DfDeportation's Blog

Illegal immigrant speaks about life in sanctuary By SOPHIA TAREEN Associated Press Writer

 

CHICAGO --Flor Crisostomo stands before the worn wooden pews of the storefront church and tells the visiting students that she doesn't regret paying a smuggler to get her across the border.

 

The 29-year-old illegal immigrant has defied a deportation order to Mexico, where her three children live, - by seeking sanctuary at the Adalberto United Methodist Church for the past six months.

"There are angry people who don't understand why I am here," she tells the students in Spanish, as she wipes away tears. "I am here to help my children."

Crisostomo, who also writes about her experiences, often talks to school groups. She tells them how she immigrated to the U.S. in 2000 and was arrested in 2006 during a raid at an IFCO Systems site in Chicago.

She is one of 14 illegal immigrants are seeking sanctuary in churches nationwide, claiming the act helps illustrate the plight of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S.

Crisostomo recently sat down with The Associated Press to discuss sanctuary and the election.

Q: Why did you decide to live here and defy a deportation order?

A: We have to show the government that we are many, we are strong, we are humans and that we deserve respect in this country. There's a concept that we're criminals or living on welfare or Social Security. There are millions of cases in the U.S. (like me). The majority are forced out of their countries of origin because of trade policies created with this system of government.

Q: Why aren't the presidential candidates talking about immigration?

A: Because we can't vote for them. We're undocumented. (Also), it's a competition ... the one who touches the topic the least will have the most votes.

Q: If you could vote in the presidential election, who would you vote for and why?

A: Maybe (Barack) Obama. I think that he would govern with humanity.

Q: If you could have the ideal immigration reform, what would it have?

A: The first and the most important: reunite families. The most important thing is to stop violating the rights of children who are U.S. citizens. We need to re-negotiate NAFTA. ... Specifically, they can help farmers and help stimulate (the value) of local products like corn, flour, milk and sugar (in Mexico).

Q: Does that (policy) include learning English?

A: Yes, it's necessary for a day-to-day basis, but it's not possible for everyone. We can learn a little by little. But to force, "English-only" in the whole country, that's not fair also.

Q: Have you learned English?

A: The basics, but not much else.

Q: What would you say to people who say you're a criminal?

A: They have to study and learn about the situation, about the problem of immigration, why we are here ... They should be aware that without the 12 million undocumented, this country will fall.

Q: Tell me about the decision to come to the U.S. alone.

A: When you can't find economic resources in your own country, you have to look for some way to feed your family.

Q: When you were crossing, did you envision becoming a citizen and returning to get your children?

A: No. Only to make a future in our own country and return to be with them.

Q: So, you don't want to be a citizen?

A: Actually, I would like to be a citizen of the U.S.

Q: Why?

A: The plan changed from the moment I was arrested. This is a country and a government that tells the world that it's a country of democracy, of justice, of equality. The principles are contradicting, not corresponding in reality.

Q: Why would you want to be a citizen then?

A: Because we can make a change within this country. Being a citizen you can make more demands.

Q: Why live in this church?

A: Because this is a church that was made to help the fight of people who are undocumented. The church has opened its doors ... and is here to speak the truth politically.

Q: You never leave?

A: No.

Q:Do you miss your family?

A: My children understand why I'm here and are working within the situation in Mexico. I know that they have food to eat every day.

Q: Do you worry you'll be taken into custody by ICE?

A: No.

Q: Why?

A: Because this is church. I haven't killed anyone.

Q: What would you do if you got deported?

A: I wouldn't resist. They think they are doing the right thing.

Q: How long will you stay in sanctuary?

A: For the time that's necessary.