Posted on Wed, May 29, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Ann Arbor immigrant family waits anxiously as politicians debate reform
By Cindy Heflin
A Detroit Free Press article and video chronicles the story of the Ramirez family of Ann Arbor, who came to the U.S. from Mexico 13 years ago without legal permission.
Celestino Ramirez spoke of running from immigration agents as they tried to cross the border in 2000, while Aketzaly Ramirez-Lopez, 18, talked about her constant fear growing up that she would do something that would put them in danger.
The article also quotes Manny Lagunes, 16, of Ypsilanti, who crossed the border in 2006 with his mother and his then-6-year-old brother. It is the second of a two-part series on immigration issues written as politicians debate potential reforms, which the Ramirez family hopes will give them a chance to become legal residents of the nation.
Comments
BhavanaJagat
Thu, May 30, 2013 : 6:11 p.m.
WHOLE DUDE - WHOLE LEGAL: I really find it difficult to comprehend the political entitlement called immigrant status without comprehending the motto of this nation which reads: "IN GOD WE TRUST." I find it difficult for I cannot remove God from man. If God created this earth and man, there is no choice other than that of knowing God's plan for man. I may run from country to country, change my locations, hide from local authorities, and ultimately I may not be able to avoid being captured by God and face Him on the Day of Judgment. Man's actions are predestined, predetermined, and foreordained. We may create laws and define people as legal and illegal and yet there is no escape from mortality, a defining feature of human existence. Since there is no escape from the condition called mortal being, I am preparing for my legal status to enter God's Kingdom as a Permanent Resident. I do hope that the Congress will not encroach upon my Legal Status.
rooster
Thu, May 30, 2013 : 3:14 a.m.
This is shameful! Using the newspaper for political propaganda is bad style but condoning criminal activities is crossing a line.
Jay Thomas
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 11:39 p.m.
While I don't believe that foreigners who knowingly break the law will make the best citizens, it is perfectly clear that certain groups and the politicians that pander for their votes will not take "no" for an answer on this subject. Sadly, this will do nothing to stop illegal immigration. In fact it will be a "green light" and only encourage more migration, just like the amnesty of 3 million did back in the 80's (leading to 12-25 million depending on how you count). We will all be stuck with paying a huge bill for the 25% of these legalized people who will go onto government entitlement programs IMMEDIATELY upon it passing (which is what happened after the 80's amnesty). The budget deficit will go up $100 billion to pay for it.
Arborcomment
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
Hey, I thought the new Mlive term was to be "Undocumented Immigrant"? We seem to have lost something in the title... Again.
Davidian
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 8:48 p.m.
I galls me when people say that illegals only want jobs Americans want. Tell that to skilled tradesman, construction workers, landscapers, and those attending top Universities where they are recieiving in-state tuition. To learn that an illegal got into U-M when other Americans were denied is unreal and unacceptable.
Jay Thomas
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 11:45 p.m.
That is still relevant in Michigan. In the border states those jobs are now in the hands of such people and construction (which used to be a good job) has been reduced to a little over minimum wage.
Hunterjim
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 8:25 p.m.
Are they waiting for the news in Mexico, or remaining illegally in the U.S.?
Davidian
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 8:45 p.m.
They're here flaunting our laws and laughing in our faces.
deletedcomment
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 8:22 p.m.
From now on legal residents of the US should use this as their reason as to why they cannot be held accountable for any criminal action. If you get a speeding ticket tell the court you should not have to pay till the millions of illegals are removed or incarcerated. I've said this before; How can a group of people be allowed to skirt the law when others must toe to line? Example; If I download a movie its jail and a fine. Did I hurt anyone in this process? No, the only thing I hurt was the pocket book of the movie company yet it still earns me jail time and a large fine. Illegals coming to the US and gaining employment are also taking money out of the pockets of others yet this is tolerated. Please someone explain how this makes sense?
Usual Suspect
Thu, May 30, 2013 : 1:45 a.m.
Because Democrats know they are future Democrat voters, and because RINOs have somehow convinced themselves that if they give them citizenship they could be Republican voters.
djm12652
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 7:52 p.m.
If you aren't breaking the law, there is no need to fear doing something to get you deported...oh wait...being here illegally is breaking the law!
Davidian
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 7:16 p.m.
Of course I'm reporting them to ICE. Of course we have an activist president that is above the law and has ordered ICE not to enforce the deportation of illegal immigrants. At least I'm doing my part.
Marcia Feingold
Thu, May 30, 2013 : 2:58 p.m.
Under Obama's administration, almost half a million undocumented aliens have been deported -- far more than in any previous administrations. What are you complaining about?
cinnabar7071
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 7 p.m.
Send these criminals home!
Dog Guy
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 6:56 p.m.
Aketzlay and Citlalxochilt ? Not the way to keep a low profile in the USA ! My family name dropped three syllables when we immigrated and we were practicing "Which way went the winged whippoorwill" while Henry Kissinger was developing his Germanish accent. We aspired to be Americans, the world's heroes, not just to have papers.
Jay Thomas
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 11:54 p.m.
These are people who drag little kids with them over the hot desert. I think their surname is the least of their concern and in any just world they would be arrested for child abuse. Instead they are lionized as heroes by a media gone mad on tolerance and diversity.
Usual Suspect
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 6:51 p.m.
"Celestino Ramirez spoke of running from immigration agents as they tried to cross the border in 2000." The fact that illegals (oh, excuse me, MLive and AnnArbor.com, I meant, "unauthorized") can flaunt their criminal actions in public shows the massive size of this problem.
Top Cat
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 6:46 p.m.
Politicians will debate "reform", "amnesty" or whatever you choose to call it. Nothing will pass this year, next year or in 2016. People like this should make other plans.
bruceae
Wed, May 29, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
Wow, another new way to spin this. They're here "without legal permission" lol Call them exacty what they are, ILLEGALS