GA College Steps in to Help Illegal Immigrant Student

Update on this case for anyone that's interested:

The undocumented student from Mexico whose case has become a lightning rod in the immigration debate had been released on $2,500 bond just a couple hours earlier.

Just a week earlier, she'd been released from a deportation facility in Alabama after being stopped in March for a minor traffic violation.

The sheriff's office said she gave a false address when stopped for that violation, a felony charge that her attorney denies.

he Cobb County Sheriff's Office is one of 71 law enforcement agencies in 26 states that have entered into this partnership program, according to the ICE website.
Labeling the program a "civil rights disaster," Mary Bauer, legal director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it "leads to racial profiling, distracts police from looking for real criminals and destroys families."
The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia called Friday for an end to the program.

Source: www.cnn.com...


By all means, now that the two departments are actually working together and possibly doing what they are supposed to do -- finding illegal immigrants and deporting them -- the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia says: End the program???

Again, I would remind everyone that if you or I committed a crime -- such as giving the wrong address to a Sheriff as she did -- we would be in jail right now. And that's the truth.

reply to post by lpowell0627


Honestly, this girl should be granted citizenship...Why would we allow her to receive an education from one of our countries colleges then deport her to Mexico where her degree will benefit Mexico instead of the country that allowed her to get the degree. I'd say we should keep all the illegal immigrants that are hard-working and kick out the lazy, worthless Americans that don't benefit us at all.

I'd say its a fair trade

Originally posted by Legion2112
I feel for this girl, I do... but I think her justifiable frustration should be directed at the source of her problem - her parents.

I agree with you.

However, as soon as she began lying as well, she became a part of the crime.

But here's another problem:

If we only punish or deport the parents (in cases like this, not just this one), and allow the children to either stay OR finish their education, etc. -- the parents are going to take the risk for the sake of their children. Our education system, while greatly flawed, is better than Mexico and provides a better launching pad for a future career. Especially if one is planning on living back in Mexico. There's too much value for parents not to take the risk.

I'd be more than happy to have her here. Intelligent, educated people seem to be in short supply in this country...

I welcome ALL immigrants to this country PERIOD.
So long as they follow the law getting here.

[edit on 12-5-2010 by Legion2112]

Originally posted by boondock-saint
so how bout charging Kennesaw State University officials
with aiding and abetting criminal activity.

every one of them who helped should be fired.

Exactly correct.

However we cannot hold a child responsible for her parents activities, after all at ten we are hostage slaves to our parents. We have no choices as children.

I think the all the schools that enroll illegal children should be shut down until they are in compliance.

The only way to stop the problem is at the source.

reply to post by DJLateralus


The problem is that determining whether or not one contributes to society is a very subjective term. Whereas the laws regarding illegal entry to this country are, despite a lack of enforcement, rather black and white.

A person that is working for cash under the table, while productive, is actually NOT a beneficial member of our society. In our society, we pay taxes, we contribute to social security, etc. So personally, I feel that working illegally takes away any chance of being considered "productive" or "beneficial".

And that's where the problems start. Is it fair to some that may have been brought by parents and worked and educated themselves, etc.? No. But then life seldom is fair.

Her parents took a risk 10+ years ago. Unfortunately, now they are paying the price.

My opinion though is that when this is all said and done, she'll have her degree and she'll be here to stay. Which is really going to send a terrible message to every other illegal in the country:

Get into college and forget about being deported!

Not only that...But wouldnt that make her HS diploma Non-Valid seeing as she is an illegal citizen? Not only that, but her future Degree as well?

Any thoughts ?

Originally posted by OutKast Searcher

She didn't have an "invalid driver's license"...she had no license. But good try trying to demonize her even more...implying that she got a counterfeit license. Your not so slick in your attempts at trying to trash the image of this girl.

Why is it that you can't read when you attack people? You do this to me repeatedly, saying things that you can't back up AND are flat out not true. I respect your opinion, but not your tactics.

