Coming Home
He had a 3 day beard, a crumpled cowboy hat, and seriously blistered feet. My Samaritan colleague was tending this man’s wounds while I tried to listen to his story. It was difficult to understand this migrant—his English was adequate, but he was weeping as he told his story. His words are muffled and his eyes are focused far away.
Walking the walk
Living in the US for 24 years, his most recent home is Idaho, where he lives with his wife and 3 children. While driving home one night last week outside of Boise, he had to take a detour, and ended up going the wrong way on a one-way street. There were 2 other cars in front of him doing the same thing—going the wrong way for one block on a one-way street. All of the cars were stopped by the police. The other two were let go with a warning—they had “white drivers”, our stricken friend tells us. He is cited, and asked to appear at the court house to pay off the fine. The cop assures him that this will “take care of everything.” He shows up at the court house and is nailed by ICE. Next thing he knows he is in Nogales, a city he has never heard of.
He tried to cross the US border yesterday and get back “home” to Idaho, and was picked up. He must get home. Our friend is adamant about this. There is no question in his mind. He must get home to his family. Caught and deported by the Border Patrol, he is staying near the clinic and comedor until his feet heal. Then he will try again. He knows the risks. He will listen to no alternative. There is desperation in his words and eyes.
I ask if he ever tried to become a citizen and live in the USA legally.
He smiles. “When I was 17 years old, I could have applied for ‘amnesty’ when Clinton was President….or was it Reagan? But I didn’t have the money….it takes a lot of money to become a citizen. And I was 17—what did I know….?”
I look away. If I were this man, I would probably do the same thing.
It is interesting that some of the folks who tout family values support policies that split up families.
Thank you for this wonderful blog. I can finally show my husband where and what I’ve been doing at the Comedor. May I suggest more of the “wall?”
I took a couple of photos today of the Wall. It is a beehive of activity at the border, with some massive construction going on. Such a waste. Such a foolish concept. I’ll post some of my “Wall” pictures very soon. Thanks for your support and comment. –Peg