Cover, Sept. 24: “Ticket to Nowhere”
Beyond Knee-Jerking
To those who comment in anger and that immigrants in this story are doing things illegally, I wonder if you even read the piece. People who are getting scammed are making applications because they have a way to access a green card or work permission under US law that is completely legal and encouraged by US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Professionally, as an immigration attorney, I can tell you that there are a multitude of ways that people arrive in this country and gain permission to stay here or to work here. Yes, some of these processes forgive immigration violations because our government, on a case-by-case basis, will recognize that the benefit of staying here for that person outweighs the punishment of deportation. These are legal programs and legal processes, and when immigrants discover that they might qualify, they are encouraged to do so by our government and do not need your blessing.
So if you are going to argue for the rule of law, please do understand that the people in this story and my clients are going through a completely legal process, so that they can stay here lawfully, pay taxes, work lawfully and contribute the same way citizens do. And they deserve competent legal help while trying.
Allegra Love
SFReporter.com
Correction
Santa Fe Public Schools is engaging immigrant students on deferred action and access to higher education. A story in last week's edition named the wrong city organization.
Letters, Sept. 24: “Loose Caboose”
People Too
I've lived in the Railyard District, on Ninita Street, for 15 years and am offended by Lena G's suggestion that the homeless shelter (St. Elizabeth) on Alarid be relocated. This disadvantaged population deserves to be here as much as anyone else. Kicking it to the outskirts of town might save one the discomfort of acknowledging that homelessness and addiction exist, but it would only make it harder for them to get the services they need. This is an urban environment of social and economic complexity, not a Disneyland to be scrubbed clean for one's convenience. Perhaps Lena should consider relocating instead.
Sarah Coleman-Craig
SFReporter.com
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