Here is the original post:

Edit to correct: No license, not a fake license

It's been there since I wrote the thread. Again, maybe you should actually read an entire thread and comments prior to posting. It seems you keep missing things or misunderstanding them.

Lying on a college application is not a crime...it could get your application thrown out...but it is not a crime. Kids lie on applications all the time about everything from their school activities to their GPA...and if they get caught their application gets tossed. No crime...but again...way to go in trying to demonize this girl.

Lying about citizenship is a crime. Lying about anything else on an application gets you thrown out of college in MOST schools. They don't say simply say "Oops -- enjoy your degree."

So I'm sorry...but you failed to try to turn this girl into a criminal.

Here's EXACTLY what YOU don't get:
I don't have to turn her into a criminal --
she already is one per our own Federal Laws!

Why is that so difficult to understand?

I have no personal feelings towards this girl. I'm sure she's very nice. I'm sure her parents are lovely. If I met her, maybe we could be friends for life. HOWEVER, no matter how nice she is or how much I like her -- she and her family committed a FELONY. And that's all there is to it.

...and this is exactly why we need amnesty...

Perhaps they (and you) missed all of the other amnesty attempts???

Apparently you don't know this has already been tried, and failed.

[edit on 15-5-2010 by lpowell0627]

Originally posted by Common Good
Not only that...But wouldnt that make her HS diploma Non-Valid seeing as she is an illegal citizen? Not only that, but her future Degree as well?

Any thoughts ?

Exactly.

The entire process has been invalid and illegal. Lying on school records, lying on applications, ...how are the parents making a living? What is this girl really going to put on a job application? Is she just going to be permitted to continue the lie? She's been using fake addresses and fake credentials all along.

Again, can you imagine if this were you or I?

It's sad that this has to happen, but it does have to happen. You can not begin cherry-picking which illegal immigrants are only a little illegal and should stay and which ones are a lot of illegal and should go.

Again, it's really black and white.

According to the Federal Laws, it's a felony in all cases. Period. Until the laws change, we need to enforce them across the board. If we begin analyzing when and if, we are going to open ourselves up to all kind of discrimination suits.

reply to post by lpowell0627


Although your point on being paid under the table is true, it happens millions of times a day in this country between legal citizens. Tax and Labor laws require that ANY transactions of money for goods/services be documented. So mowing your neighbors lawn for $20 should be documented and properly taxed, however, nobody follows this. This is no different from picking up some illegals to help you landscape or build an extension to your house. It's extra help from people who are willing to work hard for money. I see nothing wrong with that, where I have a problem however, is the people who come here to reap our healthcare benefits and multiple other things.

It's a problem that has no correct answer, but I feel we should accept the people that are willing to work hard to help our nation progress. Unfortunately, not all immigrants are like that.

Originally posted by hotbakedtater

I think the all the schools that enroll illegal children should be shut down until they are in compliance.

The only way to stop the problem is at the source.

But doing this will make it so several hundred LEGAL children that attend that school will be unable to attend class.

Also, by making illegal children unable to be enrolled in school doesnt change that fact that they're still in this country. If they are unable to receive an education, then they're more than likely going to grow up to be another gang member who could break into your house and steal your stuff.

I think if we closed the borders as of RIGHT NOW and granted citizenship to everyone who is here currently, the problem would be largely solved. Keep in mind, the great empire of Rome collapsed shortly after it began allowing outsiders within it's borders.

Originally posted by DJLateralus

Originally posted by hotbakedtater

I think the all the schools that enroll illegal children should be shut down until they are in compliance.

The only way to stop the problem is at the source.

But doing this will make it so several hundred LEGAL children that attend that school will be unable to attend class.

Also, by making illegal children unable to be enrolled in school doesnt change that fact that they're still in this country. If they are unable to receive an education, then they're more than likely going to grow up to be another gang member who could break into your house and steal your stuff.

