Immigration reporter mulls fate after denial of asylum request
By Tom Watkins, CNN
A reporter from El Salvador who has been reporting for years about immigration issues in Atlanta finds himself in a position similar to that of many of the sources he covers.
"I understand now what the people feel," Mario Guevara, 34, told CNN on Friday. "Never in my life have I cried so much as in the last couple of days."
Last month, an immigration judge turned down Guevara's application for asylum and ordered that he, his wife and their 14-year-old daughter leave the country within 60 days. "It was the worst news of my life," said Guevara, who works for the Spanish-language Mundo Hispanico, which is owned by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Their two younger children were born in the United States and therefore would be allowed to remain. His mother and brother, who serves in the U.S. Army, are also U.S. citizens.
The case traces back to 2003, when Guevara was working as a photojournalist for the Prensa Grafica newspaper in the capital city of San Salvador. Routinely assigned to cover anti-government demonstrations, he was accused by some of the demonstrators of working as an undercover agent for the government, which he denies. After he was attacked twice and threatened with death, he moved himself and his family to Atlanta, he said.
But he entered the country in 2004 on a tourist visa and did not immediately file the paperwork seeking asylum, he said. "I had plans to return to Salvador when the situation got better, but that never happened," he said.
He has cited post-traumatic stress disorder as the reason for the delay.
The judge cited three reasons for the denial: the late filing, the fact that no Salvadoran journalists have been killed or attacked for political reasons during the past two years, and the fact that Guevara could not demonstrate that the police would not protect him, Guevara said.
"Right now, I feel as a victim, frustrated," he said, adding that he plans to appeal. "I understand that the United States is the best country in the world. But right now, I'm confused."
Guevara said he was convinced that those who threatened to kill him nine years ago would find him if he were to return. "Death threats have no expiration date," he said. And the possibility of returning to the country unnoticed would be slim, he said. Prensa Grafica and other Salvadoran newspapers published stories Friday about his case.
"I do not want to return to a country where there is a lot of peril," he said. "I do not want that life for my children."
Guevara said he understands better now why some people contemplate suicide, though he said he has not done so himself.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement public information officer Vincent Picard said that the department would not track Guevara down and deport him if he chooses not to leave voluntarily, but - absent permission to work - that would only leave him in limbo, Guevara said.
"Voluntary departure is not an option for me," he said. "I don't see going to El Salvador as an option. Here in this country, I have found everything I need."
About In America
What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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These people . . . do they love America or do they love what America has to offer ? They are like a bad girlfriend who sticks around because you have money, and will sue you after a break up or leave when you get broke.
They don't love America, they love what they get from America: the EBT, the good life and the free food and the money and...
What if America goes broke to a point that life turns sour over here, will they stick around. There are reports that Mexicans are self deporting due to the poor economy, I guess we need 4 more years of Obama to reduce the flow Xicans....
I bet you have it too!
I find it interesting how many of you post about how they are here illegally and make them out to be the worst criminals ever when 99% of you don't even know what "law" they broke. Do some research people and learn about the system before you post your unintelligent statements. If there was a legal route for these people they would have taken it. There is no legal route to take. Again, do some research.
His brother became a citizen the legal way.
And his mommy. She should have held his hand and helped him fill out the paperwork on time.
Well, Well, if as you say there is no legal route for these people to get here, then they should stay at home and not break the law. There is NOT a right for everyone in the world to come live in the USA.
Terry, I totally agree with you. And what tools and skills are each of the immigrants bring with them to make the USA a better place.
Reply to Realism – Do you REALLY think that this guy's job as a journalist is something that we need to import from another country !!! ??? Do you REALLY think that USA citizens are not able to be journalists ? Do you REALLY think we need more people to fill jobs in this country with our unemployment rate.?? !! Realism may be your post name, but you sure aren't living up to the name.
There is always the legal route. He can get in line like every other law abiding applicant. Then again he can always go to another country. Our immigration laws exist for a reason.
The current laws are in place to support the wealthy not the man or family that wants to provide a better life for themselves. If you have 40 or 50 thousand dollars sitting idle you may be able to get in. Look at the majority of the illegals and I agree they are illegal, if they had an opportunity to legally immigrate they would. The game has changed since the Irish, Germans or anyone of the immigrants we welcomed at Ellis Island. We NEED people that will work, support their families and make this a better country. I don't think this applies in his case but we need to relook/reform the stupid system
He definitely did have a legal way and it wasn't important enough for him at the time to take it. If he had filed for asylum in a timely manner rather than choosing to live and work in the US in violation of our immigration laws, then he probably would have been approved at the time and given the appropriate visa and would at this time be eligible to apply for citizenship. Instead, he figured he could just ignore the law... and waited until he no longer qualified for asylum to apply for it. His current immigration problems are precisely because he chose to NOT take the legal route open to him. This is one illegal immigrant that I have absolutely no sympathy for.
Yes, he's an illegal immigrant. And Yes, the judge is correct and the sentence is adequate. Now, let's decide if this tax-paying, gainfully-employed brother of an active serviceman, son of a citizen, is the type of person we want. I'd take him over many of our US-born anyday, frankly.
How is he paying taxes if he does not have a proper work permit or Social Security #. What taxes are these people paying, I wish someone could answer that for me. And, I am not taliking about sales tax on food or clothing. I'm talking about personal property tax and filing of Federal taxes.
Anybody can get a social security number and pay their taxes. How do you think international students go to college here? You don't even need to be of legal status. People, pllleeassse inform yourselves before commenting.
Hey "Realism", Maybe you should ask the rich in this country the same question. They pay less tax than I do!
Immigrants, legal and illegal pay a lot into the tax system. Most of them don't file to get the deserved refund. Social Security has a huge account with money that was taken on fraudulent social security cards that employers were paying into.
margaret all they have to do is claim 10 dependants and then they owe because a smaller ammount will not be deducted . or whoevers ss number they stole will have to work it out with the IRS. happens all the time. if it happens to you you just may change your tune. which would be the kind of change we can believe in.
Shows how much you know you Dork! The US government allows for taxes to be paid using an INS # if you do not have a SSN.
Amen....send congress in his place.
He should go back and re-enter the country legally. Laws must be respected; otherwise, its not worth the paper that was written on.
