TRAITORS (10 page)

“I don’t quite agree with that,” said another councilor. “I think you should get deeply involved with the issue since most of these cases have been unjust to immigrants. Although one may not see it, statistics show that they come to work in our country thus contributing resources to our economy. These anti-immigrant groups volley their hatred showing their intolerance against other races or ethnic groups especially the undocumented. “I don’t think we should just stand there arms crossed. If we are good citizens, we must support!”

“Listen,” Peterson again intervened. “A young African American man was recently killed by a young illegal immigrant. The case resounded not only locally but on a national level. We ought to stay as far away as possible from all this to avoid being the target of these criticisms.”

Councilor Paul Summer turned to Jack. “We cannot go through life ignoring the needs around us. Cases like what Dan had mentioned are one in a million. The American people have always been characterized as people with very good hearts. Others, hate groups have forgotten that this nation was founded by immigrants. We, who want a nation that’s united and want to live a life without hatred, far outnumber those who don’t. I advise you to do your best to help. I think you should go see John Gonzalez. He has more experience in these cases.”

Jack left more confused than ever. He took the files to Gonzalez, who promised to review them that week and see what possibilities there were. That night, Mr. Lee talked to his family and made them aware of their conversation. He also told them that an expert in the case would give him advice.

Zina did not argue with her father. She tried to understand his situation and had hoped that in the end, he would agree to appear at the hearing to support Luis. She then set out to write her beloved again.

Monday April 19

Luis:

My father handed a copy of your file to an expert who works in his office. I think he’s beginning to agree to help. Hopefully by the end of this week we’ll have a little more information about it. He has not yet decided whether to show up in court or not. There is a strong anti-immigration atmosphere out there and Dad said it can affect his career, but other council members showed sympathy over your case. Dad said that an undocumented immigrant killed an African-American man and that’s creating more division among all ethnic groups. Although it was a very isolated case, the media still created a big hype out of it and blew it out of proportion. From now on I will be more informed about it so I know what is being said.

It also seems that another demonstration is underway, the same one as last year. There are some radio stations devoted to discrediting immigrants and the politicians who support them. Tomorrow we will go back to the school to check on the progress they have made.

I’ll write you again.

With love,

Zina

On Monday afternoon, Mr. Mireles called Aunt Lupita with news about the Red Cross Commissioner, Mr. Carl Rolmes.

“I spoke with him on the phone and I don’t think he understood much of what I said, but he might be able to see us in his office, in Burbank, on Thursday. The appointment is at 5:00 p.m.” said Mr. Mireles

“Well, we’ll be there,” said Aunt Lupita.

The next day, Norberto and Aunt Lupita went to their appointment with the consul who was finally back in town.

“What can I do for you?” the consul asked.

They explained the situation and stressed how important it would be to have someone like him at his side in court.

“I’m afraid it will be very difficult,” said the diplomat. “Every year, hundreds of Mexicans are deported and we cannot do anything about the vast majority of these cases. Our only role is to ensure that they are treated humanely and the constitutional rights of detainees are not violated. We also help them shoulder the cost of their deportation expenses”.

“If they have no money, we cover half the cost. Only in very exceptional cases could we do more. We cannot get involved on every case. We would need hundreds of consuls to be able to help every immigrant. If you know of any violation of their human rights, or if you have any problem paying for the deportation expenses, please let us know.”

“It’s disappointing,” said Aunt Lupita. “I cannot believe how you, our Mexican politicians, who should be supporting us, would turn a blind eye to the amount of abuse we immigrants receive. You have also abandoned us to fend for ourselves and are ashamed when you have to represent us in court! Hopefully things change someday.”

With great nuisance, they left the consulate.

Upon arriving home with Norberto, they contacted the radio station to find out if there was any update from the broadcaster who had promised to help.

“Sorry, my friend,” said the broadcaster. “We have already announced your case on air and nobody called in response. I don’t know what else we can do for you.”

“What if you, as a public figure, appear in court to support my friend? I know you don’t know him, but I could give you all the references we have of him. In addition, if your listeners know that you are supporting us, they may get a little bit more interested and the word would spread to find solutions not only for my friend, but for all immigrants.”

“Look, man!” the announcer said, “we, as public figures, have to be careful of our image and our work. We cannot start getting involved in every case because we’d immediately get in trouble with the authorities, not to mention we would also be subjected to criticisms from anti-immigrant groups. We only limit ourselves to informing people and giving them advice. Better ask that from somebody else.”

That was the close of a disappointing day. Two great possibilities vanished. Friends and family could not believe it. Anti-immigrant groups could express their condemnation against the immigrants, but people or communities who could advocate for their rights denied them of their help and support.

Tuesday April 20

Luis:

We’ve had two disappointing results today. Norberto and your aunt went to the Mexican consulate for support. The consul refused to help. He said there are thousands of deportation cases each year, and if they helped, they would be in courtrooms and with lawyers every day. Your aunt was very upset. She couldn’t understand how it is possible for politicians, from one’s own country, to exploit the nation and do absolutely nothing to help those who are in trouble. They keep pushing people to migrate putting them in harm’s way, and in difficult times, they turn their back on them. She also said that governments of other countries applaud the money that immigrants send home, but cringe when they are in need of help.

They also called the radio station, but like those in the consulate, they also denied them help. They are not willing to risk their jobs in trying to aid others. How is it possible that Hispanics, being the largest minority in the country, cannot come together and form coalitions to help each other like in other ethnic groups?

