Home > Talk of East Texas > Archives > 2009 > June > 28 > Entry
Family battles reality of immigration debate
The debate over U.S. immigration policies has become personal for a Longview family.
Linda Bischoff said Americans have forgotten the engraving on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free …”
She also said federal laws and lack of knowledge by the public have forced people seeking refuge to enter the United States illegally.
“I used to think, ‘Why don’t they just get a visa and come here legally?’ ” Bischoff said of illegal immigrants. “Now, after going through the endless process of paperwork and extreme cost and still not being guaranteed you’ll get approval, I understand why.”
Today, Bischoff expects to say goodbye to her son-in-law, Ortelio Alejo, as he packs his things for a return to Mexico. She’s not sure whether he’ll be back.
Alejo spent five months in the Gregg County Jail awaiting a court hearing on a charge of failure to obey warning signs. A Longview police officer arrested him in January on a charge of not having a driver’s license during a traffic stop just outside of Alejo’s East Longview neighborhood, known to locals as the “Mexican part of town.”
Officials dropped the driver’s license charge, and Alejo, 28, was sentenced May 26 to time served on the warning signs charge. He agreed to be out of the United States no later than today in a voluntary departure agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
With tears in her eyes and her head resting on her husband’s shoulder, Alejo’s wife, Shannon, a U.S. citizen, described the effect of her husband’s departure on their family.
What do you think about Ortelio Alejo’s case?
Comments
By James Stoudt
July 10, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this
I agree something needs to be done about the sorry job Sheriff Cerliano is doing. Escapes, contraband, not following procedures, unlawful detainment and furthermore an attitude of I’m untouchable or at least the appearance of it by his lack of openness and communication. I say it’s time for a change. The sheriff’s office has always been a joke. First Bobby Weaver and now Cerliano. Great representaion, huh?
By Kevin Fedup Line
July 9, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this
Come on now! Enough is enough. Cerliano is unfit to lead. How long til he lets a child molester or a rapist free? He has already had murderers escape. Call for his resignation! Hold him accountable!
By Bill
July 9, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
Concerned citizen, This is nothing new. There were several escapes and an erroneous release prior to this past election. We tried to refresh the voter’s memories but the idiots re-elected him. Never underestimate the power of pandering, butt kissing and outright lying.
By concerned citizen
July 9, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
Mr. Cerliano needs to resign. He is doing a p** poor job disregarding laws and allowing several escapes. This should not be tolerated! How many times can this be allowed to happen before someone gets hurt!
By JV
July 5, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this
After reading this editorial, and subsequent commentary…I can see that some of Gregg County Texas lives in a bubble. To the person who thinks that I-L-L-E-G-A-L should equate to dire and extreme consequences (and these are DIRE AND EXTREME) thank goodness that everytime you receive a speeding ticket, you can spell and sign your backwoods name! A speeding ticket is an arrestable offense and by signing your promise to appear, you are afforded the right to curse the officer (under your breath) and go about your mundane existence. For the rest of you dark aged and “Holier than thou” pinheads in Gregg County that seem to think that being born in this country gives you the moral obligation to dictate another human’s right to seek refuge or pursue happiness on any level, I sincerely hope that the rest of YOUR lives continue to proceed forth without a hitch or hiccup! It is no wonder that with the attitudes and narrow mindedness exhibited above that Federal Government is laden with the same! A “Customer Centered Culture” is what is necessary to deliver a quality government FOR the people and BY the people…government works for EVERYONE…not just for you idiots! This government that we ALL enjoy is still the longest running “Democratic” form of government in history! This does NOT mean it is not fouled…NOW more than ever! The circumstances that surround this entire fiasco in Gregg County is representative of what’s wrong with people who take it upon themselves to enable and enact idiocy everywhere! Trial by fire…that must be the mantra in Longview! I am certainly ecstatic that I don’t live anywhere near that place, but unfortunately my friend Linda, and her family do! I hope you ALL feel more protected by your county’s Sheriff’s Office, but by the looks of this weeks crime report on this site, they should be out fighting Burglaries and Drug offenses instead of harassing people with jobs trying to support their families!
By Free Trade
July 5, 2009 12:50 AM | Link to this
Fundamentally, our free trade policies have resulted in our exporting a large amount of the work involved in supplying our nation with goods. Immigration is the reason we have a growing population, which is ultimately necessary to have buyers for our houses when we die and to replace our population. If we had allowed people to immigrate rather than export our work, we could have seen property values increase and a growing population would need additional services. Instead we have kept our borders closed, shipped our manufacturing abroad due to a shortage of workers (remember low national unemployment rates over the last decade even though we had all the illegals?) and our wealth has rapidly moved to China and the Middle East.
An intelligent immigration system that allowed more industrious, educated and entreprenurial people to join our naation would have improved the country. We should allow all gradutes of U.S. universities to remain in the U.S. as long as they pose no danger to the nation.
The people involveed in this situation do not fit those criteria but I think we need to revise our current focus on family reunification and worry more about talented people who want to take a chance at life in our country.
Keep in mind that our Social Security and Medicare systems depend on current taxes to provide current benefits. Without new people paying into the system, benefits would likely be cut or taxes would be raised.
By JM
July 4, 2009 11:45 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why Mexican citizens should be able to just cross the border and work and live here instead of having to follow the same rules as people from other countries who want to work and live in the US. If I wanted to work and live in Mexico (or Canada or any other country), I would have to follow their rules. Einstein followed immigration rules to come here instead of just sneaking in.
And I’m sure there are many mothers, including a number of single mothers, who did not know that having a child means they can’t work. Why can’t grandma help with the child so mom can work instead of suck off the government teat? Guess she wants things the easy way too since if she had thought ahead and used self-control or birth control she would not be in this predicament.
By It is a shame
July 4, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this
Keep in mind that the pregnant woman is an American Citizen and so is her child. If the child was born in a hospital, they are required to deliver the baby and look for payment later regardless of who is the father. The mother’s use of any services are hers due to her citizenship.
As for the language issue, this is a problem for most 1st generation immigrants. Just go to various parts of any major city and you will find signs in a wide variety of languages, some with no English translation.
Also, this child will be able to petition for the immediate immigration of its father in 21 years with no restriction due to quotas. So, this man will be able to come back in his forties with very little effort. If the child goes to Mexico and comes back in 21 years we will have a less well educated citizen and a middle-aged father.
We opened the nation to cross-border manufacturing with NAFTA. We should complete the task with immigration reform.
By Ma. Fca.
July 2, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this
Fellow U.S. citizens.
Check the rules for applying for a Visa on the USCIS web-site. (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/). This leads to the ‘menuitem’ page: first on the menu are the instructions for becoming a ‘Permanent Resident’ [‘green’ card], 2nd on the menu is ‘Citizenship’, third is ‘Visit the U.S.’ [these visa holders aren’t allowed to work in the U.S.].
By Zeta
July 2, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this
To Susan. First of all, no one is illegal. We are all members of the human race, ooops! maybe not you. Maybe the person is undocumented. Did you actually read the article before posting your comment? The wife just had a baby and, of course, had to quit her job to take care of the baby. I am sure if the husband had not been arrested, he would have been working to pay for the child’s birth and continued support. I would direct you to see how long it would take someone with a relative USC or LPR to be able to “do it the legal way”. Read the section “Entering Legally”.
By laura
July 2, 2009 12:15 AM | Link to this
70% of individuals who use the word “illegals,” and 93% (my estimate) of those who write in caps “ILLEGALS,” are criminals, since they break criminal law on a regular basis by possessing and using illegal drugs. This is not a civil misdemeanor like an immigration violation. Drug possession and use is a crime. What about “illegal” do these people not understand? And why are they so upset about immigrants who have walked across the border once, five or ten years ago, when they themselves are committing crimes every week, using drugs now at this moment?
By Susan
July 1, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this
Lets see this man was arrested for not having a drivers license, I am glad he didn’t have a wreck because that means he had no insurance either. How did he have a job surely no drivers license means he doesn’t have a social security number either. oh my lets add a new baby into it here wonder who paid the bill for the baby to be born since dad is not legal here but however he works here, I bet the good citizens of the State of Texas paid for this baby to be born. Well maybe mom can grow up get a job and support her baby. How did they get married if he didn’t have the proper legal documents, you know a social security card, a drivers license. you want to live in America do it the legal way!
By DJ
June 30, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
I took a friend to the medcaid office on Eastman Rd. Tuesday morning around 11 am, While waiting I decided to take a poll of who is in the waiting room. I counted 9 whites, 10 blacks,and 4 Mexicans. So who uses the social services of the goverment? All those who have a need.
By Willieray
June 30, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
I guess I don’t understand what the word Illegal means. I thought in our society, if you do something I-L-L-E-G-A-L, you have to pay the consequences>
By Juan Elizondo
June 30, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this
Bradley,
You’re right. The editorial was mis-directed on the Web site overnight and then moved around 8 a.m. this morning. It’s in the right place now online and was in the right place all along in the paper. I’m sorry you don’t subscribe.
By Jeremy S.
June 30, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
My suggestion is too close this blog. It has became nothing more that a bunch of hate filled, illiterate postings. This should have been handled by a poll. These comments are embarrassing to our community, when out of town people read them.
By BradleyDorite
June 30, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
EDITOR
Your editorial “Rule of Law” is now properly listed under a link to Editorials on your web site. It was earlier listed under “More Local Headlines” on the web site. You obviously know that, since the editorial has been relocated on the web site, but you do not acknowledge that in your answer to me.
I do not and will not subscribe to your paper edition.
