* What is the city of Santa Clarita doing about illegal immigration?
See related story, "City lacks power to regulate illegals."
Signal Staff Writer
jrandles@the-signal.com
661-259-1234 x519
Posted: Feb. 6, 2010 10:14 p.m.
The human traffickers took Alberto Lopez's tennis shoes, so he crossed the desert barefoot and alone.
His feet blistered as he crept closer to the U.S.-Mexico border. He passed dozens of holes covered with rocks - the unmarked graves of others who had died along the way.
"What if that is my fate?" Lopez said he had asked himself. "What if that happens to me?"
The American Dream kept him going - the idea that he could earn more than four times what he made in Mexico.
Lopez, 39, is an illegal immigrant.
He's been caught and deported once, and has made the brutal trek across the border three times with hopes of giving his children a chance to have the education and shot at the American Dream he never did.
This week - 10 years after his first journey - he stood on a Newhall sidewalk for hours each day with dozens of others with similar stories, hoping someone would pay him to paint a house, or do yard work.
Lopez traveled about 1,600 miles, from a small town in central Mexico, to get here.
But since the economy started tanking a few years ago, Lopez said his dream has become, at times, an illusion.
"The American Dream is only a dream," Lopez said through a translator. "We are here to be better economically, but we get to America and realize it's hard.
"We are all just surviving and not doing enough saving," he said.
In recent weeks, Santa Clarita's day laborers have come under fire as a symbol of illegal immigration's local impact.
City Councilman Bob Kellar made an inflammatory speech about illegal immigration that drew national attention. That prompted activists to put pressure on the City Council to do something.
However, Santa Clarita has been trying to come up with laws kicking day laborers off of the streets or confining them since the 1990s. The efforts have gone nowhere.
And while politicians and academics argue over illegal immigrants' impact on the economy - they are either a drain on social services or a cheap workforce that provides a net benefit - the immigrants themselves are feeling the recession's pinch.
Lopez used to be able to make $500 for four days of work. Now, he makes about half that.
He and the nearly 150 other day laborers who work in Newhall spend up to 12 hours a day on the sidewalk, waiting for jobs that might never come.
When a truck pulls up, the workers send a representative to negotiate a deal with the potential employer.
Lately, however, they've had to charge even less for the backbreaking work - landscaping, painting, construction.
Lopez has to provide for his wife and three children: a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and 8-month-old.
But he doesn't receive welfare, he said, and he pays his taxes - even though he knows other people who take government aid and don't pay taxes.
When he's short on money, he borrows from his fellow day laborers. Lopez said most of the men he works with are from the same area in central Mexico.
"We all help each other out," Lopez said. "I would help if people needed me, too."
Beware coyotes
Lopez spent months talking with his family and wife before he decided to leave his home near Benito Juarez, he said. Ultimately, the lure of making good money in the United States, like some of his other family members had done, was too good to pass up.
Lopez traveled about 1,500 miles by bus to Tijuana. When he arrived in the border town he met up with a "coyote" - a nickname for human traffickers who help people cross the border into the United States. He brought toilet paper, a toothbrush and some money for the trip.
A coyote told Lopez what trails to take when walking over the border, and tipped him off about how to avoid immigration officers at the border.
Lopez said the first time he crossed the border, a human trafficker took his tennis shoes. For three days, he walked the desert barefoot.
Luckily, he found a pair of sandals on the way to San Diego, but the bottoms of his feet were already blistered, he said.
While Lopez said most traffickers are helpful and decent, he has heard horror stories of other coyotes who have assaulted and raped the people they are paid to help.
Human traffickers can charge anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000, Lopez said.
After his coyote told him to leave, it took him 15 days to walk across the border.
He said he was completely isolated and alone.
"Once you start walking, you lose your family and sometimes yourself," Lopez said.
On the way, he passed by dozens of unmarked graves, the final resting place for people who had tried to cross the border before him.
Lopez said he was more worried about his family than dying.
If he died on the way, his family would never know what happened to him.
None of the graves he found along the way were marked, he said, so even if his family knew he died, they wouldn't be able to send flowers to his grave.
Once he got to San Diego, Lopez said he bought a calling card with the money he had left and called his family in Mexico to tell them he was alive.
Border Patrol
Most immigrants try crossing the border in spring when the weather is nice, Lopez said.
He chooses to cross in the winter - worse weather means fewer immigration officers patrolling the border.
Lopez said he has been caught by immigration patrols once. Officers handcuffed him and took him to a holding cell before he was deported.
He said the officers were aggressive and grabbed one of the women he was with by her pony tail.
"We are treated like we're not humans," Lopez said. "If you are caught you are thrown in a truck and thrown in jail for anywhere between one to 15 days and are given little to eat."
The last time he crossed the border he went with his wife. Now they have three kids, all born in the U.S. He said he's glad his children will never have to cross the border and experience the things he did.
Weeks ago, he saw a dog get rescued from a water basin on TV. Lopez said the image put his journey in perspective.
"We understand when we come here people won't receive us with a cup of coffee," Lopez said.
