Daughter of illegal immigrants struggles against the odds to graduate from Huron High School
Pastor Melanie Carey stands outside her home with Jasmine Franco before prom.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Jasmine Franco’s graduation from Huron High School this month marked the end of one long struggle against the odds - and the beginning of another.


The American-born daughter of illegal immigrants, she had a fairly normal working-class family until a year and a half ago, when everything changed. Her mother was deported to the family’s native Guatemala, and her father, under the watch of immigration agents, also left the country.
Jasmine, who is an American citizen, chose to stay here alone to continue her education.
Going to Guatemala with her parents would have been the easy way in the short-term; in fact, there were many easy paths that Jasmine chose not to take.
Through months marked by clinical depression, near-eviction, hunger and loneliness, she stayed focused on her goal: to graduate so she can go to college, get a good job, and someday fight to bring her family back to the United States.
Jasmine’s situation isn’t unique; several thousand alien parents of U.S. citizen children are deported every year, according to Department of Homeland Security statistics.
What sets her story apart is the lengths she went to to get her high school diploma — and the community that rallied to help her.
A familiar immigrant story
Jasmine’s parents, Gloria Sanchez and Hector Franco, came to the United States 19 years ago from Zacapa, Guatemala, because they were struggling to feed their family.


They left their 1-year-old son -- Jasmine’s older brother, Albin -- with his grandmother, borrowed some money, and crossed the border into Texas from Mexico with the aid of a human trafficker. They initially settled in Chicago, where Jasmine was born, before moving to Ypsilanti a few years later.
They worked in a restaurant by day and cleaned office buildings at night. They also delivered newspapers on the weekends.


When Jasmine was 4, and again when she was 8, she and her mother and younger sister, Jennifer, went to Zacapa and stayed for two years at a time, while her father kept working here in Ypsilanti.
They returned, along with Albin, for the last time when Jasmine was ready to begin sixth-grade.


“I can see the difference between me and someone who went to school here all the time,” Jasmine said of her academic performance. She earned mostly B’s and C’s at Scarlett Middle School and her first two years at Huron.


Jasmine said her mom had her own business cleaning houses during the day, and worked as a supervisor at an office cleaning company in Plymouth at night. Her father worked in landscaping. They were active in their kids’ schools, attending parent-teacher conferences and school events.


That all ended one afternoon in November 2008, when immigration agents entered the family’s trailer and asked for Gloria Sanchez.


“She ran to get my papers and my sister’s papers,” Jasmine said. “She was crying and saying, ‘Please, please leave me here with my daughters.”


Jasmine said her mother was on a watch list because she had been caught the first time she tried to cross the border, in 1990. 

The agents took Gloria from the home, but not before jotting down Hector’s name.
Gloria was held at a detention facility in Battle Creek.


Jasmine, her sister and father stayed with friends for a couple of weeks, but Jasmine said they couldn’t impose for long because the family had their own money troubles. So she and her sister returned to the trailer.


Immigration agents came back repeatedly, looking for her father and her brother. Jasmine was now the woman of the house -- taking care of her sister, looking out for her father and brother, working at the same cleaning company her mother had worked for, and going to school. She was also being treated, via Medicaid, for a bout of clinical depression that had landed her in the hospital shortly before all of this happened.
On Jan. 20, 2009 - Jasmine’s 17th birthday - her mother was deported. Her father voluntarily left for Zacapa a couple of weeks later, taking Jennifer, who is an American citizen like Jasmine, with him.
Agents finally caught up with Albin, and he is currently at a detention facility in Monroe.


When asked for a comment on the family’s situation, U.S. Immigration & Customs spokesman Khaalid Walls sent the following statement via email: “ICE is sensitive to the fact that encountering those who violate our immigration laws may impact families. However, ICE is mandated by law to enforce orders issued by immigration judges. For parents who are ordered removed, it is their decision whether or not to relocate their children with them.”
Walls said privacy rules prohibit him from disclosing the reason Gloria came to the attention of authorities.
Before he left, Hector visited Jasmine’s high school counselor and her English as a Second Language teacher and asked them to look out for his daughter.


When they were gone, the enormity of what had happened set in.
“I had told my dad, ‘You know I’m smart and can support myself,’” Jasmine said. “But once they were gone, I thought, ‘What have I done? How am I going to do this?’”


A community of mothers


Jasmine took over her mother’s office cleaning job, working from 5-11 p.m. weekdays for minimum wage. She barely had enough money to pay the mortgage, electricity and other bills, much less groceries. She received free breakfast and lunch at school, but says she usually didn’t eat dinner, and on the weekends sometimes only drank water.
She did her homework during breaks at work, or after work if she could stay awake. Her grades slid into the D range.
Her counselor at Huron High School, Stephannie Ruzicka, contacted the Education Project for Homeless Youth at the Washtenaw County Intermediate School District. Program manager Peri Stone-Palmquist arranged for Jasmine to receive school supplies and bus tokens, and put her in contact with the Rev. Melanie Carey, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Ypsilanti, which is known for its outreach in the local Latino population.
Jasmine Franco stands outside of Pastor Melanie Carey's home before leaving for dinner and then high school prom.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Stone-Palmquist said Jasmine's living situation was highly unusual compared to other homeless students she works with, most of whom have parents or guardians nearby.
“Obviously a student living by themselves in a trailer is not a stable condition, so we were concerned,” Stone-Palmquist said.


Carey asked Jasmine what she needed most, and Jasmine told her about her weekends without food. In short order, a group of parents at the church set up a weekly rotation to provide groceries.


