Selective enforcement by immigration
About a year ago I wrote a story on a young woman who was quite an impressive student and budding leader. Her name is Gabriela Pacheco, and she was entering the presidency of the community college student government association. Under normal circumstances, achieving this milestone is quite a feat. The association represents 1.1 million students. But Gabriela's rise through the ranks of student government was even more impressive because she had arrived here as a 7-year-old and worked hard to get a student visa so she could attend Miami-Dade College. Her teachers loved her. They told me we would one day hear about her.
Well, we have. Today she's in the news again. Immigration rounded up her family and Gabriela, her siblings and her parents face deportation back to Ecuador. The word is that her family was targeted because of her activism. In other words, selective enforcement.
I wouldn't doubt it. Yes, her family overstayed their tourist visas, but they've contributed mightily to this community. The Pacheco case is just one more example of how our immigration system is a mess in dire need of repair.
Well, we have. Today she's in the news again. Immigration rounded up her family and Gabriela, her siblings and her parents face deportation back to Ecuador. The word is that her family was targeted because of her activism. In other words, selective enforcement.
I wouldn't doubt it. Yes, her family overstayed their tourist visas, but they've contributed mightily to this community. The Pacheco case is just one more example of how our immigration system is a mess in dire need of repair.
posted by Ana Veciana-Suarez at 8:18 AM
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37 Comments:
This arrest is a clear demonstration why the whole system is screwed up. Justice for Gabriela and family and all other immigrants just trying to get by.
whatever happen to equal opportunity ? thats just a good example of selective discrimination .what a shame , this country was founded on immigrants and everyone should be given a fair chance to qualify and demonstrate that they can and do deserve to be in this country.
This arrest is needed as illegal immigrants have taken over Miami and surrounding cities. More should be done.
This arrest is needed as illegal immigrants have taken over Miami and surrounding cities. More should be done.
It's scary how many people will agree with these roundups. Until it happens to someone you know.. you don't really comprehend the impact something like this have. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? As a "chicana" do we all have to be careful with what we say or stand up to in fear of retaliation? Do I have to start carring proof of my american citizenship incase an NIS rep. does believe in what I stand for?
This country was founded by immigrants, whether hispanic, european, asian... any, immigrant does not have a defined enthicity. Today is the 110th birthday of our wonderful city, Miami, listing immigrants from the first european Juan Ponce de Leon to Bahamian settlers. What would have been of the city?
If the people coming to this country followed the rules and applied legally to be here, there would not a problem! Let's just sign them up to be here leagally. They can pay taxes, and have insurance and jobs. We, as a nation have been paying for a long time. Our own children and families don't even have the advantages that some of the illegals do. Come on--there are rules and guidelines. We are just asking them to be respectful of our country. Also, English IS the language in this country--everyone is entitles to speak the tongue of their nationality, but they need to communicate as the nation does...in ENGLISH! I am the grand daughter of immigrants that came to this country and they did it legally! They became citizens, learned the english language and brought their family up to be proud of their culture, but respectful of the American ways.
selective "enforcement"? ICE gets beat up in the media for not enforcing the nations immigration laws effectively enough when an illegal immigrant commits a violent crime, and noe they get beat up for "selective" enforcement becuase the girl may be some type of activist for illegal immigrants. In my view, if you are an activist for illegal immigrants (criminals), then you are asking to be a target. What if she was an activist for child molestors, would this be such a tragedy then? We cannot turn a blind eye to certain crimes, then scream when the crimes you belive are important go unenforced....get over it. Good job ICE, keep on keeping on.....
So who stands to benifit from this? Who is behiend it? Is there time for FOIA request? Is it Jeb?, someone should look into it, hint Miami Herald, South Florida Jobs with Justice, ACLU, Miami Workers Center etc....
So who stands to benifit from this? Who is behiend it? Is there time for FOIA request? Is it Jeb?, someone should look into it, hint Miami Herald, South Florida Jobs with Justice, ACLU, Miami Workers Center etc....
Congratulations 'ICE'. This is not selective enforcement but actual immigration enforcement - something we been waiting for. ICE is finally doing their job. And they need to be praised. Yes, this country is made of immigrants - immigrants that followed the rule of law. Let those that want to be here follow the rule of law then they will not need to be afraid. Gabriela, whether here or in another country - say Cuba - spoke her mind, she knew she would be scrutinized. And guess, her family is illegal. They over stayed their Visa is an excuse most illegals are using these days. Follow the rules and all will be welcome. My family came to the USA from Cuba with then Freedom Flights and it took almost 10 years for their Visas. My family did it right.
