“This is Luis Arriaga’s aunt… .” said Mireles, “the young man who accompanied us from time to time during our emergency rescues. You remember him, right?”
“How can I not remember him?” said Mr. Rolmes with an obvious gesture of delight. He fondly remembered their time in the collection center in Dallas.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, ma’am. Your nephew, despite his young age, has largely contributed to the efforts of this institution. He’s a young man with a great soul, but I don’t understand the problem he is currently facing.”
Aunt Lupita rearranged herself on her chair, placed her bag on the desk and letting out a deep sigh, began to explain every detail of the plight. From time to time, she would be on the verge of getting carried away by her emotions but concluded her speech saying, “You understand, Mr. Rolmes, we are imploring your help at this time. We have encountered many obstacles and the case has become complicated.”
A heavy silence filled office. Rolmes paused for a moment to think things over.
Suddenly, Mr. Mireles interrupted. “As you can see, Carl, we’re not asking for much. We just want you to testify in court that you know Luis, which is a fact, and that he has done a lot of good. The judge needs to know that he is a model citizen who deserves to stay in this country. You and I know that it is true, as we both have worked with him. My presence would not have a great impact, but yours would, since you are a public figure.”
The Commissioner stood up and walked towards the window overlooking the courtyard of the fire station next to his office. He was quiet for a few seconds and then walked towards them. Putting his hands on the desk he finally said, “I think helping you would not be a problem. I don’t know his private life well, but I know that his help has been a tremendous contribution to us and to many people. I will send the letter of recommendation for Luis right away; and please let me know the date of hearing.
I will make every effort to attend; unless an emergency comes up that requires me to leave town, I’ll be there. But first, how can I check that Luis actually committed no other crime. I don’t want to doubt your word, but I have to protect my reputation.”
“Very well,” said Aunt Lupita. “We’ll ask Attorney Quintanilla to send you the complete copy of Luis’ records so that you can confirm what we are saying. I will send you a copy tomorrow and I am certain that after you have checked it, you will not have any objection.”
“That’s perfect!” said Carl. “Take my card with my fax number and send them to me as soon as possible so I can confirm my presence.”
They left the office feeling that they had taken a big step and finally had the first of the three people they needed.
The next morning, Zina and Norberto went back to the office at Sylmar High School to see if there was any news. Jonathan met them by the entrance.
“If you only knew the big commotion that took place at school… for starters, we are rallying many students to attend next week’s march calling for immigration reforms because Luis’ case has opened our eyes and made us realize that many of us are in the same situation. Our parents brought us here when we were kids so we can get ahead and it is not our fault that we are here illegally.
Sadly there are some people who are opposed to this. Some have even partnered with several teachers to ask the principal not to support Luis and not to be present on the day of his hearing. But let’s go to the office and let her explain it to you herself.”
The three went to the principal’s office and had to wait a few minutes to be seen.
“Come in, guys! Sorry for the delay,” said the principal. “Please be seated. We had a meeting with the superintendent early this week and we explained to him what’s going on. He gave us his views over the sensitive nature of this current social issue. He believes that there is much controversy over immigration; and we are aware of the legal status of many students, but we cannot involve ourselves in any of the cases no matter how special they might be. What the superintendent recommended me to do is hold a meeting with the teachers in order to come up with a general agreement and decide whether or not I will present myself in court on the day of the hearing. We need to do this as not to affect our school, in general, and the responsibility for any impact would be collegial. For now, we will set this meeting for Monday, April 26th, and we’ll be in touch.”
They left the office happy, because at least, the superintendent had not banned the principal from providing her support. All would be in the hands of the teachers and the student council; and all felt that support would be openly authorized, especially because they hold Luis in high regard.
“Rest assured, we will continue working with the teachers to convince them to back us on this” said Jonathan. On Monday, after school, I’ll touch base with you.”
That same morning, Pablo and Norma went to Edwards Air Force Base to speak with Major Smith.
“I didn’t feel so good this morning,” said Norma. “I could hardly sleep, thinking about our meeting with the Major. Do you think he will help us?”
“Yeah! I felt you were awake almost all night. I was also feeling uncomfortable with this matter. But don’t stress yourself out over the situation, you are almost six months pregnant and I don’t think it’s good for you or the baby. Take it easy, my love. You’ll see how everything will turn out fine. I think the Major will understand everything and will come on board. I trust his moral principles, but above all, I trust the friendship that we’ve had in the past few years, you’ll see. For now, since we know our baby is going to be a boy, what will we name him? And don’t say again that he should be named Pablo. You know that I don’t really like my name that much,” he said. “Let’s decide that later,” Norma said.
Upon arrival at the airbase, they identified themselves and were immediately admitted. They went to his office, and after the necessary formalities, took their seats.