Jasmine began attending the church, and when she was laid off from her job at the cleaning company, a church member helped her land a summer clerical job at the Highland Cemetery.


One day, Jasmine told Carey she really missed being part of a family.
Carey talked with her husband, Jon, and children Nick, 14 and Grace, 12, about taking Jasmine in for her senior year. They had been considering hosting an exchange student.
“We talked about it, and prayed about it, and decided maybe Jasmine was the ‘exchange student’ we were meant to have,” Carey said.


Now living in a stable home, Jasmine was able to work just 10 hours a week, first teaching English as a second language at FUMC, then as a community organizer at the Washtenaw County Worker Center.


Ruzicka said Jasmine “blossomed” once she could focus on being at school, earning mostly A’s and B’s. She also earned a respectable C in the difficult Health Sciences program, in which students work side-by-side with doctors and nurses in a clinical setting.


“One of the doctors who works with the students told me, ‘Very seldom have I had a student come through the program who makes such a difference with the patients she works with,’” Ruzicka said. “She also helped the kids in our ESL program. She's a role model. She pretty much caught the hearts of everyone here at school.”
Of Ruzicka, Jasmine said, “She’s one of my many mothers.”


This summer Jasmine is working full-time at the Washtenaw County Worker Center, and in the fall she plans to move in with a local retired couple and start attending Washtenaw Community College. She says she wants to become a nurse practitioner.
She has received three scholarships, through the Tuition Incentive Program, the Barker Scholarship Fund, and the American Association of University Women, to pay for her first two years of school.
Stone-Palmquist called Jasmine a success story.


“We try to build a support network for the students we work with," Stone-Palmquist said. "It's really been amazing to watch what that church has done to help her."


Back in poverty


(From left) Jennifer, Gloria, Hector and Jasmine in Guatemala, December 2009
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Franco
“They were used to this kind of life, the stability. We were starting to get out of the hole here,” Jasmine said. “It was sad. I felt very bad leaving them behind. My little sister misses me, but I can’t support her here.”


She wants to bring her sister back as soon as possible.
“She’s having trouble in school because she doesn’t write or read Spanish,” Jasmine said.
And she hopes someday she’ll be in a position to bring her parents back, too. American children cannot petition for their parents to become legal U.S. residents until they are at least 21.


She said her parents are proud of her for graduating from high school. She is the first in all of her extended family to do so.