He didn't play the game "correctly" and lost. Is he a victim? Only in his mind.
go home.
The largely liberal and open borders mainstream media just loves running these human interest stories about some illegal alien "victim" of our laws. But without obeying or enforcing those laws, it in the long run creates a bigger mess for most American citizens and those aliens who reside here legally.
Why do you read so much into this story? Why are you deviantly focused on your "Liberal" conspiracy? Both sides agree that immigration reform is necessary. This story focuses on someone who was actively covering the same issue and should have known better. That makes it news.
Hey "zaglossus" be careful....your trying to send all the gardeners and nannies of the RICH away.....
The US immigration system is not broken, it's just has a long fukkkin line. Just think of it like a ride at Disneyland.
Honesty is its own reward.
Perhaps he should go to Europe, many countries there have less explicitly racist immigration laws.
Requires a lot of swimming... too much work for these lazy latinos...
Hey "Snotty".....your name says it all....go take a long walk on a short pier.
And remember "snotface" ....Mittens Romney is a LATINO.
Baloney. It wouldn't matter if the guy were from El Salvador, China, Nigeria, Ireland or Canada. He is breaking the laws of this country by being here with out the explicit permission of the United States government. Your remark is lazy, playing the race card where no racism exists.
Actually – coming from one of these European countries named – there is inherent racism – in fact the European system is modeled on the American system with visa types and such – the problem is that they are a lot tighter and even more stupid when it comes to making decisions about highly qualified people. This is while turning a blind eye to the fella putting out his food at the Chinese restaurant and cutting his lawn. Europe already indoctrinated America with racism – Europe in some places has fixed racism, in others most definitely not – and its funny – the places that have the greatest problem are some of the countries who have had the harshest treatment up until recently – funny how the minute you get a little bit of power it goes to your head.
My friends! The immigration reform is here slowly gaining ground, 'cause this country need us,and the hard core who wants us out better be face the reality " we are a nationo of immigrants".
Be carefull the Spanish population is growing.Treat people the way you wanna be treat. Peace out.
Don't break the law (something we have here) and you won't have any reason to be afraid.
Why do Latinos believe the law doesn't apply to them?
Many would be more than happy to extend their visas legally, but you have to have a lawyer and $$$$!!! People think that it's oh so easy to get legal status. They don't realize it costs thousands and thousands of dollars. And if you don't have the right to work, where are you going to get money? Most people spent every penny they had just to get here. The only EASY way is to be dishonest and marry an American.
To be an American, you must adopt the American ways, not expect America to be another country without the hassles you have had in the other country. That would not be America.
Zero sympathy. I don't like doing my taxes every year, but it has to be done in a timely manner, same with my bills and health forms. This guy needs to grow up. He was lazy and didn't fill out the paperwork. The judge made the right call.
Don't talk about something you know nothing about. Seeking asylum is incredibly risky and difficult. Everything stated has to be proven with factual evidence which could take years to even get a hold of.
Evidently you didn't read the article or the judge's ruling. Also I have family members from South America who somehow figured out how to fill out paperwork in a timely manner to stay here.
Your relatives seeked ASYLUM? Did they work for the media? Were their lives in danger? Over 95% of Asylum requests are denied.
I'm still laughing at the fact that you think seeking asylum is equivalent to doing your yearly taxes. Ha Ha Ha!!!!
I'm still laughing you don't understand the concept of filling out paperwork and meeting deadlines!
When you seek an asylum visa, you lose your chance to ever go back to your country again. This is a very hard decision for many people and it's not just something you can decide overnight. They are always putting it off, hoping that things will improve and they can go back home. Most of the time, they don't.
They spend years talking to lawyers, paying every penny they have. Many of you will never understand what it's like to be in this situation. So don't judge. Have some humanity and compassion.
You really have no clue. When somebody ask for asylum they are arguing that if they go back to their native country they will be in danger. So if the asylum is approved it means that the applicant can stay as a permanent resident in the US with the option to seek naturalization and citizenship at a later time.
There is no stipulation of never be able to go back. In 1982 I defected from a communist country and asked for political asylum in the US. I was approved and got my perm residency and then citizenship. When communism fell in 1989 I went back to visit. So I know how it works.
In this guys case he came here overstayed his visas and thought that he could get around the 10 years ban by claiming asylum. If he'd done that in the 80's and early 90's he would be approved because El Salvador was at that time a military dictatorship. Today however, El Salvador is a democracy and there is no danger of going back, and that's why he was denied.
To summarize. This guy came here on tourist visas, overstayed his welcome and gambled he could finagle his way in by claiming asylum. His gamble did not work and he is now banned from the US for 10 years. Too bad.
He needs to talk to some illegals about staying here without real papers. Millions find a way all the time.
I think just about anyone can break into someone's mansion and find just about everything they need to live a good life. Hispanics trash their countries and then expect the USA to give them more life support. Once the hispanics drain all the lifelines the USA has built over the years, Canada is prolly next. LOCUSTS…...
Nah, the Chinese are the Locusts in the world. They are currently sucking the resources out of Africa.
and if he felt he's a 'victim', well, don't stay....get out!!!
this guy doesn't know what 'asylum' meant...
""Right now, I feel as a victim"
Yet another case of criminal as victim, made so by his own actions.
If you feel unsafe in El Salvador, move to another country. Just not the US. Since you violated our immigration laws that door is now closed. In any case, this late claim of fear seems more contrived and self-serving than real.
Divorce the wife, marry an American citizen, get citizenship right away. Everybody live as one big happy family. Oh, gotta find an American man to marry the wife and sponsor her. Everybody live in the same house and nobody has to know who is sleeping where or with whom. Just check out all the illegals from other countries and count how many of them live under the same roof. Bet no one knows what's up. But before you know it, they all get their citizenship.
Why didn't he just have his mother who is citizen file for him. All he had to do was divorce his wife and become single again, have his mother file or his brother. It would take 10 years but he would get his citizenship. And he and his wife could still live as wife and husband just illegally. After he gets his citizenship he re-marries his wife and file for her and the kid and they would get it immediately. No waiting. This is one stupid guy. His job – if they cared enough about him – could also have sponsored him. What lawyer advised him?