"It's funny how you see people cry over a dog being rescued when we are treated like animals if we're caught."
Signal photographer Francisca Rivas contributed to this report.
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February 07, 2010 - 10:32 AM
As much as I can identify with Mr. Lopez trying to better himself and support a family, several things bother me when I read this article.
* How are you able to pay taxes, with no valid Social Security Number and likely no form of legitimate documented income? (aka 1099 or a W-2).
* Are you (or your wife) even making an attempt to become US citizens?
* Where are your children receiving healthcare and an education in our town? Who is paying for that? The other "ex-Benito Juarez" residents you now share the sidewalk with?
I strongly believe it is a wonderful thing to pursue a dream, prosper and better thy family but Mr. Lopez, play by the rules, as we, the documented citizens can no longer afford to support your illegal aspirations.
Lastly, shame on this publication for articulating something illegal as if it were acceptable to break the law.
February 07, 2010 - 11:30 AM
wrongways -
It should be obvious how he pays his taxes. I am sure he keeps track of every cent he makes of his under the table cash income. Comes tax time, he goes to H&R Block and meticulously pours over a piece of paper where he has kept track of his income. He then cuts a check to the US Treasury.
Of course, how he does this without a valid SS# is beyond me. Seeing as taxes and paying their 'fair share' is a key problem many have with illegal immigrants, The Signal should have probed further on this issue.
There are many sad stories of conditions in other countries, some even much worse. I can understand these people wanting to come here at all costs. If we let everyone in the world in who had a similar story, the US would be a giant refugee camp.
February 07, 2010 - 12:09 PM
I have no sympathy for these folks! They are illegal, break the laws of this country. Send them all back and seal the boarders. Enough is enough! Our own folks are unemployed and need work, while these illegals steal from us so much!
I think the City of Santa Clarita is afraid and chicken to pass laws and enforce this practice.
Frankly, I am afraid to go down to that area for fear of crime etc. I really see how this city id protecting us!
YOU GO BOB KELLAR!!!
February 07, 2010 - 01:07 PM
Why is this paper printing stories about theses Illegal Immigrants, like we are to feel sorry for them? Bull ****, they are breaking our laws and making our city a crap hole. We have American out of work, that is what this paper should be writing about. If you have lived in Santa Clarita for at least the past ten years you can see how some of our neighborhoods have deteriorated because of these people. If the residents and most of the City Council dose not wake up and do something the City of Santa Clarita is going to be like living in the San Fernando Valley. If any of you recall, the San Fernando Valley was once a great place to live as well. Now it is infested with Illegal Immigrants and Mexican gangs and crime. Many of us have provided the city with suggestion on how to take on this issue but they do nothing but make excesses.
If I wanted to read sob stories about Illegal Immigrants I would pick up the LA Times. Please contact Managing Editor Lila Littlejohn at 661-259-1234 or email her at
llittlejohn@the-signal.com and tell her that the Signal is not representing the interest of the residents of Santa Clarita and you will cancel your subscription if they continue to print bull **** stories like this one.
February 07, 2010 - 01:14 PM
Managing Editor Lila Littlejohn X is 515, you can also leave her a message.
February 07, 2010 - 01:24 PM
An absolute disgusting attempt at generating "sympothy" by the Signal for these lawbreaking criminals. God bless Keller, he has woken up many who were blind or turned a deaf ear to this major problem
February 07, 2010 - 02:46 PM
Children Of Illegal Immigrants Cost County Over $500 Million
Friday, February 05 2010
Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich released figures from the Department of Public Social Services showing that illegal aliens' children born in the United States collected nearly $570 million in welfare and food stamps in 2009.
Approximately 23% of all CALWORKS and food stamp issuances in Los Angeles County are made to parents who reside in the United States illegally and collect benefits for their native-born children.
"When you add this to $350 million for public safety and nearly $500 million for healthcare, the total cost for illegal immigrants to County taxpayers far exceeds $1 billion a year - not including the millions of dollars for education," said Antonovich
KHTS
February 07, 2010 - 03:29 PM
This is in reference to the story "Facing the Border"
If your establishment wants to spread fair and balanced news to the SCV residents, why aren't you guys doing a story about the growing Latino gang problems here in the SCV in conjuction with illegal immigration?. I lived in Los Angeles for many years and I've lived out here for many years and I see the same sad progress the illegal immigrant population creates. Are you guys afraid of being called a racist news organization if you say anything negative about illegal aliens.
I, no doubt blame our federal government for letting illegal immigration go on for so long regardless of where they are from, If The Signal is going to run a story about illegal immigration, the very least The Signal can do is apprise the residents of the SCV with the pros and cons of illegal immigration and it's impact here in the SCV.
There are people all over the world trying to get to a better place but it must be done right. We, as a country cannot sustain this kind of activity. If a life boat gets too full, it will sink. Sad to say but things will certainly get worse out here, I only hope that the L.A. Country Sheriff gets enough support to keep the gangs and crime down. I don't have to remind you of that since you're in the news business and you probably see the trend growing monthly. I remember virtually never seeing crime stories out here thirteen years ago, now it's almost daily. BB
February 07, 2010 - 03:54 PM
Wow with all the talk about free speech in recent days you would think people would be applauding the Signal for reporting both sides of this hot button topic. Apparently the signal must tell people only what they want to hear.
