New Class of Criminals Prey on Illegal Immigrants

¶ … publicopiniononline.com/Ci

New class of criminals preys on illegal immigrants

Illegal immigrants create many problems for society and many difficulties immigrants encounter are never fully addressed because the immigrant is in the country illegally. Immigrants face language problems and wage concerns, among other things. This article looks at the population of illegal immigrants in Winchester, Virginia, and what is being done to correct those problems. One problem explored is a new challenge for illegal immigrants because they are in the country illegally. If those without papers did not have enough to worry about, now they must be leery of a new type of predator that targets them because they are less likely to call the police. Jeremiah Zook, assistant district attorney, says the problem is serious because they know that crimes are being committed and people are being victimized. However, these crimes are not reported for the "simple fact that the victim is afraid the come forward for fear of being deported" (Hook). In an effort to help citizens without papers, the District Attorney's office scheduled a safe neighborhood project in which victims could receive help without fear of deportation. Sadly, no one came to the event.

The problem is not easily solved because many simply do not know what to do. Illegal immigrants still must be dealt with and they are - a situation that causes tension and fear. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Virginia is alive and well and doing its job. The biggest issue with locating illegal immigrants is how long it takes to deal with them. The community deals with about 20 immigrants per month. They are generally released on bond and monitored while they await deportation hearings. When illegal immigrants are located, many face deportation to save tax dollars.

Illegal immigrants cannot seem to find a break while they are attempting to establish a new life. While they may be looking to become citizens, they must watch out for individuals from all sides that might be out to get them. http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/128789

Basalt's Barrio

Not all immigrant experiences are negative. A story in the Aspen Daily News focuses on a small and growing Mexican community in Basalt, Colorado. A mobile home park, it is what the paper refers to as an "epicenter" (Travers) News of the growing Hispanic community. The article interviews Jose, an immigrant with three children. Jose ended up in Basalt because he heard there were many job opportunities there. While Jose does not have papers, he does pay taxes. He is proud of being a good citizen and the threat of "being deported by Immigration authorities is worth the benefits my family is reaping here" (Travers). Parts of those benefits include a close-knit community.