This post, like nearly all the posts here, is wrong and based on ignorance of the law, of economics, and international relations. I am an immigration attorney. This guy likely made a series of poor decisions and his options are now very limited. I will agree however, that if he had a lawyer (most do not have one and the government does not provide one as they do in criminal matters) that lawyer probably did a poor job (most do). Immigration judges are also wildly different in what claims they grant. Look at the Syracuse TRAC study. And from now on, stop posting when you really have no idea what you are talking about. This is the story of one person, but THAT is the real problem.
I am not going to second guess the judge, but we do need to take a more serious look at simplifying our immigration laws and enforcing them. We do not have unlimited resources, and these are hard times for many American citizens. Illegal immigrants have been a means of keeping labor costs at or below subsistence levels by some businesses who know and/or pay corruptable officials (at any level) to look the other way. Illegal immigrants often work at jobs that American citizens prefer not to do, but in hard times a job is a job if it puts food on the table. Legal immigrants welcome!.
I'm so tired of people saying JOBS Americans won't work at. Since when is construction something Americans won't do? That is just one of the job sectors that has been taken over by illegal immigration. Who did construction before? There are many other trades that are overrun by illegals that Americans would love to do but are pushed out of because of the lower wages and no benefits paid to illegal workers. If we had every work place made to use E-Verify we wouldn't be having this conversation about illegal immigration. A simple test to determine if you are legally allowed to work in the US would stop what everyone says is the reason illegals come to the US. That and stop all welfare to illegals and within a decade are problem would be a lot less. Of course there are those who say self deportation won't work. Just look at the number of illegals that have left the country because of the bad economy, that says it right there.
Now we should feel sorry for these scofflaws?
"Immigration and Customs Enforcement public information officer Vincent Picard said that the department would not track Guevara down and deport him if he chooses not to leave voluntarily" ,,, This guy should be fired immediately for refusing to enforce the laws that he has sworn to uphold.
"Right now, I feel as a victim, frustrated," so do us taxpayers since illegals cost us 110 billion a year.
The story is about this man, who costs you nothing and contributes to the economy through services, consumption, and tax payments.
Wrong. He indeed DOES cost us money, yes, this man. Because there are millions and millions like him. And yes, these individuals do cost us money. Now, when we CITIZENS of the U.S. do NOT need to use a passport to get back into the U.S. simply from going to Canada for a day or two, when my own wife does not need to carry around her green card and pay renewal fees, not to mention the time and expense of getting her legally to the U.S. and etc, etc, etc, etc....then maybe we can argue about this. But he's such a phony..."oh, I had PTSD, that's why I didn't ask for asylum many years ago". Baloney!
Too bad that a lot of the "illegals" actually serve this country much better than so many born and bred, hillbilly, illiterate, LAZY, drug-addicted, Americans. Let's deport THEM instead! Yes, I was born here in the US.
I feel real bad for TAB having had to grow up in a poverty ridden area of the USA and never meeting the real Americans who are responsible and work for a living. Our neighborhood is mainly pure Americans and everyone here works. Some Americans are trailer trash like TAB who never have seen success…….
Man ! A reporter – tough job !!!! He doesn't look like he has been sweating too much.
try reading the story next time. You'll probably make another stupid comment, but try reading first.
Joma,
Your clearly missing the point and trying to characterize citizens who are tired of subsidizing the invasion of our country by illegal aliens through our tax dollars. Our laws provide a way to enter this country legally. These aliens have chosen to ignore that process and take it upon themselves to cross our borders illegally (which is why they're called 'illegal'). The cost to U.S. taxpayers is substantial because we are expected to foot the bill for their education, medical needs, and social services.
Why is that so hard to understand? You're attempt to describe these citizens as backwoods racists is a pathetic attempt to ignore the real issues. You don't leave the front door of your home open to anyone who wants to come into your house, do you? Why? Because you work hard for the things you have in your house! It's exactly the same argument with illegal aliens. We're at the point now where public school teachers have to teach some classes in Spanish! That is just sickening.
PTSD – that is the reason he cites as why he didn't apply earlier. Lord, PTSD is cited for everything these days. Does anyone NOT have it?
It is estimated that all people will suffer from ptsd at one point in their lives. The severity varies according to the severity of their experience.
Kormallain – I think your defination of PTSD is the same defination I have for the word "life."
So life itself causes PTSD for all of us? Goodness, now we all have a reason for all bad decisions we make in our lifetime. We no longer have to say. "The devil made me do it." No personal responsiblity required for anyone.
Yes America is a great country and I sure this illegal alien did find "Here in this country, I have found everything I need." But Americans need this foreigner to obey the law and "Get out" like the law requires! Millions of Americans do not have jobs and there are not enough jobs for American citizens let alone foreign scofflaws who don't give a darn about obeying American laws. This foreigner's story is indicative of a greater problem including journalists biased reporting in America. In Minnesota this week a 16 year old girl was killed by an illegal alien as she sat outside her high school (Driver of SUV that killed teen in St. Paul had no license http://www.startribune.com/local/east/161614985.html). Where is the nationwide media story on that poor American child killed by an illegal alien who shouldn't even have been here? Where is the media outrage? And will the moderators even let this post be placed?
Here, here, you wanna play you gotta pay and illegal is illegal. You got caught in something you knew was wrong and you need to pay the piper!!! Wish more judges had the brass cahonies to make similar judgements. But wait, what is this, Obama the Great and his Department of Injustice will swoop in and save the day, gotta have that Latino vote you know!
LOL kind of ironic, you squacking about how America needs this guy to obey the law! With the largest police force, the largest prison population and the highest crime per capita rate, sounds like America does not give a sheise about the law anyway!!!
And maybe, just maybe, this is a country of laws and when someone breaks them the police actually go out and catch them, unlike other countries. Such a concept isn't it. How many people do you think would be in jail, hmmm let us take Mexico, if they were to actually go out and catch them and then properly prosecute them, hmmm?
Dude, the reason for lack of jobs is not this person. The reason for lack of jobs is bad economic policy. There were less people in 1930 yet the Great Depression happened with 30% unemployment. There were few illegal immigrants in 1982 yet there was 10% unemployment. Unemployment is caused by bad economic policy .. not by the presence of people. More workers should translate to a better economy, not worse.
