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The process of becoming eligible for a work permit to stay in the United States can be long and difficult. One man, named Sergio, says his parents have their permits now, but getting them took years. He says, “I see what my parents came from and I see the struggles my brother went through. But, I also see the other side of the issue with having people just show up and come into this country.”
Sergio was born in the United States. His brother, however, wasn’t, and was deported. While he was in the U.S., Sergio says his brother was frequently depressed since he couldn’t find work as easily as his American siblings could.
Some undocumented immigrants tell KSL they can’t survive in their home country. One man says the violence and poverty in Mexico was so bad, he wouldn’t be able to live with it. One woman said she and her children went nearly three days without eating. She said, “My son would tell me, ‘Mom, buy me a little bread.’ I would say, ‘In a little while, my love. In a little while.’”
Tony Yapias with Proyecto Latino de Utah says their group is excited about the possibility of more people being eligible for work permits. He hopes there will also be fewer deportations. He says, “We have seen a record number of families being separated; children from their parents.”
But he says many undocumented immigrants will be left out, so they’re speaking with Latinos in Utah to prepare them.
