll tell them, there is no place in Mexico or any other country to get in line for a visa to come to the USA and work for 5 bucks an hour, 60 hours a week.

Now, can anyone tell me why we should deport OUR labor force without a way for it to be replaced? Hmmm.....that might be something we might regret doing?

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billyb says on Dec 31, 2007, 19:47:

"My favorite was about a year ago when DAS caught up with about 30 Chinese illegals. They didn´t have the money in their budget to send them back to China so announced they were going to "watch" them."

You can never have too many good chinese restaurants.

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aztec says on Dec 31, 2007, 21:48:

joshhyman

What?

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 31, 2007, 22:10:

I saw a large line at the US embassy last February. I assume it's the same in Mexico City.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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miamimike says on Dec 31, 2007, 23:09:

RJ---Right you are! I hadn't even mentioned those Listening Blimps off Key west, Marathon ect. Not much escapes the CG and the DEA not to mention Navy has a presence in the Key West also. Seems to me it is Political for the Cubans more then anything else. Both the Democrats and Republicans are simply shameful on this issue of repealing the Cuban Adjustment act of 1967. Since they say the resaon for it is that Cuba has a Communist Government, then could we offer all the Chinese who want to come here the same type of Adjustment Act as the Cubans? Are we ready for 10 million Chinese and the same Financial Incentives given to Cubans?

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 31, 2007, 23:20:

I would wager, and it would only be a "hunch" bet, that there is more surveillance from Boca Raton to the Dry Tortugas than anywhere else in the US. If a boat accidentally grounds or even scrapes a coral reef off of Key West, there are government spooks there to assess a HUGE fine. There is no way in hell that a F-ing canoe can get into the Keys without somebody knowing about it.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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