“It would have been so easy to just drop out of school and work. I could have supported myself better,” Jasmine said. “But I didn’t want to stay in poverty.”
Jen Eyer is on the community team at AnnArbor.com. You may reach her at jeneyer@annarbor.com.
Comments
Jasmine Franco
Thu, Jun 24, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.
Hi everyone, I just want to say thank you to the people that have written good comments on my story. Thank you for your support. It has been a great experience sharing my story. I know it has attracted many bad comments but what i told myself when i read these comments was. They are just some jealous people who don't have any feelings and I respect their opinion it doesn't mean that I agree with it though. Your comments are not going to kill me they are just making me stronger and have made me realize that I want to do more things with the community instead of judging people. I do have something do with my life I am going to school and working. I don't judge people before knowing them and all of you that judged me don't even know me or my family. But that's okay thank you for the strength you have given me. Again Thank you to all of you that have supported me all the way with your wonderful comments. Sincerely, Jasmine Franco
Marie
Thu, Jun 17, 2010 : 6:02 a.m.
Congratulations Jasmine! I am so impressed by your hard work and courage. You are an inspiring young woman and I wish you all the best in your future. Que Dios te bendiga!
Speechless
Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 10:34 p.m.
Was going to comment sooner. However, after reading through the first 65 comments or so, I felt an urgent need to go shower. My face and chest were sticky with residue from all the comment spittle steadily spraying out from the LCD monitor as various haters held forth. In context of our academic town, it seems some people have spent years majoring in Angry Studies. Quite sad to read so much mean spirited stuff, especially following a very uplifting piece like this one. It does feel at times like we're living in Borat country. One imagines Sacha Baron Cohen's satirical, prejudiced alter ego coming to town and allying himself with some of our more venomous commenters here. After gathering together at a local nightclub, he'd lead them in a rousing sing-a-long rendition of "Throw the Illegal Down the Well." I'm grateful to those of you who spoke up early on to counter the slew of spiteful replies to this fine article. With the determination, endurance and good nature shown by Jasmine and her family, the natural response to their story is to wish them future success and hope they one day reunite on their own terms, with no more fear of visits by ICE agents. At this point, she has become more recognizably American than many of her detractors.
Adrienne
Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.
Godspeed, Jasmine. Shine on!!
roadsidedinerlover
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 11:57 p.m.
Good luck to you Jasmine and don't let the hatemongers here get you down or keep you from your goals.I support you as a American born in Guatemala from a Guatemalan father. He came here for a better life for his children and he became a citizen. Please read this article about a young woman who was in the same position as you in Florida. She was homeless but she stuck to her goals and will be graduating and going to college! http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Homeless-Teen-To-Attend-College-for-Free-96182914.html?yhp=1 Sea una mujer guatemalteca orgullosa y mantenga su cabeza alta! Con amor y la admiracin de una mujer guatemalteca! Chapina Numero uno!!
Jay Thomas
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 5:11 p.m.
Good to see a teacher praising their student. I would expect nothing less. Teachers are supporters of their students... they just don't have to foot the bill for them. The Los Angeles school system has been bankrupted by illegal aliens... but boy do they love their students! Even let 'em out of school to go protest in the middle of the school day. Ellis island was a stop for LEGAL immigrants. I see that the words on the statue of liberty are being taken out of context and misapplied to include illegal aliens for the purposes of this discussion.
Trepang674
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 11:16 a.m.
Congrats on Graduating...now get to work...:-) Actually will be hard to find a job as a HS graduate..entry level jobs are taken up by the illegals - they certainly put a downward pressure on entry level wages. Let's find out who hired them and prosecute.
tracyann
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 11 a.m.
I'm very glad this girl did so well and I'm sure it was very hard for her to choose to stay here while the rest of her family was sent back. But I wonder if they are currently taking steps to become citizens. Apparently, they worked hard to be able to stay here undocumented for as long as they did, so couldn't they channel that energy into making it official? I also don't understand why some are confused as to why people are upset about the legality, or illegality as it were, of it all. Yes, we are a nation of immigrants, but there is a difference between being an immigrant and being an illegal immigrant. There are now laws regarding immigration that weren't around many, many years ago. If these laws aren't followed and you're caught then there are consequences. Hell, maybe we should throw our collective hands up and say, "Whatever" and have an open door policy. Why not? That's the way it's becoming anyway. People still come over anyway they choose even though they know there is a law telling them how it should be done. Let's do that and see how that works out.
Bridget Bly
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 9:58 a.m.
Jasmine, I'd like to second what Leann said about trying not to take things you will read here personally. I am so sorry that you will be hurt by some of these comments. You should know that none of us would be able to tell our life story on a forum like this without drawing a similar degree of vitriol, none of us. It's the nature of the beast, and it does not reflect anything about you beyond your courage in putting yourself out there. Reading about your experience has added to this community's understanding of immigration, putting a local face and details around the abstract issues. You have contributed to this crazy-quilt called democracy! On a personal level, I have appreciated very much hearing your story. You will always have people standing behind you and cheering your successes. Best wishes to you as you move into the future.
HaeJee
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 9 a.m.
Craig, thanks for adding this quote. "We the people" "Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" I was just thinking last night after reading this article and comments from people: that the individuals that say such mean hateful things about a child and her parents must be descendents of people that saw these words on the statue of liberty. I guess when you have a marketing slogan like this one, you get the good with the bad lineage.
HaeJee
Tue, Jun 15, 2010 : 8:51 a.m.
Jasmine, don't take personal what the negative comments people have made. Often times, their anger is misdirected. They believe that their citizenship is more valid because their parents were born here. As if that can be measurable, but a pretty funny argument. They are insensitive because they have never had to walk in your shoes and just plain ignorance. Many people that have such narrow perspective have never done very much in life, which limits their views. I think what your parents did must have took a lot of courage. As a parent, you are willing to put aside fear to try to provide a better life for your family. You will always have people that will try to keep you down, so they can feel superior. You should take pride of your accomplishments and look forward to your bright future. Remember that education is freedom.