By AMERICAN CITIZEN
June 30, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
HOW COME IT IS THAT EVERYONE ELSE THAT HAS ENTERED THIS COUNTRY TO GAIN CITIZENSHIP HAS DONE IT LEGALLY? THERE IS A BIG A PROBLEM WITH THOSE COMING FROM MEXICO. MOST ARE NOT DOING IT LEGALLY! HOW COME WE HAVE NOT ADDED GERMAN, RUSSIAN,FRENCH AND ETC… AS SECOND LANGUAGES? EVERYONE ELSE THAT HAS COME TO AMERICA HAS HAD TO LEARN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! WHY DO THE MEXICANS FEEL THEY SHOULD GET SPECIAL TREATMENT? MEXICANS NEED TO LEARN ENGLISH(THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE). IF THEY COME OVER HERE AND GAIN CITIZENSHIP, MORE POWER TO THEM. IF NOT, STAY IN MEXICO!!! COME ON AMERICA…STOP THE INSANITY.
By Juan Elizondo
June 30, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
Bradley,
The article you referenced is on the daily Opinion page. In addition to the word Opinion at the top left of that page is the word Editorial just above the article. It is clearly separated from news.
Juan Elizondo Managing Editor Longview News-Journal
By Danny A. Moose
June 30, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this
“What do you think about Ortelio Alejo’s case?”
I think that Mr. Alejo should have gotten his paperwork in order before he started driving around without a license and failing to obey warning signs.
By BradleyDorite
June 30, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this
EDITOR
You have “news” article headlined “Rule of Law”. It is an EDITORIAL.
Can you not keep the concept of news and editorials separate?
By Billy John
June 29, 2009 7:46 PM | Link to this
Where are you going to colllege for your criminal justice degree? I have a bachelor’s in criminal justice and instruct at UT…just curious where you are attending. I will end it on this note. You say ‘we don’t need people like you here’. We do not need YOU, nor illegals, coming into my country, taking away from those who fight for our country and work hard for our country.
By TASHA
June 29, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this
to billy john
you dont worry about where i went to school or my personal life. i did graduate, i do have kids, i do pay taxes, and i am old enough to do what i want. By the way, i work and i also have a yard business.. yes my yard is clean edged and trimmed. on the other hand, i do not live off the government,i work hard.SO SAD TO SAY, I AM HAPPY THAT I AM NOT LIKE YOU, VERY MEAN AND PUTTING PEOPLE DOWN YOU DO NOT EVEN KNOW. THAT IS WHAT GETS YOU IN TROUBLE. OH ONE MORE THING, I AM GOING TO COLLEGE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE. OK NOW WHAT CAN YOU SAY NOW. IF DO NOT INSULT YOU, THEN YOU NEED NOT TO INSULT ME.WE DO NOT NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU HERE.
By ETlaw
June 29, 2009 4:21 PM | Link to this
Ok folks, I am very against illegals coming into our country…heck, I don’t even want the legal ones…we have too many as it is. But let’s be honest, if you are uneducated, have only one skill (trimming tree limbs, construction, or concrete) and live in an impoverished country like Mexico, then you too would be heading for the border of a country where you could not only find a good paying job, but could also get the best hospitals and education along with other free services. If you leave crumbs in your kitchen you can bet the roaches will come in hoardes and infest your home…oh, and they won’t help clean the kitchen either. If you want it to stop then the employers are the ones that need to be held responsible. There need to be stiff fines for these employers and they need to be held responsible for all of the bills acquired by these people. When employers stop thinking of themselves (greed) and start thinking of the good of the country then they (Mexicans) will stop coming and maybe…hopefully turn their attention to making Mexico a great place to raise their families.
By billy john
June 29, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Tasha, may I ask how old you are? Did you go to high school? Around here? If so, I would like to know the name of the school that allowed you to graduate. There are schools and tutors out there that can aid with your grammar and english. You may have to pay for it though…well, maybe not. I’m sure you can have the government pay for that too. Tasha, do you pay taxes…home taxes? Did your ancestors fight for our country? How many children do you have? Are you saving to provide for their education…college? Look out your window…what does your yard look like? Is it clean, manicured…or does it look like a year around garage sale? I get angry at those that whine and want assistance, but are lazy as heck…when their are hard-working Americans taking care of their country with pride and respect!
By Txworker
June 29, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this
Could someone just please explain to me why Americans can help everyone out, even those from other countries, provide them with a nice country, protection, opportunities, economic help, etc. and when we finally say hey we’re tired of taking care of you, we’re the bad guy. This could make someone not want to help others because they just become dependant and demanding. Compassion is not using other people’s money to help someone stay poor and dependant (I smell a Democrat), it is using your own resources to help someone better themselves so that they can provide for their families. Contrary to a few of the posters here, it is not America’s obligation to help everyone from other countries have a better life. It is however, America’s obligation to take care of its own and that is exactly what she needs to be doing. I am sorry that Mexico is such a horrible country and I wish all of these hard working, intelligent Mexicans could do something to change their own country for the better. After 9/11, everyone was displaying their American flags and I was pi$$ed to see Mexicans driving around displaying the Mexican flag. I didn’t realize the twin towers were in Guadalajara. This was not a group of people who were appreciative of the opportunities that had been afforded them nor was it support of our country when we needed it most. Instead it was a blatant slap in the face and I will never forget it.
By TB
June 29, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
well lori at one point and time he was illegal. but there are alot of sayings on here that is about race and they are all pointing just to MEXICANS. THAT IS WHAT BURNS ME UP. AND YES ALEJO WILL BE DEPORTED BUT HE WILL BE BACK AND THIS TIME HOPEFULY THE RIGHT WAY SO HE DOES NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN.I JUST WISH PEOPLE WOULD NOT BE SO RUDE ABOUT IT.
YOU TREAT OTHER PEOPLE LIKE U WANT TO BE TREATED. WETHER THEY ARE ILLEGAL OR NOT, NO MATTER WHAT RACE THEY ARE.
By TB
June 29, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this
robotech / OR WHOEVER WROTE THIS SAYING
YOU ARE SO RUDE. HOW CAN U TELL THAT TO ONE OF OUR FELLOW AMERICANS. WHY DO U HAVE SO MUCH HATE IN UR BODY???YOU ARE SO WRONG YOU ARE NOT BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE A US CITIZEN. WE ARE JUST FORTUNATE AND THEY ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN WE ARE.AND YES I HATE THAT I HAVE TO PAY TAXES AND SO FORTH ( MED, FS) WHILE AMERICANS, HISPANICS AND MANY MORE SIT DOING NOTHING WHEN THEY CAN WORK.BUT WHAT CAN WE DO, IT IS THE GOVERNMENT THAT CONTROLS THAT NOT US.
By Raquel
June 29, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Lets just start with the picture! In the picture of Shannon and Ortelio, why is it that they are not facing the camera? Why can’t we get a good look at their face? Is it becuase he already has family in Mexico? There are some cases that Mexican men come to the US just to marry a citizen so they can get their papers. Could this be her case?
As for her quiting her job, there are plenty of single mothers working hard to support their kids! Shannon, you CAN do it as a strong single parent! Unless you want to be like other east texans (NOT MEXICANS!) and apply for benefits you really can afford on your own.
I think the social workers are to blame for not doing their job right. By that I mean not investigating the application more profoundly. I have seen plenty of white and black persons using a lone star card at the grocery store. They can afford nice rims on their nice cars and have multiple cell phones but they can’t afford their groceries!
We should all be treated equally and have to pay the consequences for the laws that we break. If he gets deported, and wants to provide for his son, or family, do it legally! He can apply for a visa or get a permission to cross the border.
By Lori
June 29, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
Tasha, are you married to an illegal Mexican? Because that is what the conversation is about. Illegals. Stop trying to make it about race. Why would anybody be angry at someone for being born Mexican. What most everyone here is angry about are the people that come to this country and break the laws.
By tasha
June 29, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this
to getonout
not only the streets where mexicans live, there are alot of americans that are very trashy and yards look nasty.evryone deserves a second chance. And the only way they can get the green card or whatever else it may be to come over wether it be illegal or not. You know i am proud to be an anerican also. But i feel the way i do because i have family that is from mexico. and no the kids should not suffer for the mistakes that their parents make, and anyways how in the world are u saying send back the kid to mexico when he/she is an american citizen??oh yu do not know if all the mexicans on death row are or were illegal, look at all the americans that are on death row!
By getonout
June 29, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this
Webenhad stated it well! As far as statistics, go to Texas death row and look at all the mexicans and the crimes they committed. Seriously, take a look! Go to your local welfare office, and look at the tons of mexicans receiving aid. A spade is a spade. Go to the neighborhoods taken over by ‘little mexico’ and look at their homes/yards. How is this going to better America? Real Americans run from this, and they follow. I have driven down the roads they’ve taken over, and it looks like a tornado came through! We want our neighborhoods and streets clean…beautiful, not trashy!
By Andrew
June 29, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
Yes i made comment about crossing the river..but all I mean is if you come into this country from another country illegally you have to suffer the consuqences..not matter what country you came from..I do apologize if what I said was taken racially for it was not intended to be..I have no problem with any race being here as long as they go about it legally. If you want to know who is being racist, ask how many here would say the same thing if the person was a country other than mexico. And besides that I also congradulated those who have came here legally via work visa or green cards. Maybe you need to slow down and pay attention to everything a person says..
By Txworker
June 29, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this
Tasha, those kids should NOT be citizens just because their illegal parents snuck over the border and let us pay for it. No one is suggesting that only the parents go back….the whole family. As for your ‘Texas was part of Mexico’ comment, look at Texas and look at Mexico. The only thing I can say is ‘Thank God’ for those guys at the Alamo or we would be living in poverty having countless babies too. I am proud and grateful to call myself an American and Texan…not a Mexican.