It is possible to both feel bad that hard working illegals are in a tough situation and at the same time say they still need to be deported, because their presence makes it harder on hard working legal americans trying to make a living. Or better yet go after the people that hire these Illegal immigrants in the first place.
February 07, 2010 - 06:46 PM
Mr. Lopez says things have been tough for him since the economy slowed down a couple of years ago. Then why do he and his wife continue to have more children? The youngest is 8 months old.
All three of his children are US citizens, so I'm sure he and his wife can use that to avoid deportation.
February 08, 2010 - 12:25 AM
Since I was little, one of the golden rules preached to me was, "Do unto others as they would do unto you". I doubt very seriously if any of us were born under different circumstances, a few miles to the south, that we would do anything different from that of Mr. Lopez.
It may be against the law, but it was also against the law at one time to assist blacks as they escaped to the north from slavery. Thank God that law was changed. In time these laws against illegal immigration will to.
So put your hate, your bigotry, your guns and confederate flags away. Open up your minds and try to look through the eyes of someone else for a change.
Peace out.
February 08, 2010 - 01:11 AM
wendyW.What does the W stand for,Wacko.This issue has nothing to do with slaves or racism.Many of my black freinds are disgusted with the deteriation of our country due to illegal immigration.The race card is all played out on this issue.Adios USA,Hola third world cesspool.TICK,TICK,TICK,BOOM!
February 08, 2010 - 01:51 AM
Wacko-Wendy would be fitting for someone who brings up racism, slavery, and confederate flags when it comes to illegal immigration.
Wacko-Wendy needs to take a trip 5 miles up the 5 freeway to the Wayside jail and see what her "open your eyes" mumbo-jumbo is all about. More then 60% of ALL our jails in California are filled with illegal immigrants from Mexico. The LAPD and LASD report that more then 50% of the violent gangs in California are comprised of either the children of the Mexican illegal immigrants, or illegal immigrants themselves. In the last 3 years, southern California had 4 officers shot dead during duty, 2 of which were shot dead by illegal immigrants from Mexico.
I wont even get into the enourmous financial burden caused by illegal immigration as it would likely be too much for Wendy to digest.
February 08, 2010 - 12:15 PM
Gee, maybe the Signal can now do a sympathy piece on the plight of a local narcotics dealer .... then maybe we can read a sympathy piece on a local child molester?
Yes, I believe it's time to print sympathetic profiles of any number of criminals amongst our ranks!
Alberto Lopez has, according to your story, entered this country at least three times illegally and the Signal deems it appropriate to write a sympathy piece? What the hell is wrong with this paper?
I notice in this piece that not once is there a mention of Lopez making an attempt to legally gain access to the U.S. Could it be possible that the Signal's reporter didn't concern himself with asking such a pertinent question? Could it be this is the Signal's attempt to further ignite the embers stirred by Kellar's comments?
Sorry to rain on the Signal's pity piece but in no way do I feel the need or desire to join in your Cumbaya hand holding of these illegal immigrants!
February 08, 2010 - 01:04 PM
For those who do not know the fedral government gives undocumented people an itin number in which they can do their taxes so the government is very aware
February 08, 2010 - 03:05 PM
Martinez,
As always, your logic and people with your logic simply don't get it. Assuming you pay taxes (and I'm sure it's very little) after all the health care, multiple children, education,emergency services (Sheriff Dept) and other services illegals use, what ever taxes you do pay including all the other illegals will never help foot the bills that are mounting.
February 08, 2010 - 03:29 PM
Sooooo, he's making about $4000 a month, under the table, contributing NOTHING to our economy while clogging up our schools, roadways, (uninsured, unlicensed and unregistered) and hospitals...Yeah, we "need" them like we need a hole in the head.
February 09, 2010 - 06:35 AM
It's time to bring our troop's home and station them on our southern border.Americans are more likely to be a victim of violent crime in this country by gangs whose members are full of illegals.I dont leave my home worried about the Taliban or Al-Queda one bit.The real threat are the Latino gangs who prey on the vulnerable and are such cowards that they dont have the guts to shoot a rival gang bager at point blank range instead of popping off a couple rounds and hitting innocent bystanders,the majority who are women and children.It does'nt get any more cowardly than that.Real macho shooting little kids.These punks truly are little girlie boys.
February 15, 2010 - 09:33 PM
The Border is a picket line and illegal aliens are scabs.
February 15, 2010 - 09:56 PM
The poor of Mexico - or any other country are NOT the obligation of the American Tax Payer.
Mexico is a very wealthy county and its poor is the responsibility of its ruling class, who no doubt find it amusing - not to mention lucrative to send their poor North. And call us racist if we object.
The Illegal Immigrants need to go home and take back their own country.
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