Backlash in the heartland
Tougher enforcement turns up heat on illegal immigrants
Sunday, September 7, 2008 1:32 AM
By Jill Riepenhoff and Stephanie Czekalinski
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Maria, who lives here illegally, works double shifts at a restaurant, earning $3.50 an hour before taxes.
The young woman climbed into a van with a man she had paid $6,500 to take her out of El Salvador and smuggle her into the United States.
Destination? Columbus, where her brothers settled a few years ago to work.
Maria's journey began just after immigration reform imploded in Congress.
She crossed undetected in July 2007 and quickly learned that her new way of life is full of contradictions.
She and others working here illegally can pay into Social Security but can't collect benefits if they are disabled, retire or die.
They can collect workers' compensation benefits if they are injured on the job but can't legally work.
They can play the lottery but can't collect jackpots.
They can open a bank account but can't take out a home mortgage without valid identification.
They can buy a car and register it but can't have a driver's license.
"I knew it would be that way before I came," Maria said. "But one comes with the hope that she can find a way to enter the world of opportunities."
http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/09/07/divide_backlash.html?sid=101