Quinn Strassel
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 9:28 p.m.
Its sad to see an article about one of the brightest, kindest, most humble students Ive ever had the privilege to teach turn into opportunity for angry people to say really hateful things to each other. Allow me to offer a different perspective on this story. As her English teacher this past year, I have had an opportunity to get to know Jasmine on a personal level and watch her grow and flourish as a writer. From the beginning, she established herself as one of my hardest workers and most creative voices. Never satisfied with a first or second draft, Jasmine constantly strove for perfection, even staying after school to get extra feedback. Within a few months, Jasmines work was so strong that I often asked her to peer-edit the work of her fellow classmates. Its worth pointing out that Jasmines classmates love and admire her. Ive been amazed at how easily she brings students of all backgrounds together. Students see her as a leader and are drawn to her sense of humor and strong work ethic. With the help of 826 Michigan (who conducted a year-long residency in my classroom) one of Jasmines pieces has been selected to be published in a nationally distributed book. I have a feeling this is just the first in many instances well have the opportunity to read a published work by Jasmine Franco. Jasmine is more than just a legal citizen. She is a model citizen. She volunteers at her church, works multiple jobs, teaches free ESL lessons on the side, treats her teachers and peers with respect, and shrugs off even the slightest praise. She is braver than anyone I know. She was enough to share her story with the local newspaper rather than hide in shame, and certainly braver than those who hide behind pseudonyms while writing hate-filled comments on Internet message boards. Jasmine is the kind of person who makes the people around her better. She made Huron a better place to be and will do the same thing at WCC and any other place she chooses to go. I am proud to have known her and look forward to hearing about all the great things shell do in the world beyond high school.
David Briegel
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 7 p.m.
Bridget, David, Leann and so many others, What you won't find here is a demand that the criminals who break our sacred laws by hiring illegals be imprisoned as the law requires. For one simple reason. They are upper class white people (for the most part) and are immune from the selective enforcement of most of the laws that are used against poor and minorities. Social InJustice! So many ask about the taxes paid or not paid with not a word of the non-payment of any tax by so many corporations and billioneires and multi millionaires. Just keep the poor in their place! The reason they come here is to work. If there were no jobs thay would not be here. All this in a supposedly "Christian" nation. My minister taught me that I should do unto others before they do unto me!! He who has the gold rules!
Bridget Bly
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 2:35 p.m.
The people in the story whose values I most admire are Rev. Melanie Carey and her family. They (and the other people and organizations involved) saw a child in need and answered that need. Those actions speak so much louder than all the shrill voices of discontent. Now *that* makes me proud to be an American.
David Frye
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 11:21 a.m.
It is inspiring to read the story of this smart, hard-working young woman who has overcome the odds to triumph. And a bit depressing to read comments full of irrational fear, ignorance, and hatred. There's no question that Jasmine is the real American here.
HaeJee
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.
Reading peoples negative comments about what their definition and opinion on who should be legal or not is embarrassing. I am embarrassed for you. You are no better than southerners prior to the civil war. When you say such things, it makes you sound like you have this divine right. I was not born in the country, but adopted when I was 4 years old. Every day of my life since I was brought into this country, I have had to stand against ignorant people like you to defend why I am an American. While answering stupid questions, like how did you get here and hear comments from people like you, I dont believe anyone is a true American unless they have many generations here. Everyones definition is different, but the ones that say such hurtful things come from the ignorant population. This country was founded by illegal immigrants and marketed to impoverished immigrants. This comes with good and bad. The good: People who want to work hard like this young women to take advantage of the opportunities like our founding fathers envisioned The bad: People who sit in judgment and claim their divine rights through a cowardly manner Versus, being happy for a child who is working to be part of OUR society and wanting to give back, unlike many people who are just born here.
rusty shackelford
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 9:13 a.m.
Several points here: 1.Several commenters are using this thread solely to spread baseless innuendo and other insulting remarks about the subjects family. Why annarbor.com allows this, I never understand. They always allow people to go on and on personally insulting immigrants when they wouldnt be allowed to do so for other members of the community. 2.I never understand the argument that simply says Illegal immigration is illegal. Period. (I never get why these people always write out the word period as if it makes their argument stronger, either.) Yes, illegal immigration is illegal, but you know what, so is stealing cable, or forgetting to use your turn signal. As a society we decide which laws we give the priority to enforce. Nobody thinks we should send SWAT teams in to arrest Joe Schmoe for stealing HBO from his neighbor. Why its a good use of money to tear apart an established family that works harder than anyone commenting on this board is beyond me. Just because its illegal. Period. Doesnt mean its good for society to enforce that law. Its a waste of tax money, bad for the local economy, and cruel. Anyone who argues that the law is the law, better have a big smile on their face when they pay that $60 ticket for having a brake light out. 3.Its an amazing display of white privilege all those who carp that my ancestors came here legally. Im sure all of you have all of your ancestors papers, duly notarized and signed by the president himself. Immigration was hardly even regulated at all before the 20th century, so Im not sure how one even makes the argument about legal vs. illegal in many cases. I dont mean to imply that anti-immigrant people are all racist in an overt sense, but its just the wrong assumption that all of YOUR family must have been here legitimately while the poor people from Latin American dont have a claim to live here. 4.This brings me to the final point, immigrants, especially from Latin America, have a moral claim to immigrate here. The United States has been robbing and ruining the economies of those countries for our own benefit for at least 150 years. We have been taking wealth out of their countries and putting it in our own coffers. This trend was reinvigorated with NAFTA and other free trade treaties that the US has been pushing upon other countries since the 1990s. This continues to ruin the local economies for all but the wealthiest in those countries at the same time it undermines our own working class. Given our actions as a country, the worst off in the countries weve been exploiting have a moral right to seek a better life here. Congratulations to Jasmine, and I hope things continue to go well for you! Always keep in mind that the people who rant against you and your family are just old cranks in the minority opinion. They just have nothing else to do and for some reason are REALLY into enforcing rules that dont apply to them.