Love it!I couldn't have said it better myself.These people are hateful and ignorant.But,claim to know and be the truth for all Americans.I'm empathetic to his cause,but,I also have to say he's a journalist who covers immigration issues,why didn't file??Did he not think he would the same fate as those who covered in his stories?
So he tried to job the system and he got turned down. Welcome to the real world. Thousands of legitimate immigration requests get turned down so now you can go home and have your family apply for your immigration visa the proper way and spend the time and money going through the process just as my wife and I and hundreds of thousands have
Send the anchor babies back with them too. Why should Americans have to support them? We owe them nothing and will never accept them as Americans.
Oh, please! They will get small business loans, if they want them, and not have to pay taxes for five years – or, bankrupt out from under their failure. Either way, they get a free ride.
I can't believe how heartless everyone is. They are trying to do it legally, where is the illegal in that? I wish people people would look at what it's like to live in other parts of the world in peril. They would understand how desperate people are to get here and keep their families safe. The immigration rules in our country make is very difficult and take a long time to become naturalized, if ever. The rules need to be changed so people can get here easier-just like the old days where most of our ancestors came over with nothing and no good reason to be here besides it having "everything they need".
"Frustrated:
I can't believe how heartless everyone is. They are trying to do it legally, where is the illegal in that?"
The illegal is entering the country 8 years ago on a tourist visa with the intent of NOT being a tourist and having no intent on ever leaving.
Way to go Judge! This needs to happen to every last one and their spawn. Romney better get the message. No amnesty. No way.
Your Richard will Hertz all the more when Romney fails to be elected, despite all the corporate fatcat money thrown his way.
So where do you think Obama is getting his millions? Most of these fat cats as you call them play it both ways to cover their bets.
Unless you come to work cheap, really cheap.
The U.S. government creates refugees across the world by meddling in everyones business and instigating war and civil unrest then cries surprise when all the third worlders seek refuge here. Who profits?
he doesn't feel what "the people feel;" he feels what illegals, and their advocates, feel.
we, "the people;" feel that illegals have invaded our country, and we, "'the people,"
don't want them here. it's as simple as that.
For sure your ancestors were "illegal" in this country, nobody invited them, only Indians are legal here.
No, we weren't illegal. There was no immigration law, therefore no one was an "illegal immigrant". I am so tired of hearing that moronic, baseless argument.
Native Americans*
All of my great grandparents came through Ellis Island and had to follow all the rules, including learning English! Enough of your logic – follow the rules!
"Stopabortion" momentarily stopped picking his nose, picked up a crayon and scribbled: " ... only Indians are legal here."
Immigrants are the best thing that has happened to the USA.
You DO realize that the Indians haven't yet invented the WHEEL when they were discovered by the Europeans.
So, how far back to you want everyone in the WORLD to go back to where his or her ancestors started? With your premise, most of the people who live in Mexico would have to return to Spain or some other European country since most have some white European background. If they are not full Native then they are no different than your premise about most Americans. It is a domino effect if you want everyone to start moving around not just who is in America.
"he doesn't feel what "the people feel;" he feels what illegals, and their advocates, feel.
we, "the people;" feel that illegals have invaded our country, and we, "'the people,"
don't want them here. it's as simple as that."
This "we the people" has no issue whatsoever with him being here so don't presume to speak for me.
"We the people" adresses the majority not the minority. You are in the minority so it isn't speaking for you in this case.
I think he should be allowed to stay. He appears to be a honest family man who is clearly in danger if he returns to his country. I don't know why everyone shows so much hatred for him. He isn't a drug dealer, etc. He is educated and skilled and his work as a journalist under difficult conditions could benefit the US. His family has served in the US military. In the mean time, we have countless born and bred Americans that won't work and draw welfare, that fill the prisons, or find other ways to harm the rest of us. Yet this man is none of that. We need more American citizens like him.
"I don't know why everyone shows so much hatred for him."
I don't hate him. I just think he should have followed the rules and he has no one to blame but himself for not following the rules. The judge didn't hate him, either, but he told him to leave the country in 60 days, anyway. And, he gave good solid reasons for doing so.
Oh, that's what we need – more people doing that real difficult job of journalist. Tough job !
He came here on a touiist visa ....over stayed eight years ...and had two kids.Now,he is digging in his heels...daring us to throw him out.
""Voluntary departure is not an option for me," he said. "I don't see going to El Salvador as an option. Here in this country, I have found everything I need."
You don't have to go back to El Salvador; but, you can't stay here.
Sorry, i can't spare any pity for you, as long as I, as a natural born citizen, am being discriminated against because I'm not a minority from another country. If I was from El Salvador and here legally, I would be able to get a small business loan to start the business of my choice and not have to pay income tax for five years. But, because I was born here, no help is available to me to start a business of any kind. I'm not the right color and not from the right part of the world – I was born HERE.
Richard, Richard. Yes, you read about it all the time- El Salvadorans just clammoring to get here and get one of them there small business loans. That a-way, they can take your rightful opportunities from you. Do you actually sit home and say, "man! if I could just get one of them loans.."?
"Do you actually sit home and say, "man! if I could just get one of them loans.."?"
No, I overcame the adversity, started my own business, employed people, paid for their medical insurance, sold the company, and watched in horror as the Schedule 144 stock I got in compensation for selling my business evaporate as the tech bubble burst. And, there wasn't a damned thing I could do about it – Schedule 144 stock can't be touched for a year for some reason. So, I lost over 90%. And, now, I can't start over – because, I can't get a small business loan because I am a white man who was born in the US. I'm relegated to working for someone else, now, for a fraction of what I'm really worth.
Thanks for showing such concern for my situation.
Oh, it's just so hard for us white folks; why, we're discriminated against so badly that our median family net worth is barely 6 times non white families.
He should feel happy now that he can go back and report against his own country. As other poster mentioned, he has the fresh face of coming herfe ilegally and start whining and crying against the government... is like me forcing my entry into my neighbor's house, then monopolize his couch and start whining and crying about him not been a good host. What's going on with the Latino Americanos these days? What's wrong with you guys, aprendan a respetar y obedecer de una vez!! (Learn to respect and obey for once!!)