By TASHA
June 29, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this
JUST LOOK AT THE FACTS, WHAT WE AS AMERICANS DO NOT DO THEY DO IT FOR MUCH LESS THAN WHAT WE WOULD. THEY MAY COME HERE THE WAY DO, BUT THEY MEAN NO HARM. THEY ARE LOOKING TO MAKE A BETTER LIFE. ONLY IF U COULD GO AND SEE THE POVERTY U WOULD HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART.HISPANICS ARE ONE OF THE MOST HARD WORKING PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN. U VERY RARE SEE ALOT OFF THEM SITTING ON THEIR TALE END NOT DOING NOTHING LIKE ALOT OF AMERICANS AND RECIEVING FOODSTAMPS
By webenhad
June 29, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
Here is an example of what is happening in California and is esculating in Texas and will continue if people continue to vote Democrat!!!
You have 2 families…”Joe Legal” and “Jose Illegal”. Both families have 2 parents, 2 children and live in California.
“Joe Legal” works in construction, has a Social Security Number, and makes $25.00 per hour with payroll taxes Deducted….
“Jose Illegal” also works in construction, has “NO” Social Security Number, and gets paid $15.00 cash “under the table”.
Joe Legal…$25.00 per hour x 40 hours $1000.00 per week, $52,000 per year. Now take 30% away for state federal tax…Joe Legal now has $31,231.00.
Jose Illegal…$15.00 per hour x 40 hours $600.00 per week, $31,200.00 peryear. Jose Illegal pays no taxes… Jose Illegal now has $31,200.00
Joe Legal pays Medical and Dental Insurance with limited coverage $1000.00 per month $12,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $19,231.00.
Jose Illegal has full Medical and Dental coverage through the state and local clinics at a cost of $0.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.
Joe Legal makes too much money is not eligible for Food Stamps or welfare. Joe Legal pays for food $1,000.00 per month $12,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $ 7,231.00.
Jose Illegal has no documented income and is eligible for Food Stamps and Welfare. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.
Joe Legal pays rent of $1,000.00 per month $12,000.00 per year. Joe Legal is now in the hole… Minus (-) $4,769.00 0A Jose Illegal receives a $500 per month Federal rent subsidy Jose Illegal pays rent $500.00 per month $6,000.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $25,200.00
Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays or gets a part time job after work
Jose Illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.
Joe Legal’s and Jose Illegal’s children both attend the same school. Joe Legal pays for his children’s lunches while Jose Illegal’s children get a government sponsored lunch.
Jose Illegal’s children have an after school ESL program. Joe Legal’s children go home.
Joe Legal and Jose Illegal both enjoy the same Police and Fire Services, but Joe paid for them and Jose did not pay.
Don’t vote/support any politician that supports illegal aliens…
Its PAST time to take a stand for America and Americans! Should I say more?
By TASHA
June 29, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
THIS COMMENT GOES TO THE PERSON TALKING ABOUT, DOING A SWEEP FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE. YOU ARE SO SICK DO U NOT KNOW HOW MANY KIDS THAT ARE US CITIZENS WOULD BE EFFECTED BY THAT. HOU WOULD U FEEL IF THAT WERE UR CHILD?? HISPANICS DO NOT GET HTE BENEFITS THAT WE GET AS AMERICANS AND EVERYONE KNOWS THAT. I AM SO ASHAMED OF U ALL WHO ARE JUST SO RUDE ON THIS SUBJECT. JUST REMEMBER THAT TEXAS WAS PART OF MEXICO, BEFORE U GUYS INVADED AND TOOK OVER. I DO NOT LIKE TO BE RUDE BUT I WISH ONE OF U GUYS WOULD GO THROUGH WHAT THIS FAMILY IS, JUST SO U CAN FEEL THE PAIN!!!
By Andrew Bischoff
June 29, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
Well Tasha all i can say is i made no racist remark. My statement is for all illegal aliens no matter what their nationality is. illegal is illegal. doesn’t matter if they are mexican, european, german, or anyother country for that matter..If they came into this country illegally then they are illegal. Makes no difference what their country of origin is.
By TASHA BARRIOS
June 29, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
i think the comment from mr andrew bischoff is kind of racist. first of all we all have to make a living some how. and if hispanics do not do the job that the white people dont do, then we would not have nothing.
I HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO A HISPANIC FOR 13 YRS. I HAVE SEEN HISPANICS GO THROUGH MORE THAN WHAT WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH. OH AND TO THE OTHER PERSON THAT STATED( IF I HAD DID ALL THE CRIMES, I WOULD STILL BE IN JAIL) U DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT THEY GO THROUGH TO GET AND I DO. IF U REALLY WANT TO GET UGLY. LET NE SAY SOMETHING, WHEN U PEOPLE GO TO MEXICO, U DONT HAVE TO BE LEGAL FROM THERE, SO WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. IF THAT TOOK EFFECT U WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!!!!!!
By Txworker
June 29, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this
I have a question. I keep hearing about now we ‘need’ these aliens to do all of this work for us that no one else will do. We have already given amnesty at least once to a countless number of Mexicans (I’m thinking it was in the millions) and of course we have many more illegals as well as the multitudes we allow in legally. Why do people continue to say we need them to do these jobs? Where are all of the Mexicans that came in legally or were given amnesty? Are they no longer willing to do these jobs? Where are all of these jobs? In our economy I find it hard to believe that we have so many jobs out there that we need more aliens. I don’t believe all of these former Mexicans have gone home and therefore we need to bring in more. Instead, I think they’re all still here (the legals, those given amnesty, and the illegals) but apparently they no longer want to do those jobs so we just continue to bring in more and more and more. Doesn’t sound like there is an end in sight until all of Mexico is living in the U.S. Since their country is in shambles, don’t think that you can move them all up here and the outcome will be any different.
By tired of it
June 29, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
To new in East Texas: Ha, I do not frequent the welfare offices. I work hard, and I am paying my own way through college to make a better life for myself. The mexicans that are here legally still are causing a problem in welfare system. It’s common sense to not keep having babies when you can’t afford them. Why would any normal person keep having unprotected sex (6 kids later) when they can’t afford to feed them, provide them with insurance, or educate them. We have all these children growing up uneducated and following the footsteps of their parents. I am choosing NOT to have any children at this time because I can’t afford the cost! Who paid for this man’s child to be born here in the US? I know there wasn’t insurance, so I assume the taxpaying citizen did. STOP multiplying and if you want to be AMERICAN, think smart! The last thing we need is for OUR (MY country) to be infested with poverty. This leads to nowhere. When you have 8 kids, and they have 6 kids a piece (history/family repeats itself)…our system fails! Please take your families elsewhere!!! I am sick of ‘thinking and planning smart’ while these illegals ‘think stupid!’
By TerryB
June 29, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this
Where do I start Mary? Yes I have seen A white use a Lone Star card…ONCE. I’m sure there are many more, but when I see Lone Star cards constantly and the users have been Mexican everytime that I have seen except for the one white and two blacks, there is little doubt that many Mexicans use these. Even the store clerks, who get frustrated themselves, will tell you this. When you work hard, don’t have much money, don’t get a cent from the government and you’re standing in line behind Mexicans speaking Spanish and have tons of groceries (all name brand) and you have your off brand, it ticks you off. As to why Americans can’t come up with a solution, I would ask why is it always Americans job to find a solution for everyone else? We let people come here, give them jobs, then when the system is abused it’s not the fault of the abuser, it’s the Americans fault for being upset and once again, our job to find the solution that is fair to (in this case) the Mexican. As you have seen, there is not much sympathy. And how do we know that Mexicans are not posting here? They could claim to be anyone. I have seen some really bad grammar on here so I think it’s very possible. And yes, I would pay $5 for a bellpepper knowing because that would be greatly offset by the money not spent on educating these children, paying medical expenses, the social service costs, the crime costs, not to mention the use of our natural resources and putting more gas fumes into the air. Yeah, I would glady pay $5.
By webenhad
June 29, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this
Our failed U.S. immigration enforcement policies and Democrats are to blame and has allowed the illegals to make a total mockery of our system and we Americans allowed it to happen by voting democrat. This is a bigger problem to our form of government than most people can comprehend and it is all caused by leading Democrats who are bound to rule our form of government by creating a sympathic form of government for what? VOTES!!!! Re-election is all that this is about. It’s not compassion for the illegals or their wel-fare. It’s about power and money and in this case you can see failed examples of this policy in California’s health-care system. Hospitals are dropping like flies! The economic crisis is going to get so bad that Democrats are going to claim that the nation has no option but to become a Socialist country, but not to worry, we will tax the rich and give to the illegals and our debt will be diminished by allowing several hundred thousands of Chinese to immigrate to America who by the way will see socialism as a step toward freedom. This is bad and soon as people wake up and start voting more conservative and republican, we will see this problem esculate to irreversible proportions!!! Capitalism will be no more! Then communism folks!! Please, stand up for the rule of law and especially you hispanics who have done the right thing regarding your coming to the U.S. I totally commend you for abidding by the law and your rewards are endless and deserving. Illegal immigration is a slap in your face. I challenge all law abiding immigrants to become Republicans and help grow this country lawfully!!!!