ICE GOOD JOB!!!! KEEP AT IT!!!!
To generalize in this case as prior comments its not intelligent. None of us here not even myself know the details in reality of this case. However everyone of us should know and be aware that being an immigrant is not a crime. All I see is a young lady that has made it through college and has an opinion. Yes we have a system, yes I would like for all the immigrants with good standings and profiles become legally citizens but sometimes the same system is not making it easier.
All I see here is a hard working family that has been here for many years making it work.
I am a proud AMERICAN and I can say that reading such articles makes me mad because we enhance the "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" and where is it now with this family and Gabriela.
My prayers goes out to the Pacheco family and God Bless you all, keep up the good work Gabriela, just remember Martin Luther King never gave up ...
Gaby
You are my inspiration! Pa' La'te que vamos!
HAS
This family knew the risks. I doubt ICE acted because of her activism. But, if they did what is happening to her family is her responsibility.
Good Job INS! If your an illegal alien why would you shout it out to the world, then complain when you get arrested? Seems if your breaking the law don't advertise it.
This has nothing to do with freedom of speech, just with being an illegal alien and getting caught. No one was arrested for anything said, except maybe "I'm an illegal alien."
This county and country is full of illegal immigrants. They should
deport each and every one of them. Our schools, hospitals,
and employments are full of illegals, and not one of them are paying taxes or insurance for the services. We are all getting a piece of this. I am a legal citizen which came from Cuba 36 years ago. If all of us have to do it the correct way what gives them the right not to. And what gives them the right to go out and rally and stand out for freedom of speech if they are not contributing to anything but making things worse for legal people who live in this country.
Send them all back, let them go through the proper process to become legal American citizens.
Gaby! Your a great inspiration to all of us! Especially me! I have never met anyone so passionate and loving! I feel honored to be part of your life! Keep your head up! I love you! My lil' social butterfly! Always!
Frijolito
I believe that we all deserve a chance in this country, Gaby's family like my family struggled and maintained good residency, no crimes were committed no felony. Aren't we all Immigrants? think about that. Didn't our ancestors come to this country for a better life? have any of you read about history? this is a country of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, Gaby should be able to speak out her words, she is a true activist. Many of us take this country for granted, but Gabriela Pacheco is speaking out for all of us, and that is a true AMERICAN. More POWER to Gaby, you are an inspiration leader, keep voiceing your opinion, you have my support and many others.
*MGPVR*
Gaby first I like to say that I promise to contribute to help you in ANY way possible so please count on me to the fullest. Your fight to help immigrants so strongly and actively is a victory in its self. You have set to aid immigrants to live a better more dignified life in the United States of America and this makes you a person of greatness, not only to those who have no voice or vote but also for the better of this country. Gaby to acknowledge that with all passion, struggle, and advocacy comes retribution to your own stability and nature is not a end just a hurdle,it is the hardest part of the battle.Don’t let these vicious acts take away what is part of your character, courage, passion, and dedication. All of those who know you recognize the worth of your excellence and purity of your purpose. The battle you have set to stand corrected to those who are unknown and mere ghost in our system and who also reflect the status of your own family will not be a burden but a triumph. We are behind you, we will conquer this struggle for your family and many others who are in the same position of fear and oppression as a community of legal and illegal immigrants, as well as a nation of immigrants. Gaby thank you for your dedication to such a great cause that affects so many people. We will be counted, respected, and we will have a voice.
Love Always, Barbara
“Got no card so I got not soul, Life is prison, no parole, no control “ RATM
I have one thing and only one thing to say...not alot of you know the real gabriela...she is by far one of those selected fews that will actually go beyond a limb for freedom...for free speech, for what america stands for. she has been struggling with this issue for years, but in reality america has been based on immigrants all its life...i mean come on people the first immigrants created this country! i stand for what gabriela believes in and is fighting for...may god be with her and her family...i love you all, erika,gaby,gus,and ur parents:-( i only found out about this now...gaby when you read this please let me know what i can do to help..it would mean the world to me..-christy p.s ask richy for my info!:-(
After reading this article, I realized how America's immigration system sucks. I've also noticed that the government doesn't care! This is JUST WRONG! Gabriela Maria Pacheco is an astounding individual. Most of the important people in government today were at one point immigrants...This really sucks...my prayers are with you and your family Gaby!! Don't give up, and keep on fighting...
