The Arizona Crackdown

Day #166 -
    Immigration issues are everywhere you look right now! Its a very hot topic and everyone has their own views.

  Our local news, KSBY, had a post on their facebook page asking for peoples opinions on the Arizona crackdown. I really value and respect everyones opinions, rather I agree or not. However, there were people on there who were making quite strong statements when they have no experience with Immigration themselves. Sure, it's easy to yell and rant about illegal immigrants, to complain and say they're here taking our jobs, get them out. But what these people are forgetting is that these illegal immigrants are people too.

    They have families here, friends and lives they've built. Yes, they are here breaking the law but each person has their own story and some come from very poor, dangerous countries. I'm not defending illegal immigrants, I just see the issue in a whole new light now I'm personally going through it. It's certainly not easy or cheap. I am upset at the fact, though, that they are making it easier and easier for illegal immigrants to get their green cards when they've been here for years illegally. But my husband left on his accord, without being deported, and he is now being punished big time for it. It makes no sense to me and really upsets me.

I want to make something very clear before I continue. I did not create this blog to complain or have people feel sorry for myself and my family. I created this blog to try and bring a personal experience to the table. I created this blog to humanize the subject of Immigration. Unfortunately, its been taken to another level, where people don't see the families being torn apart and the struggles they must go through. The negative is often seen more than the humanistic side of the issue and that's very sad. I want people to see and understand what families go through just to have a loved one live with them in America. I've talked to many people about their stories and journeys and many are far worse than ours. It really breaks my heart. I just want to express our struggles in hopes that people will see the problems within our Immigration system and how difficult it is. Maybe, just maybe, this will change something in how our Country goes about treating Immigrants.

My husband is still in Ireland, awaiting our forms to be approved and sent to the National Visa center so we can have his interview schedule. It's a big waiting game. But what makes it worse is that he'll most likely finally reach the interview and be denied. A straight answer for this still isn't quite clear. The Immigration Office in Los Angeles tells us theres a chance he could be allowed his visa, even though he overstayed. But the London office, where the waiver would be sent if hes told to do one, is saying theres no chance and he will have to do the waiver. It's awful how we cant get a straight answer. I guess we'll find out at the interview! That isn't stressful or anything! That's been our biggest problem with this whole process - never getting an honest answer! Hopefully that will change one day and it will become easier for families in the future.

We do have exciting news though! Our local newspaper, The Tribune, might be interested in doing a piece on our story! My good friend Katie and her husband Danny have been through the Immigration struggles, with him being from Scotland. He showed a past co worker our story and they've requested to speak with me. I'm over the moon excited! This would be great exposure and a wonderful way of getting our story heard. Just wanted to end today post on a positive note! Hope you're all having a wonderful day,
Candance & Chloe