By Andrew Bischoff
June 29, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
Just another comment. That is my step-mother and baby sister involved in this. And the illegal is no brother-in-law of mine, considering I don’t see how the supposed marriage can even be legal. With that being said. Linda says that he is a child of God. She’s right he is, everyone human being is a child of God, but thats not the issue here. The issue is he blatantly broke the law. Knowingly broke the law. He knew from the minute that he crossed our border illegally that he was breaking the law and risking jail and deportation. All of this is his fault, yet we should be sympathetic to him because he is a good person and now has a child. Doesn’t matter if its criminal or civil, he came into our country knowingly illegal, and for that he should have to pay the consuqences. To those who are here legally, via work visa, green card, etc., congradulations and welcome. But in this fallen economy the last thing we need is to support illegals. How about supporting those of us who are born U.S. citizens in our times of need. And believe me I am feeling the effects of our economy first hand, being working in the oilfield which has all but shutdown. Have been laid off for 4 months now,and these illegals are coming here and taking jobs that we so desperatly need. I just want to remind her that there are other members of this family that may not want their name associated with things like this. Or guess I should say there are members of this family that seem to be forgotten about. Maybe I have bigger issues than just those here at hand. This just brought it all to light.
By Buck
June 29, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
I am a native Texan & American tax paying citizen. Had I commited the crimes he has been accused of ,I would still be in jail. I think he is getting off very lite & should be deported along with anybody else disagrees.I pay high school taxes to educate their children(most do not practice birth control) & I have no children in school.I worked long hours & did without to educate my children.
By kemahnet
June 29, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
I am so pro-legal immigration, and so anti- illegal immigration. My Irish ancestor was a slave under Cromwell. Until 2005 I never knew there were white slaves not just indentured servants. He was sold than as an indentured servant out of the sugarcane fields in Barbados to a household in Massachusetts in the early-mid 1600’s. It was fascinating to read the story of my families on struggle to be free. That said go back, get a visa and get on with living FREE! Hay a stint in the military changed my dad the Col.’s evil frat boy ways so just a suggestion.
By Mary
June 29, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this
You people are so angry at your goverment that you just want someone to blame it on, hispanics of course are the easiest target. I guess we have all forgotten that everything went downhill when Bush started making poor choices; and no one complained about “mexicans” when gas and food were cheap. Obviously everyone here is very concerned over the situation but not one of you can seem to come up with a decent solution, so where is all the education and smartness that “mexicans” lack when you’re sittinig at your computer whining and crying over how much you’re spending.You probably noticed not one hispanic has posted a comment to defend themselves.O yea probably because they get up at five in the morning to go out and really earn their money to survive, and to feed their children. Now my ? is why is everyone focusing on the hispanic community that relies on welfare , have yall been to the thhs office? Have you NEVER seen a white young person paying with that at the store? Open your eyes, your minds and recognize whats fair. Why don’t we talk about white people showing up for work twice a week, smoking joints at the workplace and taking vacations twice a month; and all the while who’s running the place ” a mexican” who speaks and writes two or more languages “that uneducated person” while most of you can’t even spell.
By Lori
June 29, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
First of all, spell check is your friend. Bankruptcy isn’t illegal. Have you never heard of welfare fraud? Our schools are spending an incredible amount of funding on esl classes. And I have my own vegetable garden and do not require hiring an illegal alien to pick my vegetables for me. I despise the argument that illegals will do the jobs that Americans won’t. So are we saying that before illegal immigrants that our houses and buildings had no roofs? We let our lawns grow wild? We had no paved roads? Preposterous. There are always people willing to work. They just can’t get the job because business owners do not want to have to pay taxes or workman’s comp so they hire somebody illegally and perpetuate the problem. If these business owners were prosecuted it would go a long way to stemming the flow of illegals across our borders as there wouldn’t be any jobs for them.
By rachael
June 29, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this
i think that all illegal immigrants should all have to leave i think in east texas they should have a sweep form house to house and get them all out of our country. IT IS ILLEGAL, they come here still our Medicade and WIC and use our tax money then they come acting like we should speak there language. I don’t care if they come here and a child, they should have to be deported no sympathy for this family at all. If americans do things illgeally we get put in jail, lock them up send them back to mexico….. We don’t want them here!!!!
By Alexander Luthor
June 29, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
Wow. I am new to East Texas and I think I am begging to finally see things clearly. Just a few points: 1) Immigration is federal civil issue. In that sense these “illegals” are no worse than people who file bankrupcy, or dispute a tax claim. 2) THEY CANNOT GET WELLFARE WHEN THEY ARE HERE ILLEGALLY. Those Mexicans you see at the wellfare offices(which I suspect many of you frequent) are legal U.S. citizens or legal residence. I am still amazed at how the immigration debate is always couched in these pathetic “public drain” arguments. In fact those that get false documents will usually spend their lifetime here paying taxes and social security, knowing full well that they are not entitled to any of the bennifits. 3) Unless you are willing to start paying $5 for a bellpeper & $6 for an onion I suggest that you back off of persecuting a group whose cheap labor we are all so willing to exploit. All of your agruements are appalingly shallow and quite obviously a pathetic attempt at intellectually justifying your blatant racism.
By perturbed
June 29, 2009 8:48 AM | Link to this
i have no sympathy for the people in this story.you reap what you sow.illegals now cant get a drivers lic. in texas.yet they can get auto ins.i am pretty sure the ins. co. wont pay if they have a wreck.so an american gets injured or dies and gets nothing.while juan gets to go do whatever.have you not heard of the mexican drug cartels running dope all over this country! watched a mexican sell dope across the street from my house,driving a new tahoe.wonder how he paid for it?an illegal alien murdered my cousin,got 10 yrs.mexicans drive escalades,own land here.buy there kids more cadillacs,yet they are illegals.they are pushing more small business owners out.concrete companies,steel biuldings etc..wake up everyone.they are thieves and killers,rapists,child molesters just like everyone else.we have enough of those that were born here,dont need anymore.go home illegals we dont want you here.
By Andrew Bischoff
June 29, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this
Just for the record..Not everyone in this family feels the same. Yes I am related to them by birth, and Yes I am a born U.S. citizen. I by no means am perfect. I believe illegal is illegal. How else can it be said. If you swim across the river, you broke the law. If you hitch a ride, you broke the law. If you make a mad dash, guess what, you broke the law. Now i love my baby sister more than life and feel for her and what she is dealing with, but she put herself in this position from the start. You reap what you sow. Now Ms. Bischoff has spent over $6000 to help the illegal, and i’m looking for work due to oilfield slow down and being laid off, trying to keep my home out of forclosure and a roof over my wife and baby girls head. Yet she wants to protect the illegal. Goes out of her way for the illegal, yet doesnt truly now anything about other LEGAL grandchildren (my children). So yea I’m a little upset about all this. I just hope it doesn’t ruin my name along with them!!!!!
By lynne
June 29, 2009 12:43 AM | Link to this
i aggree with most of you when youcome over here wrongly.yes go back to where you are from we dont need you here .but what angers me is when i go to our clinics here all that is working in them is mexicans.now my daughter is a certified cnaand while looking for a job lastweek there was an ad for a cna at our wellness center. but ad made sure it read must be bilangual.this sucks.why should we change our language to satisfy them if they want to come over here then learn my langage english.if not go back where you come from.then if you go to the county clinic its just as bad in order to be seen you must have a valid drivers license or an texas id i understand that but when you get turned down cause you dont have one and a lady in probly her 70s or 80s walks in behind you and she gets to see a doctor and you know fool well she doesnt have a dl# or id it makes me angry .
By lidia beltran
June 29, 2009 12:12 AM | Link to this
my lovie-boy short-shorts was illegal!from mexico, he is american now,i am native american. i am a supporter of this young guy and his wife and child stay strong and have faith,you will get there never give-up.don’t let all these people [Edited to remove vulgar language] get to you.cause they are nothing!keep fight like warriors!!!viva mexican!!
By christi
June 28, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this
The couple knew they were doing the wrong thing, they got married WHILE HE WAS IN JAIL. Theres plenty missing from this story. I don’t know if they were purposely left out or if the reporter just didn’t get all the information but the newspaper should know better than to print a story with so many holes.
By Danny
June 28, 2009 11:15 PM | Link to this
She could go back to Mexico with him. And he could take ALL his cousins with him. The tax paying people of this country are under NO obligation to feed, clothe or shelter these people [Edited to remove vulgar reference]. We should focus on the people who need assistance who have worked and lived their entire lives here in America. Not to people who wade, swim, jump or get illegally transported into the U.S. And then when they do get here, they have the nerve to ask us to speak Spanish and our liberal politicians make our kids take Spanish in high school, make us pay for everything they need, when a tax paying citizen can’t get a break on getting into college and getting help in paying for tuition. Maybe a bounty on them would curtail their entrance over here. I’d sure vote for it. I’m worried about my kids future, my countries future, not whether an illegal alien is treated fairly. If they can’t go by the rules as most of us do, get the hell out.
By Mike A.
June 28, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this
Last time I checked Rosa Parks became famous for breaking the law.
By Daniel W.
June 28, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
Which one of the posters on this blog will get out and work in 104 degree temperatures on the road construction that is going on?
Who would build the new Longview and Pine Tree Schools? Who is doing the concrete on the Longview parks in the 104 degree temperature.
We need an amnesty program for the immigrants from Mexico that are already here and then tighten the borders. Sending the all back, which is impossible, would devastate our economy even more.
By sunnygirl_72
June 28, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this
A young man is (or should be) on his way back to Mexico. A child is here - nothing can change that - without a father. We are living in a fatherless nation. THat said, we are also living in a nation of illegal immigrants who are draining the welfare system. I think if we allow this young man to come back and obtain employment AND an employer sponsored OR private healthcare plan for his baby AND guarantee that they will not have to use food stamps or medicaid then let him come back and PROVIDE for his baby and his wife.