“It’s a real pleasure seeing you both again! It has been nearly two years without hearing from you; by the way, congratulations on your baby. It’s a real pleasure to know that a little soldier is on the way,” said Major Smith
“Thank you, Major.” Pablo said, smiling. “Here we are, still standing firm in our struggle to defend our homeland.
You know that the battles are fought as though they were personal and fighting for this great nation is a real pride. But now we have a serious problem that makes us anxious. It’s making our lives increasingly difficult. We are here to ask for your help.”
“Well, I’m all ears. I just hope that it’s within my reach to help, you know that I have a soft spot for you both,” said Smith.
In detail, they told the Major about the problem that concerned Luis and the frustrations they had experienced thus far, including the precarious health of Grandma Andrea. They also told him that the problem was becoming a financial burden for them and that made it even more difficult. Smith was a little restless on his chair, trying to clearly understand the scope of the problem he was hearing. Although he was quite a hard, tough person, he was touched by what he heard. He had also lost his mother a little more than a year before. He was trying to see things a little cold hearted because, deep inside, he was facing a huge struggle between being kind and being patriotic. Although he deeply cared about Pablo, he also had a very clear concept about migration issues. Pablo could feel that the Major was struggling with his feelings, but continued giving him details of Luis’ case until the end.
“As you can see, sir, we only have ten days to comply with the requirements of the judge. Some people have already helped us, but others have turned their back; that’s why I would like to ask for your help. We have been by Luis’s side and we know he is a young man with good morals and he would never harm anyone. He came to live with us when he was just twelve years old and since then, he has been dedicated to school and helping the community!” reiterated Norma.
Commander Smith was a big man, over six feet tall and normally showed no emotions. He observed them for a few seconds with an expression of concern. Fixing his thick mustache, he answered, “Believe me, it is a pity that you are going through such a desperate situation. When one serves his country, he cannot imagine what is happening in the outside world. But my biggest concern would be: what would I tell the judge if he questions how I know Luis? I have always lived in a military base. Besides that, this could also affect my career in the armed forces. Needless to say it’s a very unusual case. Before saying yes, I must first investigate what repercussions it would have. For now, I will give you a letter of support which you can hand to the judge as I’m not sure about presenting myself in court. It could do more harm than good. I cannot lie to a judge saying that I know him personally. The hearing is on May 5th, so I’ll let you know my decision by Monday the 3rd.”
After a few minutes, they left the base and headed home, a bit of disappointment.
“I think he won’t help us,” Norma said, eyes low. “From what I could perceive, the Major does not care much about what’s happening in the outside world. He gets carried away by news that only shows the negative side and not the achievements and contributions made by immigrants for this country.
There is nothing more that we could possibly expect out of our meeting with him. We know that the Major is a man of few words. It’s amazing what happens to us,” Norma continued, “how it is possible that as members of the armed forces, risking our lives in the battlefront, our families here are struggling to avoid being deported? I think the laws are sometimes too unfair.”
Saturday, April 24
Luis:
I could not visit you today. We had an important ceremony in church and I did not want to miss it because my mother and I wanted to talk to the pastor and ask for his support. At the end of the ceremony, we looked for him to explain what’s going on and seek an immediate response.
I was really disappointed with his response. He would always tell us to love our neighbor and do good to others… I never would have expected a response like what he gave us. He said that people who are in trouble are those who looked for it in the first place. He also pointed out that legal and immigration issues are matters that only pertain to authorities and not the religious community. It’s absurd! How can a minister of God see life that way? It is assumed that, as stated in his Sunday sermons, we ought to do good without judging who we do it for, and he didn’t even bother to listen to what my mother and I were about to explain—that you’re a young man eager to live a successful life and you’re a good citizen. I renounce the teachings he preached us.
My faith was tested. I do not renounce God, but I renounce His representatives. They preach the gospel yet show another face in times of difficulties. I fear that another door has been shut. I wouldn’t like to go back to church again. Love should be unconditional. I will keep you informed of what is happening out here.
With love,
Zina
Putting the Pieces Together
A new week brought a series of new challenges. Attorney Quintanilla had already filed the court documents proving that Luis was entitled to the protection of law 245i. Now the judge had asked that all letters of support, from the people who would be present during the May 5th hearing, be submitted by end of April. The letters must be notarized and sealed upon submission. He also ordered that precisely everyone who signed the letters were to attend and testify on the day of the hearing, so the family would move to have them ready no later than Wednesday the 28th. The lawyer would have to personally submit them to the judge. So far, they only had the letter that Major Smith had given them on the day Pablo and Norma met with him, the letter that Aunt Lupita received from Carl Rolmes, and the one from Father Carlos of the church of Santa Rosa. However, none confirmed their attendance thus far.
On Monday morning, upon Zina’s request, Attorney Quintanilla faxed a copy of Luis’ records to the office of the American Red Cross Commissioner, Mr. Rolmes. Aunt Lupita also decided to pass by the church for a little chat with Father Carlos regarding the status of things.