So he came here and stayed illegally. His famiily has done the work to become citizens but he could not be bothered and now he is upset we are deporting himj. Sorry folks, time for him to go home and apply for a return like the law says. If other memebers of the family became citizens where was he while they did all that work? He thinks he is special or something??? no way, send him home.
Funny that for illegals USA is the one to blame for everything bad that happens in their life once here... but you never hear them blaming the miserable country they came from...
Chose the wrong place to live. California is the "sanctuary" for any criminal illegal invader. Hide in plain sight there. Laws...we don't follow no stinking immigration laws....
The audacity of this guy is astounding. I hope they drag him to the plane and literally boot him onto it. I'd like to be there to see that. what a complete jerk. And why would they not hunt him down and deport him? It's their responsibility to do that. I mean, isn't that what we citizens PAY them to do?!
Yeah,but Obama has their hands tied.
funny thing is that, his brother live to protect the one who kick him out of the country. stupid American.. u saying China? China is within you America ... lol
SAY WHAT? Speak English please.This is not a press one for English..or press two for what ever..site.
"Voluntary departure is not an option for me," he said. "I don't see going to El Salvador as an option. Here in this country, I have found everything I need."
How many other people around the globe have this sentiment? American is a nation of laws. People don't get to stay just because they want to. They need to honor our laws before they live in our country, no matter from where on the planet. I once spoke with a student studying in US from China who wasn't hesitant to say she was staying here after graduation, whether we liked it or not.
"Voluntary departure is not an option for me" – Interesting because the only way one is granted voluntary departure is if they specifically request it from the immigration court...
You people bola de estupidos, AMERICAN CULTURE , MY COUNTRY ....etc etc etc ...you guys don't realize that America is nothing ,no culture, no history ,no country no RACE! .........
amigo, i am going to give you 30 seconds to start running...so make a run for the border...right now
Im guessing by the time you count to 30 he'll be an old man.
Latin American culture is all from Spain, language,religon,and architecture.
All the previous culture was ,for the most part, wiped out.
bye bye, don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Lke most journalists they think they are above the laws
Amen
Good bye...maybe next time you'll remember there are correct ways and incorrect ways to go about doing something. Pinche joto
I bet he was able to vote for Obama in 2008
Goodbye you latino piece of garbage
Maybe he has done something else that he doesn't want to face up to back home.
Goodbye and Don't let the door hit you in the butt.
So forget about asylum and get citizenship. He has family members who will sign for him. Why is this news?
That takes YEARS and he would have to go home. He is not leaving at all.
Kerry, That right there is the problem with immigration, because he has family he has to start over from scratch and the process could take anything between 8-10 years. I know this because I had to do a similar thing myself and luckily I got mine done prior to 9/11 but I have a brother with a similar situation and he submitted his post 9/11 and he still has 2 years to go. The system is broken even for the people that want to do it "the right way"
If it keeps hispanics and latinos out of the country the system is not broken its working just fine.
What I do not understand is, how is it possible to be here illegally, and have children here, who automatically become citizens????? As far as I am concerned if you are here illegally so are your children. We need to tightened up the laws.
I agree. If at least one parent is not a US citizen, then the kids should not be. We have people who have figured out a way to abuse the system by coming here illegally, having a baby, in hopes that they will get to stay. The reporters' story sounds made up to me and I bet the asylum tactic was just a last ditch effort to try to get to stay in the US.
"But right now, I'm confused."
What part of the judge's ruling, which was very clear, do you not understand? There are rules and requirements for political asylum. You didn't meet them. Adios.
"as a victim"
Victim of what? Stupidity?
So the policy is now that the gov't is not deporting any illegal unless they have a criminal record or tick them off?
Remember the NYC hotel maid who averted visa-violation deportation by getting amnesty, claiming gang rape in Ghana? She was found to be LYING about it to get citizenship, the woman Strauss-Kahn from IMF was accused of raping -and it turns out, he may well have, only b/c of HER LIE for amnesty, she was no longer credible -and the case tanked, and he got away scott free -and went on to offend again apparently.
I just do not believe this man is in real danger or has ptsd. Also, if it's so bad there, Man Up like Dr King, and lead The People to Freedom. Dr King knew Every Day HIS life was in danger, and the environment was hostile. He also changed America and the world too.
Do not understand if Obama's uncle and aunt who illegally are in the country are allowed to live here, this guy who legally applied to stay here, cannot. Hummm. I guess being the president you have what ever you want.
"He has cited post-traumatic stress disorder as the reason for the delay."
All the more reason to deport. We have enough mentally disabled here already.
Really? A journalist with a job in a real paper, and he doesn't understand 'deadlines'?
Sorry, we're filled up, and there are lots of people trying to get in who are following the rules.
Yeah, I agree. No one believes your post-traumatic stress story either. If you're not here legally, get the hell out!
"Immigration and Customs Enforcement public information officer Vincent Picard said that the department would not track Guevara down and deport him if he chooses not to leave voluntarily..."
Why not? This is how we got to the estimated 13 million illegals we have in the US. Government agencies funded by tax dollars just refusing to do the job they're paid to do.
"I do not want to return to a country where there is a lot of peril," he said. "I do not want that life for my children."
NEITHER DID THE PATRIOTS OR DR KING.
Now you know how to behave when you return.
Goodbye, and don't forget not to write.
lol
Sagebrush Shorty, YOU should be deported back to where your family came from. However, being sensitive to humanitarian feelings, I would let you write back.
So many negative comments here, I wonder how those readers would feel if they would also be deported to their ancestor's place of origin.
Why worry? They are entering a deportation order against him. They said they are not going to deport him if he does not leave voluntarily. He said he is not going to leave voluntarily. They are leaving this guy in limbo like the other illegals.
Just think what would happen if every country in the world would drop all their safe guards and let people live where ever they wanted and do what ever they wanted, it would be a pathetic living hell, Mexico, Latin America, are Countries that believe in such a society but still don't understand their world maybe corrupted can be better if they created a society using there own resources, They have the capability so why can't they? because it's easier to steal a car than buy one sort of speak. It's easier to take from a countries resources than to apply their own kind of like how the early cave man lived wouldn't you think, So this guy is whining because he has to leave the U.S. boo hoo hoo Go get legal the legal way chump.