By a palled
June 28, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
angry, I feel for you brother and trust me I do not condone those actions. I think they are despicable and those idiots should pay for their actions. I am not a bleeding heart liberal by any means. I am sick of the “free ride” that a lot of people get. I am totally against welfare. All I am saying is that not all immigrants fall into that category and the ones trying to help themselves should be allowed to do so. I am further saying that even the ones that are idiots God does not write off and neither should we for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We do need to revamp our laws to be more in line with Gods God says and I firmly believe “He who does not work, neither shall he eat.” Love conquers all though, not hate. We should be on our knees praying that even the hearts of your idiot neighbors be turned to God and further that our government revise their laws to not enable such behavior. I believe in personal welfare where neighbors help neighbors and sometimes that welfare involves that they face the consequences to their actions. People should be punished for their crimes. This whole issue needs to be revisited by lawmakers. But we need to make sure that we are in line with Gods precepts first and foremost.
By roger calhoun
June 28, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
I believe we need to send them ALL back! Nothing good will come out of illegals entering ‘illegally’. What is hard to understand about that? Try entering Iraq without becoming a citizen….ha! They wouldn’t be sending or allowing us to ‘voluntarily’ go home. It would be much severe.
By Paula Howard
June 28, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this
First and foremost I do not believe in them coming over here illegally or using someone elses information to gain employment either. I’m just an open minded American who believes there is a solution to this whole problem. I don’t believe that the solution is to send them all back, leaving all the children without one of their parents in their life, or forcing the one parent they have left here to support them to have to go on welfare either.And that’s what most likely will happen. Then leaving all the tax payers with the burden, because our government did’nt want to find a solution.And as far as them using someone else’s name.. I know & believe it’s wrong. Nothing anyone could say would make me change my mind about that. I’m just curious where all the extra Social Security money and taxes go that are being taken from these paychecks. I work in an office and I know they are being withheld ( there’s no way around it)and cannot be claimed and tax time or any other time. Does’nt even get claimed if they become legal later on…And as far as accidents are concerned I personally have been in 2 (two) accidents ( not with hispanics ) with full blooded americans ( not young adults either)older adults who for some reason did’nt have a drivers license and the insurance on the other car would not pay me for my loss, because supposedly they were excluded drivers of the policy. So I too have been there just not with hispanics. So thats not really a very good reason for all of this either looking from my point of view. I say our government needs to find a solution thats works out best and I don;t believe it will be just to send them all back.. So good luck to the family and my prayers are with you and the child. May God Bless you and I hope the solution will be found.
By a palled
June 28, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
Green card says: As for using the Bible, it has already been stated that we are to obey man’s law as long as it does not go against God’s law. I agree with giving to Ceasar that which is Ceasars but God’s “law” is love and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him.
It is funny how everytime someone breaks the law or acts irresponsibly and others are not supportive of them and their actions, that the irresponsible party always starts quoting scripture. This is a ridiculous comment. Who does that? Our country does show compassion. We give millions of dollars to help other countries to better themselves. However, if we do as you suggest and allow everyone who is uneducated and unskilled to come into our country so we can ‘help’ them out, we would soon not be able to even help our own families. I never suggested we allow people to come into the US so we can help them out. I said so they could help themselves. We must have laws I wholeheartedly agree and stated such. Criminals should be punished and there should be order. I am just saying people matter and instead of just bashing a people in general, you should consider their hearts and their souls. He who has ears, let him hear.
By angry
June 28, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this
To A Palled: I have lived in Longview for 20 years. I will be the first to say that I fear for my family and their safety. I worry endlessly about their safety, even in our own home. A family of 8 mexicans just moved in next door and the neighborhood has started to have its problems. My daughter gets sexually harrassed each time she walks out the door, my sons car has been broken into, and just last week, a fight broke out right in front of our house. I am sorry, but I think crime increases with illegals, our healthcare is bombarded, our neighborhoods are crumbling, our schools are overflowing, etc. Why is it that this is ok? Why do these people get free healthcare? Why do these people get a free education? Why do these people get free food? It makes me sick! I see now why Americans are so angry. I bust my a$$ to provide for my family without ANY help from our government, and all my darn taxes go to help these people! I wish we could round up ALL the illegals and start this country over!
By greencard
June 28, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
Oh please Linda, you are not talking to illegal aliens or criminals. I would venture to guess that most of the posters here are law abiding, tax paying, fed up citizens, not criminals who would harm your daughter in any way. What you are reading here is the pent up frustrations over MANY illegals that have entered our state/country and have cost us in more ways than we can count. As for using the Bible, it has already been stated that we are to obey man’s law as long as it does not go against God’s law. It is funny how everytime someone breaks the law or acts irresponsibly and others are not supportive of them and their actions, that the irresponsible party always starts quoting scripture. Our country does show compassion. We give millions of dollars to help other countries to better themselves. However, if we do as you suggest and allow everyone who is uneducated and unskilled to come into our country so we can ‘help’ them out, we would soon not be able to even help our own families. We must have laws and they must be enforced.
By WhatWhat
June 28, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this
Palled and M Allen, I expect you both to post your social security numbers, bank account numbers and other personal information for these illegals to use. If you demand compassion, you should step up and be the first to give them some compassion, your identity to use. If you don’t, then you have no compassion, you are empowering them to simply continue to illegally steal other’s identities and you are no better than the uncompassionate(sic) people you complain about. If people have to steal identities to live here, then you should step up and give them yours. If not, you are nothing more than a keyboard warrior, clicking away, doing nothing of substance.
By Lori
June 28, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this
a palled, it seems as though you are attempting to be purposefully obtuse. Not a single person here has said a thing about it being a criminal offense to try to make things better for your family. It is the way you go about it. Sneaking and entering into a country illegally. Stealing someone else’s identity so that you can get a job … illegal. Failure to maintain financial responsibility … illegal. I could go on and on but I have a feeling that you would act as though these criminals are more to be pitied than to be prosecuted.
By a palled
June 28, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this
I do not condone law breaking in any way. But I am appalled at the lack of compassion for people’s hearts and souls that most of you posters show. I would venture to say that most of you call yourselves Christian. The statue of liberty aside, Jesus called us to feed and clothe the poor, to reach out to the lost. We will all stand before our great savior 1 day and will hear either “well done good and faithful servant” or “depart from me, I never knew you.” Is it worth your fight/opinion/money to turn your back on the lost and the poor and hear the latter come judgement day? Again I say I do not in anyway condone law breaking. I think that “criminals” should be punished for their crimes. But please tell me what the crime is to try to better yourself and your family? I have been in the Mexican barrios in dirt floor shacks with no electricity, no plumbing, no sewage. Which one of you would deny such a person the right to better themselves? It is okay when we put $5 in the offering for missions to help these people but not to let them help themselves? Where is the logic in that? I urge you to consider the blessings that you have and to pray for those that have less. I also urge you and the people that have less to seek God first and His righteousness. He says our thoughts are folly and to lean not on our own understanding. The answers are in the book. Primarily love your neighber as yourself. At the end of the day God will not care about borders but about our love and our service to Him by showing it to our fellow man. Praise be to the God of our salvation that He showed us the mercy that we don’t show for each other! At the end of the day we are all, with the exception of native americans; descendants of immigrants.
By Lori
June 28, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this
Romans 13:1-2 1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
By Anonymous
June 28, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t see why we should feel particular sympathy for this man or really for any illegal immigrant from Mexico. I think most of us would prefer to live in Mexico vs. say Dafur or Iran or China, yet because of their proximity to the US, Mexicans come here, illegally and we’re supposed to think it is no big deal.
As others have pointed out, many of them use false identities. So they may pay a little Social Security, but since a lot of their pay is under the table (shame on the businesses) not enough to cover the services they use such as the school and hospital systems, not to mention our roads - how many of you have been hit by a Mexican driver with no licnese or insurance? I’ve had it happen 3 times and I was stuck paying repair bills and increased insurance premiums while they are not.
I do applaud this man for returning to Mexico voluntarily. But it took being caught by the police to do it. As someone else pointed out, don’t like Mexico and the way it’s run, change it, don’t break the law to come here and continue to break the law once you’re here.
By Natalie
June 28, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
My best friend is a Canadian,she speeks english,she is educated,she is a christian and it cost her dearly to be in this country. Why in Gods name do you think a poor uneducated mexican who probably doesn’t speek good english should be able to ignore our laws and sleep with young girls who haven’t been taught any better. Natalie
By Linda
June 28, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this
First of all the failure to I.D. charge was dropped. And as for my own past, yes I am a recovering addict, with 5 years sobriety…I made mistakes and have paid for them, I am not perfect or sinless. But, I do still believe in forgiveness when a person takes responsibility for their mistakes and does the next right thing despite the odds or the opposition. Ortelio left this country today VOLUNTARILY, he was not deported, and for the record, being here undocumented is not a criminal act it is a civil act. What is more disturbing to me than anything else is the pure hate that is written here for another human being, someones child, father, brother, uncle, nephew, and for my own child, who is a legal citizen. Is this really an example of who we are as Americans? We are not looking for sympathy from anyone, and I’m just praying now that if you should see my daughter in public that you don’t harm her. The viciousness of these responses are alarming. If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. So what is the solution… He is gone…so all of you should be happy…but nevertheless you are still angry…why? Not only are you angry with him, but my entire family… Believe it or not, Ortelio is a child of the most high God, and He has forgiven him…we are not seeking for you to agree, just a real solution, that truly benefits both man and country.
By StanFinfer
June 28, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this
M. Allen:
The LNJ in its wisdom invites comments from its few readers. Why do you want to censor the comments?