CONCERNED CITIZEN
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 8:51 a.m.
The idea that any child born here, becomes an automatic citizen, should be repealed. Only those children born to LEGAL parents, should be citizens. Arizona is doing the right thing....lets take care of all of our LEGAL citizens. When all LEGAL citizens have a good life, can find work etc... we can start taking care of people that are here illegally. If President Obama would stop giving FREEBIES...forever and ever...unemployment extensions forever! Maybe our lower paid citizens would get out and do these jobs that the illegals are doing....we make it too easy for our LEGAL citizens to sit around and collect from us...rather than doing the jobs that illegals are doing! And yes we, the tax payers have paid for her education and will continue to at WCC!
pbehjatnia
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 6:31 a.m.
illegal is illegal. the law is what it is and not what we may sometimes wish it to be. please, as an american of native american descent, leave native americans out of your discussion. there is no connection.
greymom
Mon, Jun 14, 2010 : 5:15 a.m.
This is a story of courage and strength of a young lady that made it in a difficult world and sad to say all people can talk about is the parents! People have a heart!!!
John Q
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:58 p.m.
Does this mean that everyone who thinks this girl isn't a US citizen and should be sent to Guatemala also agree that all of the Cubans who came here illegally over the past 50 years but were granted US citizenship should also be shipped back to Cuba? Or is the grand double-standard still at work among the anti-illegals crowd?
hattrix
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:02 p.m.
Congratulations on your graduation, Jasmine! Good luck to you at WCC. I hope you do well and get your next degree! I admire your hard work and commitment to your family and education.
amber dru
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:46 p.m.
Another illegal alien sob story, could have been written by La Raza. As the wife of a legal immigrant I find it offensive that her parents can come back after breaking the law. Crime pays. What is the unemployment rate in Michigan? Certainly interior enforcement would free up some jobs.
Paul
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:11 p.m.
The immigration agents did the correct thing in deporting Jasmine's parents. Perhaps next month the Ann Arbor News can publish another story where an entire illegal immigrant family was deported back to Latin America to a joyful reunion with their extended family.
Liz
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:08 p.m.
@nowayjose-- READ where it says that she paid the mortgage... This assumes that she, along with her parents, had paid property taxes the whole time they lived in the states. THEY also paid for her education, didn't they?
Stonequist
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:07 p.m.
@EyeheartA2 re school of choice. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, students who lack a fixed, adequate and regular night-time residence have the right to remain in their school of origin until the end of the school year, even if they become permanently housed. Highly-mobile students who change schools fall behind several months with each school change.
jns131
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:09 p.m.
What every one is missing here is the fact that we came thru the island of Ellis. Aka Ellis Island. My husband made mention he heard on one of those cable news shows is the fact that that in our constitution? If you are illegal? So are your children. This legal children thing came up after the Civil War. I think we need to re examine whether or not children of illegals are really legals here in America. I am all for the AZ law. Come to America, go thru the legal process and become an American. If they pay those traffickers the money to get here? Why use that money to try to come legal like. Great for the girl who graduated. Glad to hear ICE is still doing its job.
YpsiLivin
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 5:18 p.m.
The key to successful control of illegal immigration is to attack the "demand" side of the problem. Any business found employing illegal aliens should be fined a sum equal to the cost of ICE enforcement and deportation on the first offense. Subsequent offenses should include the cost of enforcement and deportation as well as a $50,000 fine per incident. When hiring illegal aliens becomes a major liability for US businesses, and when businesses here are held financially accountable for the real cost of the "shadow economy" they've created by employing illegal immigrants and encouraging them to stay, the flow of illegal non-citizens will stop.
Alan Benard
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 5:17 p.m.
@ Michael Carlin, who wrote:Anyone who comments that she is "illegal" in any way does not understand that the U.S. Constitution confers citizenship on every person born on American soil.The self-serving lie those who deny this interpretation tell is that undocumented aliens are not under the jurisdiction of the US. This opinion is perverse and wrong.
Sarcastic1
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 4:39 p.m.
A great story about two people who broke the law by entering this country, then had a kid or two that we all supported through our taxes.
Stephen Landes
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 4:15 p.m.
We're all immigrants unless Native American? "Native Americans" are immigrants, too -- they just happen to have been here for a very (very) long time. By the way, they are, by definition of the time in which they arrived, legal immigrants as are most of us.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 3:54 p.m.
@Tru2Blu76 wrote "the U.S. government sanctioned (at the behest of white Americans) campaigns of eradication and relocation against Native Americans." While true, it really isn't the entire picture. The role of the U.S. government was minor compared to what happened in the years before the U.S. Declaration of Independence. When Columbus first encountered Native Americans, the population in North and South American was something north of 100 million. After the invasion and destruction of Mexico in the early 1500s, European diseases not known among the Native American population decimated the Native population (e.g. smallpox & bubonic plague), helped along by maliciously giving disease infested blankets as presents to natives. For example, the population of Mexico dropped from 50 million to 2 million. The destruction of Native American civilization began long before the spread of the Atlantic colonies let alone the formation of the United States and it was into a vacuum of low population and rich land that the Europeans advanced and that made it easy for the them to expand. Also, the Native Americans were outgunned by superior European military technology. As to why Guatemala was in such rough economic shape in 1990 that the lady's parents fled and took the risk of coming to the U.S. illegally, perhaps you'd want to read up on Wikipedia regarding "Guatemala", "United Fruit Company", "General Efran Ros Montt", "URNG", "Cold War", "Contras", "President Reagan", "FMLN", "Cuba" and "Commission for Historical Clarification". The article (though a good human interest story) doesn't give any historical context for the history of Guatemala and the U.S. role there. Sure, under the 14th Amendment to our Constitution, the young lady (who from her picture looks Mayan (Native American)) is a citizen of the U.S. Her parents are not U.S. citizens or legally resident here and were tossed out of the U.S. because they didn't follow the rules and got caught. That is the risk you take if you choose to become an outlaw. It's all very complex and our history is messier than most people realize.
Sherri Obren