I think if we closed the borders as of RIGHT NOW and granted citizenship to everyone who is here currently, the problem would be largely solved. Keep in mind, the great empire of Rome collapsed shortly after it began allowing outsiders within it's borders.
So what? Maybe if it hurts bad enough a solution will be found quickly. Until drastic measures such as I propose are taken this will remain a problem.

reply to post by DJLateralus


FYI -

I don't support citizens that commit crimes either!

reply to post by hotbakedtater


The problem with granting automatic citizenship to everyone that's here illegally now, is what do you tell the immigrants that followed the laws, worked more than 8 years to become a citizen, paid thousands of dollars to obtain citizenship, etc.

My friend's husband came here legally from Costa Rica. His sisters and parents were denied entry, but he was permitted. He came here alone, in hopes of a better life. After 9 years, we celebrated him becoming a citizen last year and celebrated when he voted in his first US election.

It was a very proud moment for all of us.

It would be a shame to say it is so meaningless that we now simply just give it away to people that managed to successfully commit a crime and stay in hiding.

Originally posted by lpowell0627
According to the Federal Laws, it's a felony in all cases. Period. Until the laws change, we need to enforce them across the board. If we begin analyzing when and if, we are going to open ourselves up to all kind of discrimination suits.

Her being an illegal does not invalidate her HS diploma or her future degree.

Also being illegal is not a felony it is a misdemeanor.

ReEDIT - Sorry not even a misdemeanor it is an infraction less than a traffic ticket.

[edit on 15-5-2010 by daskakik]

[edit on 15-5-2010 by daskakik]

[edit on 15-5-2010 by daskakik]

reply to post by daskakik


When you enroll in school, you have to provide proof of citizenship OR proof of temporary status in this country.

Since she had neither, and attended school anyway, someone -- most likely her parents -- provided fraudulent information.

This invalidates it. For example:

To avoid having to make multiple trips to the EPC, please bring the following documents with you when you come to enroll your child(ren).

A. Parent/Guardian’s picture ID.

B. Proof of birth to include birth certificate, passport or official hospital record. If the document does not contain the parent/guardian’s name, additional guardianship verification is required.

C. Two (2) proofs of home address that include the name and address of the parent/guardian. Any two (2) of the following original documents dated within the last 45 days need to be provided:

• One to two (1-2) utility bill(s) from different utility agencies such as PG&E, water, cable or scavenger. No cell hone bills will be accepted.
• Both automobile registration and auto insurance (Count as one (1) proof)
• Homeowner’s or renters insurance policy
• Property tax statement
• Official letter from a social service/government agency
• Grant deed, title of property or rental/lease agreement with property owner’s documentation

D. Immunization Records

E. School Transcripts (for high school students only)

There is one application for all applicants for the 2009-10 school year regardless of grade or school choices. Please review the EPC Forms page for a copy of the application form and a description of the steps to completing the application form.

...

Sign the application form. Applications cannot be processed until they are signed by the parent/guardian. It is very important that the information collected on the enrollment application is accurate. Signing the application form assures SFUSD that information provided is true. Providing false information will render the application invalid and may result in your child being removed from a school if he or she has already been assigned.

That's what I'm referring to. Look at school applications from around the country and you will see similar verbage.

Source: portal.sfusd.edu...

This is such a joke. We have a daughter in college now and she wasn't eligible for any help at all (except loans which we really don't want) so my husband and I both work second jobs and she works also to pay for her tuition and expenses.

I am so bitter about this... screw this girl, deport her and her parents and make examples of them. Once that 'mother' was put in front of the camera, she should have been arrested. Nothing says you hate America more than flaunting your disrespect for the laws and people who belong here.

Legal, taxpaying, law abiding citizens are quickly losing the battle to protect ourselves and our children from criminals like this.

Oh, and if "amnesty" really happens, they should never be given the right to vote. There should be a classification for them that doesn't include the word "citizen".

ETA: When we moved the last time, my second child was almost suspended from school because I couldn't provide her birth certificate. I had to order a new copy since it had been misplaced. We came down to the wire. HOW THE HELL DID SHE GET INTO SCHOOL? My daughter was born in the states. Why am I put through hell to prove that?

[edit on 5/17/10 by zenjewel]