By M. Allen
June 28, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this
Maybe the News-Journal will end this blog soon. Texas was one of the last states to end slavery, and was against the Women’s right to vote.
The influx of immigrants has happened, our economy is now dependent on it, therefore, we must accept it.
By Bill Hicks
June 28, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this
Give us your tired, your poor……….
How about starting your visit here legally! When the first thing you do for the country you want to become part of is break the law?
People forget we are a nation of laws! Tell me, who is above the law?
Then once your here legally, then learn our language and our culture, just like those people there talking about on the sign at the statue of liberty!
As far as the author of this article, it was very one sided, come stay with me for a while I live in what is becoming little Mexico, next door I have three families living in a single family dwelling, about a 1000 sq. ft. They play loud music, they have shot guns in the air during their celebrations, It looks like Sanford and Sons lives their, yes sir come on down will see if the next article will be a little more unbiased!
By Advantage
June 28, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this
My mom is in her 70’s, my dad in his 80’s. They live in a very small frame house. They raised two children (me and my sister) in Gilmer, Tx. All of their money goes to old age necissities, mostly trips to the V.A hospital in Shreveport. He is a Korean Veteran. For jobs, my mom has worked in sewing factories, food service, and even dug potatoes at one time in her life. My dad is white and has even picked cotton during his younger years. They have never received food stamps. They can barely afford their gasoline now and even upkeep on their small house is a last priority. I have stood in checkout lines while immigrants thumb through their “free service cards” and then pay cash for expensive lace that I would not even buy because of the expense. Sorry, I cannot feel sorry for them. They are young and healthy and many roads available to them.
By TexasNationalist
June 28, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
The only way to strengthen our borders is for Texas to secede. http://www.texasnationalist.com
By anonymous
June 28, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
Let me clarify my comment. The fail to identify was not the charge reported, false identification (fake ID) was the correct charge. I have a source for this info and know it is accurate. I did not mean that the other charges were petty, bad wording on my part. And I was asking all of the liberal turds that think this is ok if that information changed their opinions of these people. I am whold heartedly against illegal immigrants and the money they cost us each and everyday.
By NANA
June 28, 2009 3:34 PM | Link to this
If anyone where to look at the public arrest records MS. BISCHOFF has many herself and if I understood it all she also hs spend sometime in the ‘BIG HOUSE” Not that her prison time really has anything to do with her so called SON-IN-LAW but shaded people tend to hang together…..Also how in the world did Shannon marry this guy?????? Is that legal???? And not to mention that the BISCHOFF’S have another child grown with children as well and has been laid off due to oilfleid slow down and is about to lose the roof over they’er heads…HUMMMMMMMM!!!????? DON’T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD HELP YOUR OWN…BEFORE TRYING TO TURN SOMETHING ILLEGAL AROUND TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS….SHAME ON YOU!!
By Californian
June 28, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this
I have no sympathy for this family. This was due to choices this man made. He was then deported for making the wrong choices.
Now they want sympathy. Sorry I have none.
This family needs to be thankful at least he is not fighting the war in Iraq. Now our U.S. Military in Iraq, I feel sorry for.
By BigboyD
June 28, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this
Yes, I feel totally different about illegals now that it has all been cleared up on what his charges were. Let’s bring over his entire family. I’ll get an extra job to help with the expenses and to pay all of the additional taxes Obama wants to give me!
By Gil
June 28, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
Here’s a thought lady, Marry a us citizen. You and the baby should be shipped back also.
By Lori
June 28, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
Petty? Failure to maintain financial responsibility is not petty. If he totals out my car and I have to pay for it, I am not going to consider that petty. Which part of this is incorrect:
EXPIRED REGISTRATION
FAIL TO IDENTIFY FUGITIVE INTENT GIVE FALSE INFO
FAILED TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
ICE DETAINER
NO DRIVER’S LICENSE
OBEY WARNING SIGNS/BARRICADES OVER ROADS
By Keepoutmxns
June 28, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
Oh, ok..that changes everything! Just petty charges? Being here illegally is petty? To clear it up, this was what he was arrested for:
FAIL TO IDENTIFY FUGITIVE INTENT GIVE FALSE INFO LPD OS FAILED TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LPD
NO DRIVER’S LICENSE LPD
EXPIRED REGISTRATION LPD
ICE DETAINER LPD Released Other Agency Commitment/Sentence OBEY WARNING SIGNS/BARRICADES OVER ROADS(S) 180 DAYS 01/05/2009
By anonymous
June 28, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this
That information makes you feel a little different about illegal immigrants now doesn’t it. That’s what the majority of them do, steal identities!
By anonymous
June 28, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this
Alejo’s jail card is inaccurate. He was arrested for having a false driver’s license and the other petty charges, not failure to identify himself.
By Fedup
June 28, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this
Sorry hit tab button by mistake. The blog should have read:
Can we just hang a NO VACANCY sign on the Statue of Liberty!
By ThinkForAChange
June 28, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this
For all of those demanding compassion and understanding, you should lead by example and post your social security number and other private information here for an illegal to ‘borrow’ your identity. Why should they be forced to steal it. If you demand compassion for them, then freely let them take your identity so they don’t have to commit any more crimes… what, you wouldn’t post that? But you want us to be OK with illegals stealing identities with no repercussion?
If you aren’t willing to give your identity to an illegal to help them, then don’t you dare demand others to be compassionate and understanding. Take the first step and put your money where your mouth is.
By Malenko
June 28, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
This is another example of our liberal media’s one sided bleeding heart one sided story.Americians have not forgot what The Statue of Libery stands for it was there to greet all our of our ancestors who came to the US by boat and who registered with the US that they were here to be US Citizens. They did not violate our immigration laws and sneak into this country to steal away working class(Construction Trade Unions) Americians jobs. Overload our roads,E/R’s,crowd our classrooms,take our jobs,make us stand in line behind them,import Mexican gangs and drugs into our neighborhoods & run down wages for working Americans. There is no way Alejo was put in Gregg Co Jail for not having a DL and Running a Stop Sign and held on no other serious charge they forgot to tell you about that. If ICE put a hold on every Illegal stopped for a traffic ticket Longview would have been cleared out long ago. Maybe his whole family should go back to Mexico and come here the legal way next time so they can help pay for all the free medical care that Pres. Obama is gonna give us in taxes. Its time to enforce the laws we have now but we have had Presidents who can tell the US AG to pick and choose what laws they want to enforce and against who. Only under a Democreat Admn. can you not pay your Income Taxs and get to be Head of the IRS. and no interest or pentalities. You try to get that deal!!!! USA
By RoBotech
June 28, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
“By lullaby
June 28, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
oh, my, yes, you posters are so right. this woman should be made to pay. people are evil if they ever do anything wrong, and they should pay for it. i know i never have.
the U.S. is the best nation ever. i’m really glad i was born here so i can tell everyone else that they are less than me and should have to pay!
i’m also glad that i am always right and have the answers for everything because i was born here and never really had to work for anything.
thanks!”
Say, you are blessed! And , you are welcome. As far as that Illegal Alien is concerned. Goodbye, and if your family doesn’t like following our laws either, they can follow your sorry A** right on back to Mexico!
By hotlinks40
June 28, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
What part of ILLEGAL do these people not understand? Yes, the Statue of Liberty says to send us your tired, etc, but not inviting them to come in illegally. If you carry the family’s logic to its ultimate then we should have no control over our borders and if a terrorist wants to come into to our country so be it. Where does such assisine thinking come from. The girl is free white and 21, let her go to Mexico and live there. She made the choice to get pregnant by an illegal, why should we have to live with that decision. This senario truly flabbergasts me.
By john wayne
June 28, 2009 1:27 PM | Link to this
I am so sick of illegals EVERYWHERE! Punish them and the ones that harbor them. Look at Mexico…poverished, poor, dirty, uneducated, multiplying, etc. If we don’t stop, America will follow. KEEP THE AMIGOS OUT!
By SanAntonio
June 28, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this
“Remember the Alamo!” Texas 1836
By ustex1217
June 28, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this
According to one blogger, he/she is not having to pay for anything since they were born here and sarcastically said that he/she is better than everyone else. How do people come up with this attitude that just because we were a nation of pioneers who fought and shed blood, sweat, and tears, that we now feel we are a nation of privilege and that we are better than others. While I do feel that I live in one of the greatests nations on earth, I do not feel that I am better than others, but I do have the right and obligation to protect this country. Both of my grandfathers fought in the World Wars and did so for Americans, not for illegals who come into this country and want jobs, education, health care, etc. So to the blogger who commented that others should pay when he/she is not paying, maybe you need to start paying like the rest of us and start working! How dare you imply that Americans don’t pay or work hard. I dont’ know where you are from but I’m thinking maybe you should return there!
By texan1
June 28, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this
What really irritates me is when you see veterans getting horrible healthcare, financial assistance, etc. and THEY fought for our country, and the illegal immigrants get ‘all the hand me outs’…as they keep popping out babies, driving uninsured cadillacs, etc. and you know what…more money or those with more children??? Something is messed up with this! Hey people, have tons of neglected children….our good ol’ American citizens will take of us! Ah, isn’t America wonderful!