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
@Sh1 Here is some proof that you ask for it was date June 4 2010 http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700037786/Woman-stole-infants-social-security-number-police-say.html And this one is dated April 27,2010 http://prescottdailycourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1086&ArticleID=80661 And this one is dated Feb. 12 2010 http://www.borderfirereport.net/latest/deputy-s-identity-stolen-by-illegal-alien.php And I agree with the, "Sheriff Reiterates Fact That Illegal Immigration is Not a Victimless Crime"
Sherri Obren
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 2:58 p.m.
There is only one point, I was trying to make early, And that was the law was broken by her parents period! And to to say they were causing no problems and working hard here is a moot point, that fact is they broke the LAW and that is what I live by. And I am not hating them or racist against anybody, And I am tired of hearing to it takes to much time, etc. to become a citizen. Or that since we stole it from native American we need to leave, well my ancestry did not sign the Cherokee rolls because they did not trust the white men,So I am not a part of their nation either and do not qualify for help from them either, so please stop using that old excuse it does not fly with me. So I well repeat myself that Law is the Law.
Basic Bob
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 2:50 p.m.
@EyeheartA2, It may be a surprise to you that some people within the Ann Arbor Public Schools boundary actually identify with Ypsilanti. A large number of children who attend Huron High School and Scarlett Middle School live in Pittsfield Township and have Ypsilanti mailing addresses. A recent post on annarbor.com indicated that everything past Platt Road is Ypsilanti. This is not a schools of choice issue, as much as an identification issue. I'm very happy for Jasmine. Not every American teenager reads and writes English and has a high school diploma, and is able to take care of herself. It's not a problem for me if she wants to stay here, even though her family can't.
Marshall Applewhite
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 2:22 p.m.
Didn't you know? It doesn't require actual citizenship to reach the top in America anymore!
Michael Carlin
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 2:01 p.m.
Regarding Jasmine Franco, the young lady featured in the story, she is a U.S. citizen by birth. Anyone who comments that she is "illegal" in any way does not understand that the U.S. Constitution confers citizenship on every person born on American soil. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, begins: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Many, if not most, of us have benefited from this provision of U.S. law, either personally or from our forebears. Let's face facts, folks, we are a nation of immigrants. If you don't like this aspect of the Constitution, then work to change it through a constitutional amendment. And good luck with that. Regarding Jasmine's parents, who entered the United States without permission approximately 19 years ago, they may or may not have been eligible to become lawful permanent residents (and thereafter citizens), depending on several factors of their immigration history and the immigration status of relatives. Unlike in earlier eras of U.S. history, it is often not so easy to just become a lawful permanent resident, even after residing in the U.S. for many years. It is quite possible, and perhaps likely, that Jasmine's parents were not eligible to become permanent residents. I express no opinion one way or another on the choices that Jasmine's parents made in coming to the United States without permission. But I think that complaining about the fact that Jasmine is a U.S. citizen, or somehow claiming that she is not, is a breathtaking expression of ignorance of U.S. history and laws.
BTPud
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 1:52 p.m.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/immigrant To all those who say we're all immigrants: Check out the definition of the word. Yes, my *ancestors* were immigrants, but I was born to US citizens, on US soil....I'm not an immigrant, and most of those I know are not immigrants.
John Galt
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 1:35 p.m.
Can't blame the girl for the crime her parents committed. Good for her trying to better herself. But I'm so sick and tired of illegal immigrants in this country. (And no, I'm not a racist. Just don't like criminal behavior. Most of us were immigrants at one time---the difference was we came here legally) We need to crack down. Perhaps we can solve three problems by withdrawing the troops from Iraq and Afganistan and redeploy them on our border. Prosecute employers of illegals and stop making the taxpayers foot the bill for education and healthcare of illegals. I know several professionals that are trying to legally obtain citizenship. They have to go through all kinds of red tape, despite the fact that they are well educated, have skills and speak the language. These are the immigrants that we should be encouraging.
Me Next
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:57 p.m.
I've read enough. It is a fallacy that just because a foreign male mates with a foreign female & she gives birth in the boundaries of the USA (& most if not all other sovereign nations)that satisfies US Constitutional Law to give American Citizenship to a life under the jurisdiction of a foreign country by Nature's Law. That is blunt, but it is Fact. Foreign parents & their posterity are under the are under the same jurisdiction - in this case Guatemala. I believe the legal "Naturalization Process" is open to citizens of Guatemala. Show me where in the US Constitution anyone has the Duty to kidnap foreign citizen's children. SHOW ME. What Lawful Duty grants Authority or Power to kidnap foreign children? Doesn't matter that one or both foreign parents give their OK - now does it? "easy way"? What about the honorable way, the respectful of sovereignty of nation & State way, The Real Lawful Way? "fight to bring her family back" implies her family (& she herself) would have to "fight" to do what millions of foreigners do everyday in obedience to Sovereign Law. It's called signing up & completing the only Duty with authority & Power granted to Congress - 'establish naturalization process' from areas of productivity that CAN NOT find Legal Workers to fill. It is a tragedy that Timed & limited Occupiers in Trust Positions have kidnapped foreign children while real "natural born" children & adults go hungry, sleep in their cars,& are unemployed. "the community that rallied" To contribute to the delinquency of a foreign juvenile, violate US Const. Law & US Immigration Laws (that doesn't violate Const. Law) ICE "...whether or not to relocate their children with them." ICE is bound by Unlawful Rules & Regulations. ICE is not Const. Law Makers. ICE just witnessed to me that a Constitutional Law has been evaded by an unlawful Statutory Law that kidnaps foreign children for the sole purpose that the child was born in Our Land & that this unlawful law (or there's an unlawful Enforcement Rule/Regulation) that ties ICE hands from NOT being complicit in the "human trafficking" of foreign citizens CRIME of unlawfully entering a foreign nation - even if the parent or parents being foreign & having committed crimes in Our nation says it's OK. Foreign citizens & their posterity are under the jurisdiction of their country & in Immigration Process, have to surrender that foreign jurisdiction to complete USA "naturalization process" citizenship. NOT deporting "the family" for unlawful entry & unlawful profiting at the expense of lawful citizens is not just a crime against any sovereign nation, it is a crime against "natural born" & "naturalized" American citizens. "who is an American citizen like ___" does not pass Constitutional mustered. What this says is unlawful entry crime has been made a FOREIGN Decision. Above Inherited & Legal voluntary enjoyment of the blessings of America. My advise to the Foreigner, go home to your family & your country & use your stolen education to make life better for Guatemalans. Do that & I would rally to get your dad out of detention & returned to all your families' country - Guatemala. Word of Wise Advise - Obey the Law, get in line & apply to be an American like all foreigners have to do - get new friends that respect Rule of Law - that is if you want to surrender your Guatemalan Inheritance.