It's more about resource depletion and religious-cultural madated overbreeding.
The worse places are still poppen em out left and right, while wanting 'the better life' of people with SUSTAINABLE 2 birthrates.
They cannot have it both ways. Latin America's high birthrate, as well as ME, Africa, SE Asia, Haiti are exactly why they are Third Wolrd and will continue to be that way as long as the people insist on theoir economically and environmentally UNSUSTAINABLE birthrates.
please take your children with you and don't let the door hit you on the way out.
Asylum is not granted in 98.9999% of the cases where the seeker of such is not being persecuted by the government of their country. Thousands of Mexican police, reporters, elected officials, and general citizenry are deported back to Mexico every year after their failed bid for asylum in America.
Where did you get this data? Provide the link.
"I understand that the United States is the best country in the world. But right now, I'm confused."
==========================
Not according to many liberals in the CNN "Why is America Exceptional" articles.
Clap. Clap. funnie. You win the biggest clown award.
I bet he was one of the loudmouths demonstrating and rioting while waving El Salvador flag and "demanding" rights. I am a naturalized citizen who respect laws of this country. It is an affront to me to see illegal aliens getting preferences while thousands of skilled and educated people are waiting to get permission to immigrate here. This suppose to be a Nation of Laws.
TY for your post.
I feel blessed to be born in a nation of immigrants, so I hate when I am accused of bigotry for wanting common sense Immigration Laws enforced, and loopholes like the 14th repealled.
This isn't about race, ethnicity or country of origin, it is about Right and Wrong.
Don't let the door hit you on the way OUT. Now a naturalized US citizen from south of the border has a chance at a job.
Anyone in Atlanta want to help him and two family members find their way to an ICE center?
Any american citizens (other than his mother/brother who will be of no help) who know where these illegals are, better do everything they can to help them fiind their way out of our country. He has already said he will not leave voluntarily, so now, he has slapped us in the face after a court order telling him to get out, after being here illegally for how many years?
I want to keep the bigger picture clear... When he gets back to El Salvador, nobody is making him stay there, just don't come to the USA again. He can leave for South America, Mexico or anywhere else but here. Ooops, forgot, almost no other country in the world will treat him as well as we have. They will treat him exactly like he should be, an illegal immigrant who overstayed, leached the system, and then refused to leave.
Correction: Any American ...missed capitalizing American, had to correct that and show some pride.
What does my butt in church have to do with his political asylum? I would grant you more than most for your service to our country and appreciate your generally well articulated (and valid) points; however, I fail to see the connection in this instance.
Please,Your a trader and ignorant to boot, Not all immigrants are fighting to get here because they just want to be here. Immigration protects us from infectious diseases, hard core criminals,gang members. The people I want here are the ones that have waited patiently and completed the required paperwork. I do not think rewarding lazy, ignorant, self serving people that just ignore the laws of our country.
You must not read. He is a journalist, so educated he is. He isn't lazy because he works or worked for Mundo. Next time keep your ignorant, BS comments to yourself.
Democrats suck.
Great post. However, all the man had to do was file a little paperwork on time. One would think if your life were in peril and some paperwork would save it, filing would become a priority
CNN is really aiming to make themselves into the Chicano News Network aren't they? Daily it seems like four or five stories decrying immigration policies.
Perfect!
Good deport that piece of trash.
well to be honest I dont pitty him. illegal is illegal!!! theres no in between. this country has WAY too many ilegals as it is. over the past 10 years ive watched my neighbor hood turn entirely to spanish. advertising bill boards are now in spanish. wal-mart and korger food stores now cater to the spanish language. allong with its people. they want to live here? then go threw the legal process and learn english. and then pay your taxes. instead of relying on other people so you can get a free ride.
Hi I am a racist.
just dont like trash. my neighborhood was once middle class. now its lower class. I guess you enjoy seeing signs go from english to spanish. making you feel like the forigner because you cant understand anyone. and they wont learn english, instead they suggest you learn spanish. now you can call me a raciest.
I agree, I am sympathetic to suffering in any form but hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people die every week all over the world so its hard to place anyone above anyone else. The obvious is rewarding the lawful
Seems like you sir need to learn English too.
He wanted to keep his option open to go back, now he can. But he is lucky that US will not pursue him for deportatio. He needs to find a very low profile job in the US for the sake of his family, or is his ego to large?
Yeah. Keep a low profile now. Get a job as a dishwasher or a house painter, and please try not to molest any children while you're here.
totally agree with you. It doesnt help that our politicians pander to them for the votaes instead of protecting our borders. Soon hispanics will be the majority and elect our government.
That's going to be great, I mean look at the wonderful job they do in Mexico. Coruption, murder abound!
wes, ignore him, people always use the race card when they have no other cards to play.
Obviously you are not a racist, you stated clearly 'immigrate legally', and the US welcomes Legal immigrants from every race, religion, creed, ethnicity (Now try going to some of their countries or origin and finding the same -You won't)
You didn't say, I hate all ---, don't let any in under any terms'.
Nothing worng with not wanting the Third World spreading to your home.
Also, you hit the nail on the head with the stores catering to them. High Latin birthrate of 6.9 (Catholic, no birth control) is worth 100s of billions more than US sustainable 2.3 to Walmart, huggies, similac formula, monsanto, pepsi, mcdonalds, disney, merck, private prison & foster etc etc etc . FOLLOW THE MONEY. Who spends more> Someone with 2 kids or 8? They do not care if this will end in economic and environmental disaster -or that the US tax payers fund most of it. Bigger breeders = Bigger profits. THAT is why NO US-MX border. (cheap labor is a distant second.)
He's a "reporter." He should know better. Let me guess what his next stream of articles will be – you guessed it – "ANCHOR BABIES!"
Anchor babies are not a real thing. This is a fable that conservative pundits tell each other to further their own agenda, the same goes for Jesus, the young Earth, and the war on Christmas.
That's right, buddy! I'll SEE your "anchor babies," and I'll RAISE you one "your religion is completely fake" - you gonna fold, or call?
I call. I'll show you my cards the day you die and face your maker.. You might want to fold now.. Just sayin..
Normally I dont dignify ignorant fools but in your case I will make an exception.The war on Christmas is real.