By Texan4ever
June 28, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
Why is it that Americans can take care of everyone…education, food stamps, medicaid…and instead of a ‘thank you’, we only get demands for more and more. Americans/Texans are tired of paying the way for everyone else. I’m tired of going to the grocery store and standing behind Mexicans who can’t/won’t speak English and they pull out their Lone Star card. According to the checkers this is a common occurence and I know that I personally see it ALL of the time. America, like every other country, has and should have immigration laws! We have become a country of entitlement programs and anyone can figure out that a country cannot last when this has become its mentality. Yes, Americans have become greedy and this is something that we need to address. Maybe it is time we wake up and realize that the cost is much too high…crime rate/cost, education (financial cost as well as poorer education), social service costs, health care costs etc. This should just be a start to a plight to rid our country of ALL illegals. And to those who chose to marry them…move back with them if you truly love them.
By Lori
June 28, 2009 12:45 PM | Link to this
btw His jail card shows that he also ‘failed to maintain financial responsibility’. So if he had been involved in a car accident that totaled out your car, you’d just be s.o.l. That ticks me off because I have to pay for auto insurance every month, why shouldn’t he?
By Lori
June 28, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this
I guess it would be okay for me start selling drugs. I mean, I know it’s illegal and all, but I would only use the money to help my family. To help my children to have a better life. So, that’s okay, right?
By lullaby
June 28, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
oh, my, yes, you posters are so right. this woman should be made to pay. people are evil if they ever do anything wrong, and they should pay for it. i know i never have.
the U.S. is the best nation ever. i’m really glad i was born here so i can tell everyone else that they are less than me and should have to pay!
i’m also glad that i am always right and have the answers for everything because i was born here and never really had to work for anything.
thanks!
By texas proud
June 28, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
Absolutely ZERO sympathy! Why would anyone from LNJ even write a story on this? We should be celebrating that won’t be paying (our hard-earned money)for another illegal alien. I am so sick of illegals coming to America, MY country, to take from US, real Americans!
By texas proud
June 28, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
Absolutely ZERO sympathy! Why would anyone from LNJ even write a story on this? We should be celebrating that won’t be paying (our hard-earned money)for another illegal alien. I am so sick of illegals coming to America, MY country, to take from US, real Americans!
By Ann in AZ
June 28, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
Just once, I would like to see a media outlet do a bleeding heart story on the victims of illegal aliens. I would like to see an honest expose on the damage illegal aliens do to the towns and cities they invade. Everywhere illegal aliens congregate; crime goes up, gang activity goes up, social services costs go up, property values go down, wages become depressed, school testing scores go down….how about a story on that! But according to the author of this pathetic piece, Americans are supposed to roll over and take it. How dare we suggest that the United States is a sovereign nation entitled to immigration laws.
By Conrad Johnston
June 28, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this
If you folks are tired of reading this propaganda in the LNJ, CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION. Maybe the next newspaper, if any, in this town will have less of a liberal agenda and will instead report unbiased well-researched NEWS.
By DC Wright, USMC Retired
June 28, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
Ms. Bischoff, cry me a river. My wife’s an immigrant and we jumped through every hoop there was to get her green card. We decided that it was worthwhile to DO IT RIGHT. If you can’t be troubled to teach your family to abide by the rules about strangers coming into your (MY) house, and then get burned by it, I haven’t a single tear to waste on you. Put some ICE on it. Get over it. Your daughter can move to Mexico to be with her man. Then maybe they’ll have time to think about doing things the RIGHT way next time.
I absolutely LOATHE line-jumpers and their enablers. The rules are there for EVERYONE who wants to come live in my HOME. You keep your doors and windows locked to keep out the uninvited, I’m sure. In a country, that is what borders and border crossings are. Anyone coming in the front door and abiding by the rules is welcome, as far as I’m concerned. But those who try to sneak in through the back window deserve any bad thing that might happen to them. Your son-in-law is not one bit different. Be happy he didn’t die of dehydration or whatever when he broke into this country. And that he survived to be deported. That means your daughter can go live with him.
By WW II
June 28, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this
This is NOT a debate. This is like against the laws of OUR country that these folks chose to ignore. Enough! Should we look at the author of this article? Is there an agenda here, is there a bias here, is this propaganda? It begs the question if it is news or opinion. Shame on the L-N Journal. Is this a paper with the same bias and agenda. Are they newspaper people or are they opinionated people with access to paper? Enough! The tears flow and the cries wail, but all they can do is have more babies the rest of us pay for. Enough! Are we being, well you know taken advantage of, without even a kiss. I remember a TV documentary about the same problems with our southern neighbors. Back in the early part of the twentieth century, the problem was somewhat addressed by loading these folks on trains and taking them to the border. No paper, no problem, get on the train, no debate. Dont tell me about the Nazi trains, we arent gassing anyone. OUR children seem to not matter..what about the throttling tax burden. Enough! What about the blight? Ever been to Mexico? ENOUGH! But Americans seem to have changed from being proud, free people, to something that rather live on its knees and let others (the governmint, you and me)support them. Look around, we are all on welfare. Not on the brink, WITHIN the brink. Our country will, as Lenin or Marx said, be taken over, no handed over to them without a shot being fired. Dont believe it? Eventually, the majorities will opt/vote, again on their knees, for the path of least resistance and serve whomever promises them the road to milk and honey without effort or account on their part. “The masses have a potentially inexhaustible enthusiasm for socialism,”….from the Chairman Mao Tse-Tung. I am thankful that I can still pen this post, at least for the moment. Vote for term limits.
By mike bolt
June 28, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
The open borders proponents want full socialized lifetime benefits to all who enter and live illegally in this country. These people want a political monopoly that promotes dependency on the government and is targeted to eliminating accountability for one’s actions. Obey the laws—don’t enter his country illegally. If here illegally—leave this country.
By Daniel W.
June 28, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
Everyone is forgetting about the Cambodian’s running the Donut Shops. The Chinese running the buffets and playing Baccarat at the Horseshoe. The Russians in New York.
One of the bloggers is quite wrong on the Hispanics, generally they will not work in the construction industry, or even cook, for less that $9 an hour.
Which blogger on here has never broken a law and got away with it? I mean come on, this is nothing but discrimination.
They are taking the jobs no one else wants to do. The whites, which I am, are too concerned about having a cellphone that scratches their butt and makes pancakes. Obsessed with taking a vacation, or missing work because they feel bad. If not those, back child support, or getting their weekly fix on drugs.
Come on people, get honest with yourself and stop the self-righteous indignation.
By paul p.
June 28, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
Every illegal alien working in construction, manufacturing, service industries, etc. is using a fraudulent SSN and filed a fraudulent I-9, W-4, etc. In other words 7-8 million illegal aliens are committing ID fraud, according to the SSA.
They may be using your SSN or your child’s SSN. So what harm does that do??? The IRS will come looking for you asking why you are filing two tax returns or they will want to know why you didn’t report all the income you made. Don’t forget that your income will now include the illegal aliens earnings, so you will be responsible for paying any taxes he owes. Many illegals file tax returns for the sole purpose of claiming Earned Income Credit (EIC), so you can expect the IRS to question that as well. And don’t forget to check your credit report to see how much other damage they’ve done to you there.
Those who come here illegally, steal our IDs and ignore our laws have already demonstrated they lack the honesty and decency to ever become American citizens.
By Ziv Zulander
June 28, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
Italic:*”“There is no public school in Mexico after the sixth grade. You must pay for it if you wish to continue your education, and most can’t afford it,” he said.
Alejo said he averaged $30 a week at his full-time job in Mexico, and the cost of food is expensive. “*
Why does no one ask the question of why Mexico is so messed up? Why? The president of Mexico makes $5 million (equivalent) per year, yet Mexico can feed or educate its own people. And if it’s that corrupt and causing that much of humanitarian issue, the we should send our military there to straighten it out.
By steve8714
June 28, 2009 10:41 AM | Link to this
Carolyn, if one has children one is a hypocrite because as parents we are always telling our children not to do the stuff we relished when young. I haven’t seen any posts here making pejorative statements about this young man’s character, I’m sure he is able and virtuous, but he broke the law coming in and he’ll have to leave. Now, about those Irish the firefighters are always crying for, and the Bosnians whose homeland we established, as well as the Somali “refugees” who refuse to assimilate and the Arabs who come in on student visas and stay long enough to acquire an American wife to mistreat; can we prosecute their return home expiditiously?
By gene
June 28, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
broke the law! out of here.take your family with you.
By Leroy Achoy
June 28, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
He broke the law. Send him back to Mexico.
By Michele
June 28, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
Obey the law and apply for a visa. I understand people don’t want to wait, I don’t want to wait for things either yet I do. The people I feel empathy for are the ones who try to obtain visas legally while people like this guy just take the easy way. If the family doesn’t want to be separated then she can go to Mexico. I understand that many countries are worse than the USA, that is why everyone wants to come here, but it just isn’t big enough. We already have a financial crisis (partially thanks to the illegals on gov’t assistance). Look at our unemployment numbers for god sake! If Mexico is so horrible then the people need to rise up and try to change it just like the students in Iran.
By ironray
June 28, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
“Everyone on this blog has broken laws and not gotten caught. Be honest. I am having difficult time understanding the cruelty and short sightedness of some of the posters on here.”
What complete and utter nonsense. People may break laws now and then but illegals do it every day they are here. Untold number of laws are broken by their simple presence.
Acceptance of illegals is the same as saying, “Oh, I found this burglar in my house but I think it’s okay because he’s really a nice guy.”
Do Americans have so little respect for their own country that they would allow invaders from another country, who show the epitome of disrespect for the U.S. by virtue of their invasion, to live here and accept them?
Show some respect for your nation America! Stand up to these invaders and tell them that you no longer accept their presence.