WSC
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.
@Nick Danger. Another program to recognize is the EPHY program housed at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District main campus. I know the folks at the Education Project for Homeless Youth, and they are selfless in their pursuit in helping kids in great need. They can always use items that can be passed on to kids. Bus passes, school supplies, even winter coats and clothing, if needed. Call them at (734)994-8100, or visit their website at http://www.wash.k12.mi.us/students/ephy.cfm for further information on their needs, if anyone is interested in donating. They are a worthwhile organization, one that few hear about. They deserve kudos, too.
Heardoc
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.
This child is an illegal as well. She is taking resources that are meant for tyhe citizens of the United States. In essence-- it is stealing. Look at what Mexico would do to an illegal person in that country. We are much more humane -- but she should not be graduating, her parents are taking jobs from a citizen and all the liberal here should use their own money -- not mine or anyone else's money -- but their own if they feel this is ok. A crime is a crime -- period. They blogs are very upside down here -- such rubbish.
nancy
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:45 p.m.
I too am a daughter of Immigrants and I cant say enough of how proud and happy to see that even when life hits you hard you learn to survive. Please do not let haters of life get you down. You are an inspiration of what being an American is no matter who your parents are or where they come from. As for people saying they pay for your schooling by their taxes well that makes me laugh since lately it has gone to bank bail outs. We all pay taxes and even if your parents were illigals they to pay taxes when they purchased anything in a store or taxes for property. So continue your life to the fullest and I hope to hear in the future you made your dreams come true. As a tax paying citizen of the U.S. Im glad to hear my taxes if any is toward education and not to bank bailouts.
WSC
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.
@nowayjose. "You're welcome for the free education I helped pay for you." I'd like to say to you: You're welcome for the free education I helped pay for, for you. And we can all thank my Grandfathers for their work during the Great Depression and beyond, and my Father and Mother for their work, all that contributed to my education, and yours, and your children's and so on and so on. That's the way it works for citizens of this nation, one is which is Jasmine Franco. We work to provide for those coming up behind us. It's what the framers designed, it's what the true Tea Party Patriots fought for, it's one of the foundations of our great country. Jasmine: Glad it worked out for you. Couldn't be prouder. You did not let anyone down, and that's the greatest payback you can give to all who helped you.
WLD1
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.
SH1, I know a lot of Illegals. They laugh at the police - when they pull them over, if they have no documentation they just impound the car and let them go. I talked to the police about it, they said there is nothing they can do. A lot of them work in the back (kitchen, Stock room) of a lot of places in Ann Arbor. One might be taking your order. The good thing is that as long as the small business owner pays the proper taxes it does go into the system.
mytwocents
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.
This amazing young woman deserves our congratulations for not giving up. I wish her all the best as she continues her education.
slug
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 11:25 a.m.
"Unfortunately many of you have no idea how many immigrants have fought and died for YOUR country just so they could be part of this all american dream." Today's world is different. Because of many, many factors there is a difference now between legal and illegal immigrants. Period. One is right and one is wrong according to the law. Period. It's not 50, 100, 200 years ago, it's 2010. Yes, many have worked hard when coming here, but they need to continue the hard work it might take to become legal members of society. No shortcuts - no whining - to enjoy the benefits of any society you must do whatever it takes to join in. Period. :)
sh1
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:57 a.m.
Re: "Most of the illegals are being hired at these places using other's Social security numbers. Usually infant SS numbers." Proof, please?
walker101
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.
Unfortunately many of you have no idea how many immigrants have fought and died for YOUR country just so they could be part of this all american dream. The last time I checked tens of thousands of immigrants or foreign born non citizens (60,000+) soldiers have volunteered to serve our country in WAR to make the ultimate sacrifice to say they are now US citizens, all since 911. Since the World War II, VietNam, Korea an untold of immigrants have paid with their lives, many were drafted, many joined yet nowhere in any media do they mention the sacrifices and contributions immigrants have made. The last time I checked no Mexican immigrants legal or illegal have made any terrorists attacks in this Country. A Sgt. Jose Lopez who was born and raised in Veracruz Mexico joined the Army in 1942, his heroics and actions have never been published nor very little mention if any have ever been recognized for his Medal of Honor award, yet Audie Murphy when he received his Medal of Honor he became one of the most recognized heros for years after the WWII, he had more recognition and publicity in one day than Sgt. Lopez had in a lifetime, according to the records Sgt. Lopez killed over 100 german soldiers in one battle and saved his wounded men from being overrun single handily. This is just one of thousands of men from other countries who are willing to make that sacrifice to say they are Americans. I fully agree that the Government needs to step up and stop the Illegal trespassing of our borders, unfortunately this administration like others in the past has no solution. Not all of those immigrants are looking for hand outs, yes many are exploited and yet many have and will make positive contributions.
WLD1
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:52 a.m.
A fat dude at a coffee shop had a good point, Most of the illegals are being hired at these places using other's Social security numbers. Usually infant SS numbers. What we should do is lower minimum wage to $4.50. That way the food will be cheaper (higher the wages higher the prices of the goods sold). The higher the wages the more illegal immigrants in an area. As you noticed, the higher the minimum wage- the more Illegals you see.
weezwrites
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.
Great story, Jen. She's an inspiration.
WLD1
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:28 a.m.
Are the illegal parents paying their share of taxes to put their child through school. Or is it another case of us Americans being pilfered from by the illegals
sh1
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:23 a.m.
Re Sally's "There are no jobs that Americans will not do." Tell me why fast food joints are always hiring? And there are openings for strawberry picking at local farms.
