TRAITORS (12 page)

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 28
th
. 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?”

The meeting was getting out of control. Some teachers began raising their voices. The principal knew that they would not come to any agreement. If they continued any further, it would generate an internal problem between teachers, which would be counterproductive to the school. It would also generate hard feelings between both sides. She also knew the reality of the words Mr. Nyen spoke of, since she herself was the daughter of Polish immigrants who had come to America to escape the persecution of the Nazis in World War II. Deep down, she supported the cause, because her parents had greatly suffered before and after having reached the United States. Although she was born here, she felt the pain that her parents felt. However, as a leader, she should handle the situation without openly taking sides, listening to both parties in order to obtain the best solution to the problem.

“Let us stop this immediately! We have come to discuss a problem and here we are, creating another!” admonished the principal. “I sense great apathy for this matter, and I ask you to personally discuss your position and not fall into this game.”

“As the hearing is set for next week, I ask you to hand me an envelope with your vote in favor of, or against me attending. Submit them to me no later than Friday. To avoid complications, your vote will be kept secret. I will handle them with utmost confidentiality. Oh and one more thing, I ask you to be discreet about all this in school as I don’t want conflict between you or among students.”

Teachers gradually set off in small groups, those in favor and those against. Now, things had become a bit more complicated in school because nobody knew exactly what would happen.

Jonathan approached Mr. Ortega as he headed out towards the school exit. He thanked him for the words of support he had spoken. He wanted to fully convince the teacher that the only thing he wanted was to help a friend in trouble.

“Don’t worry,” said Mr. Ortega, “I think that with Mr. Nyen’s words, all would react in a positive way. We all know that, whether we were born here or not, we have a story to tell about the migration of our families. I promise I’ll talk to some teachers and convince them to vote in favor of helping Luis.”

On the other side of school, back in Vice Principal Kim’s office, she spoke with some teachers that she knew were opposed. Although there were very few of them, they knew they would carry more weight than the others.

“If you are also opposed, just like I am, let’s go to the principal and put the record straight. If she ignores us, then we can make an appointment with the school superintendent and put an end to it once and for all. He will understand our point. These are delicate matters, and there is no point arguing about it amongst ourselves.”

“Very well,” said one of them. “We’ll speak to her tomorrow as early as possible.”

That afternoon, Jonathan met with Norberto and Zina at Norma and Pablo’s house. He told them about the meeting at school. He handed them the letter of support from the principal, even though she hadn’t yet confirmed her attendance.

“It’s unbelievable. How could they oppose just like that, without even taking into account that Luis has been a good young man?” asked Zina with a tone of despair and discomfort. “I know that what Luis did was not laudable, but it is also not something that we can use as a reason to judge him, especially considering what Mr. Nyen said, ‘We all have immigrant background directly or indirectly.’ Of course we know how difficult it is to be an immigrant; but we don’t seem to analyze the problem in depth until we have to live it in the flesh. That’s why no one joins others’ cause and a breakthrough does not come forth. That’s also why we also don’t have a just way to legalize all immigrants. I think this should change once and for all.”

Monday April 26

Dear Luis:

This week is definitely the most crucial in knowing who will attend your hearing. Your Aunt Lupita spoke with the pastor of your church. He gave her a letter of support to submit to the judge, but just like the priest at my parish, he was frigid about the situation. They preach on and on during masses or religious celebrations but our religious representatives don’t have the resolve to practice what they preach. Now I see why true unity is not taking place. As you’ve said, if all the Latinos and religious men would come together, it would be easier to achieve reforms that could fix the immigration problem of many people, but our leaders are still afraid to take a step further.