Lazaro
as former student of the the community college system I can tell you that I saw up close and personal the types of attacks Gaby faced. I can tell you that it wouldn't surprise me that someone from the northern schools had something to do with why she was targeted. I am an American that love to see immigrants like the Pacheco family. they work hard and are great role models. I wish more Americans would be like them. immigrants pay taxes and nver see their money again. they don't take jobs away that people to begin with dont want in the first place. i hope that from all of this the Pacheco family get their papers because people like them are hard to find and this country will continue to be a super power because of people like them....
may God bless you Gaby
They knew what they were doing, but somehow thought that the authorities would never bother looking for them... bad miscalculation!
I'm so glad that the Feds are finally beginning to to the job we pay them to do! These people are only "role models" for criminals. Good riddance to bad rubbish...
"Yes, her family overstayed their tourist visas, but they've contributed mightily to this community."
Heck, just think of how much they'll contribute to Ecuador! Why is going back to their home country such a bad thing?
Why is sending Cubans back to Cuba such a bad idea?
Gabriela is an exellent and commendable human being. Her passion for helping and striving is an inspiration. If people like her and her family aren't allowed to stay in this country, who would be left to make it better?
"Why is sending Cubans back to Cuba such a bad idea?"
Personally, I think it would be an excellent idea! I've got no beef with that, but this girl and her family have to go back to Ecuador, since they knowingly and willingly broke the law...
"If people like her and her family aren't allowed to stay in this country, who would be left to make it better?"
Hmm... let's see... I've got it! How about AMERICANS and LEGAL IMMIGRANTS?!? Now there's a concept, don't you think?
Interesting question: "Why is sending Cubans back to Cuba such a bad idea?"
If you are 'illegal' whether Cuban or any other nationality, then send them back. I have no problem with that. If you knowingly broke the law, then we don't need you here.
Follow the law and your are welcome.
Get it!! There are LEGAL immigrants - those that follow the immigration rules (whether immigration reforms are needed or not.) And there are ILLEGAL immigrants - those that make excuses once they are caught.
Gaby and her family - whether a good family or not - are illegal. Now everyone is asking for forgiveness. What is wrong with this picture? Gaby and her family knew what they were doing - don't claim ignorance. If Gaby is such an Activist and stands for what she claims, then let her and her family take responsibility for their actions.
Let's see...the Equadorian family lied to the US immigration service by pretending they were tourists.
They weren't. DECEIT #1
The Equadorian family then failed to repeated contacts by the government to show up in court.
They refused. DECEIT #2,3,4 etc.
Then this girl, who applies for a student visa, gets it, then in her own words turns the organization into a "political force."
Why should an Equadorian national be telling the US what to do and how US taxpayers should be spending their money?
It's time to put an end to her self-serving power trip.
If she's so brilliant, send her back to Equador and let her politic there with her "El Che" groupies.
I say good riddance to these law breakers!
For more information on the topic of illegal immigration, including photos, stories, and links, visit www.ojjpac.org
"If she's so brilliant, send her back to Equador..."
She practically sounds like the second coming of Einstein! I'd figure Ecuador would be clamoring for her return, and we shouldn't stand in their way!
You broke the law by staying remember what was said when you received your visa !!! YES it does
mean you too so what if you are smart seems that you are not that smart because now you cant come back to the U.S.A !! stay home
I hope they catch more !!!
Illegal. Meaning breaking the law. It would be "selective" if ICE decided not to do anything to her family but do it to others. Illegal. Meaning breaking the law.
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A person with ILLEGAL status, known for camapigning for an ILLEGAL cause? To HELL with her.
How in the heck are Ecuadorians who have been LAWFULLY waiting for LEGAL visas supposed to feel. I say SEND OVER about CIVILIZED Ecuadorians who have LAWFULLY solicited visas to OCCUPY THIS STUPID BI_TCH'S OLD HOME...!!!
We are country of immigrants, xenophobia will make us just another nation.
However, I would be the first to report to ICE, as ineffective as it is, illegal abusing of our country, including those, who, at work, by means of intrigue, make USA fired so they can place their friends.
A friend of mine, a citizen, got fired for reporting in his audit his manager, an illegal, after seeing her in something not kosher.
She works for the Atlantic Beach Hotel in South Beach, owned by Pegaso Hotels, Inc. A company which employs many illegals for cheap n their 10 hotels. The manager name is Pamela Fernandez, Argentinian and illegal. Hope she sue me.
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