By steve8714
June 28, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
First, Emma Lazarus didn’t write the Constitution, nor our immigration laws. Having immigration policy determined by the poetry on the base of the Statue of Liberty makes as much sense as foreign policy based on “Give Peace a chance”..bad analogy; on “We are the World”..oh; on the words of Rodney King. Oh, forget it. Second, the fact is that most illegals have learned to put “exempt” in line 7 on the W-4, so no, they don’t pay income tax, only Social Security. I figure that’s the government fee for not enforcing the law as they should, more or less a statutory bribe.
By NY
June 28, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this
“”Now, after going through the endless process of paperwork and extreme cost and still not being guaranteed you’ll get approval, I understand why.”
Hmmmm, same goes for a new SUV I’ve been eyeing. It would be much easier to break the law and steal one, rather than working and saving for one, lawfully, of course.
By Jon
June 28, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
So he braked the law???So wat!!he wann to care for hims family. someboddy say before, get there problem fixed soon
By Doug
June 28, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
This is sad. If only Mexicans had a country of their own, where they could be full citizens, a country where they would never be hounded for not having a visa.
I propose the two state solution. We should create such a country. We can call it Mexico, and Mexicans can live their in peace without fear of being deported.
By mntx
June 28, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
What this article fails to address is the associated crimes that go along with an illegal immigrant living in this country. Trust me, I feel for their plight, but not at the expense of the crimes they commit. To stay in the US, an illegal immigrant must, of course, have a place to stay, a job, food, you know, all those basic necessities of life. How does he get those? It starts out with identity theft. He can’t rent an apartment or buy a home without a US identity, so he uses a stolen one, maybe yours. He applies for a job, guess whose identity he puts down, yours. He buys a car, guess whose credit he uses, yours. It gets even worse, because, let’s say he gets in an accident in that car, guess who the insurance company comes to- YOU. That’s because, for all intensive purposes, they only see your name as listed..
Let’s not forget tax fraud. On your identity, he takes a job and fails to report taxes. Now say that company is audited.. guess who the IRS looks for when it comes to unpaid taxes- YOU.
What if he gets some credit cards with that stolen identity, who do you think they’ll come after for payment?
We all feel sorry for the poor people who have to brave an illegal crossing, but we need to have a realistic view of what’s involved with their being here illegally. It is a crime, plain and simple, and that crime breeds other crime. The News-Journal gives us a story about this poor family and their struggles, but where is the story of the neighbors down the street, of whom, their identity was stolen by an illegal in order to live here and had to spend thousand upon thousands to get it fixed, possibly even having to go bankrupt.
Just giving them a pass is cruel. There is no other word for it but cruel. It gives the poor illegal immigrant false hope that it will be OK. It gives the citizen hope his credit won’t be stolen. It does nothing but continue the cycle. Giving illegals a pass is cruel to everyone.
By Gary
June 28, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
I understand that anyone here would go wherever they could to provide for their families. It is sad for the family of this man; however; they all knew he did brake the law by being here illegaly. There would have been no collateral damage if she had not married and had a child. I assume she knew he was an illegal; and the only one I feel sorry for is the baby and her parents. As cruel as it sounds; the woman (in my opinion) as well as the man broke US laws. Every family that has a loved one who is a law breaker in it; suffers. The law still has to carry out a sentence; or their would be so much more crime than we have already.
By MikeH
June 28, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
Mike A said, Would the other posters on here, work in our restaurants, build our roads, replace our roofs, and mow our lawns? I think not. Our society has became dependent on immigrants from Mexico.
Mike H says, This is a ludicrous argument. Americans will do whatever jobs need to be done. The problem comes in when the American says he’ll do it for $8/hr and the illegal says he’ll do it for $4/hr, since he doesn’t pay for taxes, health care, etc. The company (or person) says, “See, the American won’t do the work.” Next, watch the poor Chinese people come in and do the jobs that the Mexicans “won’t” do for $3/hr.
Our government is lax in enforcement of the laws that would force these things to work the way they should. Any company who hires illegals should be stripped of its assets and shut down. Any person who hires illegals for child care or lawn care should be put in jail. We can’t have it both ways.
By Carolyn James
June 28, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this
Everyone on this blog has broken laws and not gotten caught. Be honest. I am having difficult time understanding the cruelty and short sightedness of some of the posters on here.
Most of the post on here are from hypocrites. They eat in restaurants and cater to businesses that use illegal Hispanics.
The workers have taxes taken out and Social Security out of their paychecks that they will never see. So the burden on the tax system argument does not hold water.
This blog is another example of the shortage of education in East Texas and the inability to process a complex argument.
Christian Hypocrites, what a world we live in.
By dolores
June 28, 2009 9:17 AM | Link to this
GOD BLESS THEM, WISHING THEM WELL; GET THERE SITUATION FIXED.
By Johnny Mendez
June 28, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this
Matthew 7:2-5 declares “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
By James
June 28, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
He broke the law. He must take the consequences. I am tired of us (U.S. Citizens) paying for illegals. I would much rather pay for the government to round up all illegals and truck them back to Mexico. The operation would pay for itself in a matter of weeks, in saved tax dollars. It would send a strong message to those south of the border. Maybe if we (the U.S.) would take some strong actions this problem could be solved.
He broke the law. Go home!
By Mike A.
June 28, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
This is a very good story. I have complete compassion for the family. Having Mexico many times, I understand why they are here legally or illegally.
Would the other posters on here, work in our restaurants, build our roads, replace our roofs, and mow our lawns? I think not. Our society has became dependent on immigrants from Mexico.
I remember in History class where Texas was actually stolen from the Mexicans and the Indians. I will pray for this family to heal and i support the quest for them to be able to be a family again right here in Longview.
“He who has not sinned caste the first stone”
By Kyle
June 28, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this
He broke the law for 4 years being here illegally. We most likely paid for his child through Medicaid. And he wants our sympathy? He don’t have mine. As far as the American Wife of his, she harbored an illegal alien. She should have known this would happen one day. Go to Mexico with him. He was in the United States illegally, drove without a license, didn’t observe warning signs, and had a child that we paid for. Bye bye, hope you don’t come back. Like Major Payne says, you know where to find sympathy in the dictionary.
By Craig
June 28, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this
“Linda Bischoff said Americans have forgotten the engraving on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”
What a joke. We take more immigrants than anybody in the world. Linda, your pious, self righteous, self serving quote is disgusting.
And your notion of the complicated paperwork has “forced people seeking refuge to enter the United States illegally” only speaks your spoiled sense of entitlement and victim mindset.
By Denise
June 28, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this
I’m sick of the debate of ILLEGAL immigration being labeled as the immigration debate. It’s not a debate over immigration. It’s a debate over ILLEGAL immigration.
By ed
June 28, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
I am just boiling every time I pick this paper up and there is a feature story of an illegal immigrant looking for sympathy. If our government was doing it’s job, we wouldn’t be having this problem. The politicians have turned their heads for votes and now the majority of americans are stuck with a problem that is getting bigger.
Ortello and his family should be sent to Mexico. He has no business here. Now his wife and child will want government assistance. Do you see the problem? We can’t afford them. Ask California if they can. Parkland Hospital in Dallas is a Mexican baby factory being paid for by American citizens that can’t afford it. The education system is overrun with this problem and we are running to Mexico to find teachers to bring over here and get paid more than our sons and daughters.
I cannot afford to solve the worlds problems. But newspapers like the Longview News Journal want me to. This paper is way out of touch with the local community. This guy and his wife are living a life of lies with no regard to the child. How much have we already spent on him. Send him back home.
By William Adkinson
June 28, 2009 7:09 AM | Link to this
This nation has a right to control immigration into it. Just because someone wants to be in this country does not give them the right to be here.
This article is a primary example of my reasons to cancel my subscription to the LNJ. I won’t support an organization who proselytizes the rights of people to break the law. The LNJ is no longer a newspaper, it is an advocacy journal.
By Lisa
June 28, 2009 7:07 AM | Link to this
There is no way I’d let my husband leave without me. I’d go with him.
By Old Man
June 28, 2009 7:06 AM | Link to this
While I can sympathize with this family’s distress, I also say they’re wrong. Immigration is not a federal problem or a local one . It is, very simply, a LEGAL one. If an individual or family is in this country ILLEGALY, that is the end of the discussion. They have no right to protest or complain: They are already breaking the laws of this country!! All other arguments are nothing more than academic. And just for the record, my first wife was born in Durango, Mexico, and went through the process of learning English and becoming a citizen. She lives in El Paso now and she feels even more strongly than I do about illegal immigrants!
By sh
June 28, 2009 6:47 AM | Link to this
What isn’t said here is that most illegal immigrants are working under an assumed identity. They pay for a social security number and the name that goes along with it. They work until it reaches the reportable limit and then buy another. They can ruin someone else’s identity. If he had done things the right way in the first place, it wouldn’t take him so long to be a citizen. His mother in law is just trying to place the blame somewhere else instead of where it belongs. I bet we are paying for medical expenses for them too while we struggle to pay our own.
By Absolute
June 28, 2009 5:50 AM | Link to this
Since he is the bread winner, she and the baby should be required to go back with him. Both knew the laws before this situation.
By bodie
June 28, 2009 4:59 AM | Link to this
Excuse me for not feeling all warm and fuzzy over this story. There are lessons to be learned from the mess Shannon Bischoff got herself into though.
1. Do not associate with known criminals(illegals are criminals, by definition).
2. If you enter into sexual relationships with illegal aliens, be prepared for them to disappear at a moment’s notice, and not be around to support you or the child you both made.
3. Trying to get around the law on a technicality is not seen as legitimate to law abiding people. 4. Do not expect US citizens around you to feel sorry for the poor decisions you made. Now, get back to work to support the baby you made, just like other American women do every day who made poor choices for fathers.