“Come in, Lupita,” said Father Carlos, with a wide smile. “You said you’d come at two o’clock and you come a bit late. You know I have many commitments and I don’t like unpunctual people.”
“I’m sorry, Father, I got stuck in a bit of traffic on my way here, but here I am. You don’t know how urgent it is for me to speak with you.” The aunt related everything that had happened so far. “Now I just need to know your decision, Father. I know you are not going to disappoint us.”
` “Well, Lupita, let’s take it easy,” said the priest with the tranquility that characterized him. In his many years of being in service to God, he had always shown that he was very clear and direct in his beliefs. He never liked saying what he didn’t feel like saying. This was made perfectly transparent in his sermons, in which people would get reprimanded because they were late in coming to church or for not participating as they ought to.
“First of all, I have already spoken to my superiors. We believe that we could wait until the last minute to see how many people are going to present themselves. As what you have told me, three people would suffice, and as I have told you earlier, the Church is already involved in many problems. I do not want to add to its list of problems by helping Luis.”
“But Father, you know him pretty well so I don’t understand why you would get into trouble with that. My nephew would always serve the community during his spare time. He graduated with honors in both middle school and high school. I don’t really see where the problem might lie. If you like, you can also speak with Mr. Mireles. He is very involved in this issue. My husband and I have always worked for the parish in more ways than one and I believe you really ought to support us,” said Aunt Lupita.
“Well, Lupita, I’m not refusing to attend. I am simply telling you to wait until the last minute to see if it is necessary for me to be present. You must also remember that, as member of this parish, you must also help ensure its welfare. For the time being, I already gave you the referral letter. I hope that my presence is not required in court and I hope you all soon get out of this mess that has come into your lives,” said Father Carlos.
Aunt Lupita left the parish frustrated. She could not understand how it was possible to question supporting someone who had served both the Church and the community, since she didn’t only consider the work and contributions that Luis has done, but that of hers and her entire family as well. Now, she was the one who was beginning to feel that the faith she carried with her, her whole life was slowly fading away.
That same afternoon, the school board met to discuss whether Principal Johnson should present herself in court on May 5th in support of Luis. The majority of the teachers, the vice principal, and Jonathan were all in attendance.
“Well,” said the principal. “After talking to the superintendent, we have agreed that we would decide whether or not I testify in favor of Luis Arriaga, a former student who, as we all may know, is being held in federal prison with the possibility of being released or deported. The final decision is up to us all. We must assess the situation and see if it might bring damage to us and to the school. For now, I will let Jonathan explain what has happened so far.”
“As far as I know…” said Jonathan, “the judge only ordered three witnesses but, they have spoken to five people who could possibly testify, although none have confirmed. I want you all to take into account all the work that Luis did for the school and community. He was, as member of the student council, a role model inside and outside school. He helped students improve their grades during his free time; and also helped their families. It is unfair that he is being detained or in danger of being deported, because in fact, his infraction was not a serious offense…”
“Excuse me for a minute,” interrupted the Vice Principal, Mrs. Kim Dru. �
��Do you not consider falsification of legal documents a crime? I think the school should not engage in criminal matters. The reputation of this institution should be held above any issue. Imagine what will happen when the community learns that we are helping not only an ordinary criminal, but an undocumented one at that, who only came to this country to commit crimes. We would be the embarrassment of the entire community!”
“Forgive me, but I do not share the same view,” countered Mr. Ortega. “I believe we should handle this matter with more respect. We cannot just judge people based on their immigration status. Remember, if my knowledge serves me right, that this country has been formed by immigrants since its inception! Even if we are not going to solve anything with regard to the matter, it would be best to speak with respect. Plus I think Luis’ crime is not serious. The reason for which he was in possession of falsified documents was simply due to the inability of solving anything at national level. Our leaders failed to legalize [at bare minimum] students who were brought here when they were just kids. I believe this is the case for many students.”
The debate had become very fervent at school in recent days. Everyone had previously discussed the issue amongst themselves, taking sides whether to show support or otherwise. To this day, everyone was already very clear as to which side they were on. Those in favor of Luis had openly expressed themselves, while those on the other side looked at their fellow teachers with obvious distaste and made racist comments about the undocumented.
Mr. Nyen stood up and spoke in a slightly annoyed tone: “Now let’s see, all those present, let me ask you: who does not have a friend or relative who came from another country and immigrated to America? It doesn’t matter whether they arrived legally or illegally. I came to this country when I was just four years old. Like Luis, I came to live here illegally. After several years, I was able to arrange my legal status. I think we are all aware of similar stories. It is correct, to some extent that we shouldn’t continue supporting more people who keep coming into the country illegally, but those who are already here should be treated with dignity and respect. As far as I know, some of you have German or Irish roots. The primary language in some homes is not even English. We all came for different reasons and under different circumstances. Some flee political oppression, and others, out of simple necessity. Now please explain to me, where is the crime there?”
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