kelsey
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
Sorry, Sally, we all ARE immigrants to this great nation. Read what some of the Native Americans said about us at the time (in translation of course.) My ancestors were among the original settlers who destroyed priceless trees, displaced the Mohawk in New York and the Shawnee in Ohio, and helped create the monotonous pesticide-laden fields of soybeans and corn we see today. They worked hard. So did Jasmine. Way to go, Jasmine! You will be a taxpayer someday and even curmudgeons like EyeheartA2 will acknowledge that. By the way, Eyeheart, I have taught in Michigan classrooms full of native-born welfare recipients whose parents never even thought of seeking the jobs that Jasmine's parents performed. I have also taught classrooms full of illegal alien children in another state for a lower salary--and I'd rather be there any time. I've also been panhandled in front of numerous Ann Arbor restaurants by native-born black and white Americans, and I know the dishwashers in those restaurants are Hispanic, and, a couple years ago, probably illegal. So, once again, way to go, Jasmine, and kudos to all the people who helped her. You will be reunited with your family, and you are the future of this country.
Soothslayer
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.
@ Silly Sally.. you mean "stole this great nation". What history did you get learned in skool? Also please post your lineage starting with the initial settlers who traveled to America under false pretences to set up colonies for "the new world" under the direction and financing of England and then reneged. where's your soapbox now? This country was founded on deception, lies, thievery and slavery but of course "go USA", "we're #1!", "I (heart) NASCAR", "the south shal rise again" and whatever else you wanna believe in the fairytale version of our history we were all taught
KeepingItReal
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.
I must admit that I am ambivalent about the issue of immigration because it is a complicated matter Someone raise the question as to why the parents did not pursue a green card. Its probably because of the very thing that happened to them. On the other hand, employers encourage illegals because they need the labor which many of our countrymen will not provide. I agree with Lounsbury however that our country is selective of the immigrants allowed to legally enter this country. Many are well educated, and could/should be taking their educational expertise back to their native country which in many instances could use it for development purposes. It's good, however, to wake up on a Sunday morning to an inspirational story such as Jasmine's and realize that she could serve as an example of how to conquer the "ubiquitous achievement gap."
xmo
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:39 a.m.
The girl is tough but her parents could have avoided this if they became legal a few years ago when President Clinton pardoned all of the Illegal Aliens in the U.S.. Maybe if her parents worked for legal entry into the US they would appreciate it more.
Silly Sally
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.
bret schnitze is wrong when he says, "We are all immigrants to this Country, unless you are a Native American" Most Americans are born here to American citizen parents, and grand parents. Many have ancestors who were the original colonists who created this great nation.
Awakened
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.
What kind of parents would leave a child behind?
Silly Sally
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.
"a vast majority of illegals come here to work hard, support themselves and live quite lives." Not true, especially when their children join gangs and raise crime rates. Just look at places such as California and Miami, Florida. Most do not want to be Americans but Mexicans or XXXX living in the United States, still speaking their native tongues. During a recent World Cup Soccer game held in Los Angeles, the American team was booed by these immigrants who then cheered the Mexican team. There are no jobs that Americans will not do, just jobs with very low pay and poor working conditions that Americans will not do. When illegal aliens such as this girl's family work here, they depress the wages of poor working class Americans, and raise taxes for the rest of us. She should not be a citizen,, as that should be reserved for those born here to American citizens or legal residents. Our laws are wrong on this.
krc
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 9:08 a.m.
Yeah, like I'm this big, important editor.
krc
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.
"Obviously a student living by themselves" should be "by herself". Otherwise, nice writing.
YpsiLivin
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:55 a.m.
It's certainly commendable that this young woman was able to overcome these obstacles; businesses that hire illegal aliens should be held accountable for the tragedies (like this one) their thoughtless actions generate.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:19 a.m.
"You're welcome for the free education I helped pay for you." and you also helped pay for the free education of every other American citizen who graduated from Huron, Pioneer, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti... Are you suggesting we dump the public school system? Otherwise you have no point.
skigrl50
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 8:07 a.m.
I personally know Jasmine and she should be an inspiration to all of us. She is mature beyond her years. My last conversation with her brought tears to my eyes. She has worked so hard and overcome so much! Jasmine I hope you will be able to get a video of your graduation for your parents. They must be so proud of the young woman you have become!!! Good luck to you at WCC!
bret schnitzer
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:57 a.m.
Great job! We are all immigrants to this Country, unless you are a Native American.
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 7:08 a.m.
I commend this young woman for being brave enough to stay and for helping her family.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:59 a.m.
"Why didn't they use some of that time get their green cards and then then after 5 years they could apply for Citizenship Through Naturalization?" My answer would be that it isn't that easy. "We the people" no longer subscribe to the concept of "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" We want people who bring "skills" and education with them. The problem is thats not who American employers hire. There is a disconnect between what the business world wants and what we are willing to allow in.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:51 a.m.
May God bless you Jasmine. I don't pretend to have an answer to the complex issue of illegal immigration. But contrary to what many would suggest, a vast majority of illegals come here to work hard, support themselves and live quite lives.
Nick Danger
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:51 a.m.
What a wonderful story about an exceptional young lady. Thank you Ann Arbor.com for taking the opportunity to recognize a student who beats the odds and overcomes adversity. Thank you Huron High faculty and staff for supporting Jasmine with her accomplishment. Thank you Carey for providing a loving home so Jasmine could realize her dream.It really does take a village to raise a child
Sherri Obren
Sun, Jun 13, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.
I am glad to hear to young lady doing so well,But as for her parents her mother was all ready caught once in 1990, for ILLEGAL crossing the border, and both parents live here for another 19 years (at least since 1991) and had another child, Why didn't they use some of that time get their green cards and then then after 5 years they could apply for Citizenship Through Naturalization?