Luis, my love, I’m scared. I don’t know when this ordeal will end. I don’t want us to run out of resources. We now have two less options, but we will keep on fighting.

I love you.

Zina

The Painful Goodbyes
 

Pablo took his grandmother for a check-up with the doctor who told them that she looked well recovered. Around those days, they arranged a little party for Grandma Andrea’s 69th birthday. Among them was Uncle Antonio. He lived on the opposite side of the city, had four children and traveled extensively for work, thus found it difficult to be with his mother. At that time, however, he decided to take a couple of weeks off as the delicate matter with his mother made him think that it was time for him to assume the responsibilities expected of him.

“I’ll set off for Los Angeles early tomorrow,” Pablo told the family. “It is necessary for me to be there for Luis’ last arraignment. I need to meet with some people who can help us out with it. The hearing has been set for May 5th, and depending on the situation with Grandma, I’ll try to see how soon I can return.”

He turned to Uncle Antonio and said. “I’ll take this opportunity since you guys are here.”

“Don’t worry, son! I’ll now be more vigilant of your grandma. If necessary, I will take her to my house so my wife can take charge in taking care of her. I had not done that before because this place is closer to the hospital and to her doctors. Go without worrying about a thing and please stay in touch. Thank you for leaving everything behind to be here with her.”

The following day, Pablo left very early bound for Los Angeles. He said goodbye to his grandmother with a firm promise of returning soon. He gave Maria much encouragement, and with the devotion that always characterized him, he asked for the blessing of his grandmother. With a face contorted with grief to see her beloved grandson leave, she said, “May the Blessing of Our Father be with you wherever you go, accompanied by Our Lady, The Virgin of Guadalupe. May they take care of you and protect not only you, but your wife and son who is on his way. In the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.” Wiping away her tears, the grandmother continued, “Son, I don’t know how much sacrifice you made come see me. I ask you not to worry so much about me. I am already an old woman and I don’t know how much longer I’ll live, but you’re young and you’re neglecting your family. We can just call each other. I promise you that I’ll be fine and that I´ll take all my medicines so that I won’t have another relapse. We, who stayed on this side of the border, understand that when you have gone, we have lost you forever.

We knew that you would be starting a new life, and that when you visit us, you’d bring with you a part of what you took and fill the void that remained since the day you left. But we know that it will be there again the day that you leave. Although it’s not easy to get used to, over the years, we know that it will be a routine which we will have to live with as time passes. The wound never heals and it is there exposed out in the open. It hurts each time we find something that reminds us of you, as with each call we receive from you, and the visits you honor us with. Those bring the perfect antidote to soothe the wound; and although it is only temporary, we rejoice and become filled with peace. And when the day of your departure approaches, the wound begins to turn red until the day you leave again. It then goes back to being exposed to the weather… vulnerable.”

“Look, son,” the grandmother continued. “That’s not the worst part. Just like you guys who left, we who stayed know that each goodbye could be the final farewell of our lives. Anything can happen: either we die here or God forbid, we lose you there. When you took Luis with you, I felt that something had been taken away from me, and for several years, I was left without that something. One can never get used to it… you just resign to living without it. It’s like having our finger or hand amputated: we would still live, but we would be needing them for as long as we live. Please, son, take care, and take care of Luis.” Grandma carried on with a great expression of sadness in her tearful eyes. “Tell him that I ask the Virgin Mary every day to take care of all of you and to guide you in the right direction, not lacking in anything, but finding what you have always been looking for instead. Tell him that my love and the love of your sister will always be with all of you. Perhaps the distance between us is great, but the memories that live inside us will always remain. Day by day, I remember the moment when you were born and how I carried you in every step you took in life. With every one of you, each stage in your lives had been wonderful. I have witnessed your every fall and every triumph and was able to heal your wounds and rejoice in your achievements. The days that have gone by took a part of my being, because I imagined that you were homeless, without help or protection, and the only thing available to me was a prayer entrusting you in the care of Our Lord; and in every part of the day or night, the only thing I had in my mind was you. But here I am now, very old and sick, and with no strong desire to live. You’re both not with me, and although Maria is my whole life, I feel that I have only caused her trouble and suffering. I wish I could help her, but sometimes I lack strength. I’m just asking you to watch over Luis and to take care of your family, and never forget that my prayers will always be following you wherever you may be.”

They held each other in a long embrace, hoping for that moment to last an eternity. The soft and tender embrace of his grandmother comforted Pablo in those moments of nostalgia.

Pablo left the house with tears in his eyes, his grandmother’s words still echoing in his mind. He had left in search of new opportunities and had gotten a part of what he had been looking for; but he had left behind what was most important to him—his family. Given that he now had his own family, he was unable to take care of his grandmother who had been a mother to him and who had watched over him every moment of his childhood and youth. It was now his turn to take care of her. He had no time and he had to live many of miles from her, leaving her solely in the hands of God and a few relatives.

Time
to
make
some
changes
in
my
life!
Thought Pablo.
I’ll
speak
to
Norma
and
see
if
we
can
someday
return
to
live
in
Mexico
while
looking
for
ways
of
bringing
grandma
to
live
with
us.

Norma and Zina went to the airport to receive Pablo. It was around three in the afternoon, and the wind was a bit chilly—a little unusual for the month of April. They welcomed him back to the bustling city of Los Angeles. Norma looked better than ever in her pregnancy, but the expression of anxiety mixed with the excitement of greeting her husband made her, in the eyes of Pablo, look like a cute little girl crying because she lost her favorite toy.