You don't believe in anchor babies? Walk into any Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory or shopping mall around the first of the month.
Anchor babies in no way allow illegal parents to stay, just allows the babies to stay. The government does not care if the families are separated if the parents are illegal, so anchor babies do no good insuring the illegal parents get to stay. When you apply for a hardship waiver after a visa has been denied, which his would, because he was here illegally and after leaving will have to be gone for 10 years, he can tell them that the youngest are US citizens, and the answer would be, they don't have to be deported and can come back at any time, that has nothing to do with the father, so anchor babies don't anchor the illegal parents to the US, just insures that tiny American citizens either leave the country with their parents or stay with legal family members in the US while that illegal parents leave the country.
He says the US is the best country in the world...then why did he decide to break it's laws?
Wish they would toss Ruben and Garcia too.
Precisely, the US is a great nation because of its laws. If he really wanted to be a part of it, he would have folowed them.
A reporter who has no concept of 'deadlines'? -not buying it.
Immigration was so slack here for so long, people just never expected things to change. I do feel bad for him up to a point. He is human -it's often our nature to cut corners, hedge a bet for a better deal -but not bad enough to OK law breaking -and whining too!
the politicians have deported more people this year than in the entire Bush administration's years combined. Where are you getting your info, a Crac k er Jack box? Was there a prize inside, too?
Chinese people live in China. Iranians live in Iran. Russians live in Russia. Mexicans live in Mexico. Those countries belong to people of those races.
In America's case, there is no such race as an American, it's merely a citizenship. America doesn't belong to Americans as Americans have come from all over the place. If you hand it over to Native Americans, they may have the right to not let you or any others in. But you are not in a position to tell anyone else to come in just because you got in earlier. If you want foreigners out, you need to get out, your parents and grandparents need to get out if still alive.
Americans came from all over the world- before the country called USA was set up.
Mexico belongs to Mexicans- illegals, please go back to there, or wherever they belong to.
The Indians and Europeans you see may not look like they ‘belong’ here, but they are here lawfully. It is not about looks, but obeying the law.
Illegal immigrants are just that- ILLEGAL.
The Law says other wise.
And your logic is flawed -and actually racist -as the 'go back where you came from' rants always refer to White Eurpoeans.
Well, which is it? Colonization, Law Breaking, Assuming Land Rights was only bad when Evil Whit ie did it, but it is OK now? -as what Pay Back? 2 worngs make a right?
People like you are always clear that what happened in the US 300 yrs ago was bad -and then use those past deeds to justify like-behavior now. Hypocrisy.
Henry Ford and the Bund are with you, my friend! Mass deportations have never resulted in anything but total economic success and unarguable retention of the moral high ground!
Blame American citizens for offering people jobs without the appropriate paperwork... Sure, we'd still have some people here illegally, but they don't come here for the weather.... they come to make money...
We create the market – they just fill the positions that we want them to ('we' of course refers to our fellow Americans that hire)
So far today I've been called a racist and some word I've never heard.All from saying the truth.Like the old saying goes.The truth hurts.It must really hurt the opposite of right,they're the ones always getting defensive.I can say something negative about Romney...no problem.If I say something negative about Obama or Holder,the cry babies come out and I don't mean the closet!
if you don't like Obama because his policies are leftist, and in reality his policies are to the right of Nixon's... you might be a red n e ck!
Obama's policies: continued Bush's tax cuts for megacorps, who are taxed a LOWER rates than they were under Nixon, ensured corporate profits by bailing out major industries who had gone under through robber-baron behaviour, did not hesitate to use extraordinary (and extraordinarily successful) military intervention against NGOs including monsters that US foreign policy created back when we were fighting the Soviets, further safeguarded American industry by guaranteeing health insurance companies their profitability (through Mitt Romney's brilliant healthcare reform mandate to buy insurance)
Nixon's policies: Affirmative Action, refused military intervention in Chile when a Marxist President took over, Negotiated with Communists in the Soviet Union and China, chickened out of direct military assistance to global allies (part of the Nixon Doctrine, look it up), put an end to the Gold Standard, implemented Communist-like price controls resulting in Communist-like food shortages, and contributed to big government by implementing the EPA, OSHA, the National Environmental Policy Act, and attempted to increase Medicaid-style health care for the poor.
Compared to Obama, Nixon looks like a Flower Child.
you laugh, but it's absolutely true. If you knew anything about our history you'd know. The Republican party has gone so far to the right that its heroes Nixon, Reagan, others, could not get elected if they ran today. They would be ridiculed for being not conservative enough.
You are in dire need of a history less on how and why this country was built and who built it.
it was built on laws and not illegality. perhaps you should re-read the laws and get focused BOY.
Brownshirts are allergic to history. Also to lessons. Back when I was with the Howling Commandos, I found that punching works best.
xfiler93: What is illegality and what are papers? Get real. There are a ton of people who don't fit in that are legal. There are Indians and Arabs that get dressed as if they are still back home and not speak or understand English, yet they made their ways and became legal. There are a ton of people, say from Canada or Europe, that get dressed like Americans and speak multiple languages fluently, yet they are illegal. Which would you prefer? You have to stop this legality nonsense, having the papers really means nothing, fitting in is what matters and should be considered alone.
you are so right. we are the only ones having border issues. it is idiotic.
You mean blame the politicians for writing immigration laws, right?
He would be silly to return to EL Salvador, he may be in limbo without permission to work but they aren't likely to deport him, they now don't actively seek or deport people that don't have criminal records here now. And Obama wants an amnesty so bad, if he is re-elected there will certainly be one. I don't agree with it, no country south of the border permits illegals, but they shure want th USA to do it. I feel bad for people from poverty country backgrounds I've been to Mexico and parts of South America and seen real poverty and suffering, but I don't feel it"s USA's responsibility to try to save everyone, on the US citizens tax dime. That's just my opinion, Brad E.
i don't understand why ICE won't deport him. since the judge denied his application he should be arrested and deported. everyone knows he won't leave voluntarily so he will just get lost in the crown with the millions of other illegals who are here. ICE needs to do their job. He had many years to become a citizen and wants people to feel sorry for him now. i have no sympathy for him. all these illegals need to be deported and the government needs to start helping citizens who pay taxes and need jobs.
yeah, why aren't they just following orders? why wont they just do their jobs?
oh, wait, I know - they ran out of cattle-cars.
"Guevara said he understands better now why some people contemplate suicide, though he said he has not done so himself." ROFL
He has been refused the refugee status, not the immigration status. A refugee is defined as "A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.." even though he was not or he cannot prove to be a refugee, he should apply for a regular type of visa.
You are correct. This country needed immigrants for so long that the laws were written with a whole lot of flex. He could apply for another type of visa here or even in another country such as Canada which is desparate to add to the population.
Canada is NOT 'desperate to add to it's population'.
They have strict immigration laws precisely to protect themselves from the overpopulation crisis everywhere else is beginning to experience undeniably -Most places are desperate to add birth control mandates, TRUTH be told.
If we let illegal immigrants who are productive members of society stay here without any consequences then what does that say to people like my parents who spent years and the majority of their life savings to come here legally. Too bad for them that they believed in doing things the right way.
This guy broke the law of a country he claims to love. He should go back to his own country and try to come back the right way. If that doesn't work...try Canada.
For every tax payer dollar that is spent on illegal immigrants (productive or not, criminal or not) is a dollar not being spent on education for American kids, for veterans who serve our country and for police needed to keep our streets safe. I understand people wanting the American dream but not at the expense of people who have a legal right to it.
We obviously didn't spend enough tax dollars on YOUR education. It didn't take.
Write your Senators and Representatives today – demand that religion be taxed like all other businesses. It is ludicrous that these sham organizations operate tax free in our society.
stever, there's nothing wrong with what she said at all.
Illegal immigration is also hurtful to legal immigrants.
Good By.
Most ridiculous article. Why is this news? I can't believe I wasted my time reading this nonsense. CNN should write a story about the great work ICE agents are doing. Or even one about the well-reasoned decision by this judge. Seriously why is this guy even allowed to apply for asylum? I'm sure life in El Salvador is hard, but there should be no asylum from most countries. I get granting asylum to certain Christians or Jews from say Iran, but this Salvadoran needs to go home or to Canada! Good luck sir. I'm sure you are a great guy.
Hmm... I'm sorry, but illegal is illegal. Start packing.
Amazing how much your post insults me, but it really does. If as a person you are that threatened by your country you would post the proper paperwork and protect yourself and your family, you would do what it takes.
If American people ever find themselves in a situation where we have to leave our homeland and migrate to another country, I hope these other countries open their borders far and wide like we have. Not going to happen...
Everybody can speak up their thoughts but only a handfull will tell the truth...
I'm sorry. I must have missed the part of the article where it states that he was working for the paper legally. If he was not and the paper knew he was illegal, are they being prosecuted?
You can work there legally when you are in a state of limbo. You can even pay taxes as an illegal alien.
Here you have a man by all accounts a productive member of society who has family born here, family serving in the US military, pays taxes, has not been arrested or accused of a crime outside of his immigration status....and you want to send him away? People like DP and Calie don't speak for the majority, you speak for a minority of those who can't formulate an original thought and are relegated to repeating the hate speech of the talking heads on tv. Besides, can either of you two [or any others making your argument] prove that your ancestors arrived in this country legally? I say let him stay and keep paying in to the system. He is obviously completely invested in the American Dream.
How do you know DP and Calie are not in the majority? Because the media tells you so?
Hate speech is what shows the ignorance and hate that some individuals preach...
So who makes the decision about who should stay? You? Me? Them? The problem here is that we can't give asylum to anyone you like! It is something that should be granted sparingly. This guy waited over one year to file for asylum. Obviously he wasn't in fear of returning and only filed when he had no options. The first thing eastern Europeans fleeing the old soviet bloc did when they reached the west was to seek asylum. They didn't wait years. And el Salvador is not the soviet bloc! Besides there are millions around the world waiting to come legally. This guy shouldn't bypass the system at the expense of those waiting for a visa!
He needed to file right away. He knew that. His family knew that. He did not. I don't see why he should be allowed to stay ahead of others. He has his anchor babies to appeal for his return. We send back Haitians and feet wet Cubans all the time. Why should he get priority? Is his story even true? CNN at its worst in reporting this. Did his other family members come with him too?
It's interesting that his brother and mother are Americans. If they went through the legal immigration process, why didn't he do that also? Sounds like a guy who never planned on leaving after his visa expired, and just assumed that he would be able to stay indefinitely. It seems that he did get due process, and the result while unfortunate for him, appears fair.
Totally agree. He has had YEARS to do what he needed, and chose not to do them. Don't cry now.
That's the flaw in the argument of all these awful illegals. They just want to do the right thing once they are caught. Otherwise they'll keep miking the system.
Waited 8 years to file paperwork. There is no excuse for that! Talk about abusing the law and trying to seek a benefit at the same time. No way!
This is pretty silly – he is another lawbreaker that is getting a pass while a large number of legal immigrants – a higher proportion on whom would be educated and pay higher amounts and overall be better contributors to American society are made to wait in ridiculously long lines (that take tens of years to get in the front of) to become legal residents of the US. I understand that there are large acres of fields that need to be picked – however there are literally tens of thousands of jobs – even today that are not filled because we do not have qualified Americans to do those jobs. I would much rather have fields that are not picked (we can import our tomatoes from other countries) but well paying professional jobs staffed by qualified professionals that will contribute to the American economy, pay taxes and not significantly contribute to the volume of crime in this country. Maybe we are focusing on giving "asylum" to the wrong kind of immigrants here – just a thought.
You do not know he is going to die. There is a leftist government there. Lefties never kill people.
I'd say the judge has some good points. If you waited a long while to file asylum, that suggests you weren't exactly running for your life. And if no other violence has befallen reporters in his home country in a few years, it's hard to make the case that he really does need protection.
But, if he feels judge got it wrong, take note... he was not ordered to return to El Salvador. He was simply ordered to leave the US. He is free to contact any other nation who he feels might shelter him as well.
one more illegal/unlawful immigrant... what is there that deserves a front page ?
Everyone thinks we owe them something. I think they owe us.
!
Who is (everyone) ? and Who is (we) you are taking about? do please tell i love to know. ok