Melissa R

GDL, Jalisco, Mexico

I'm 28yrs old, living and dreaming in Mexico with my husband and 2 kids. My hubby was deported in 2008 and has a ban for life. We followed my husband down south, waiting for the day that the immigration laws will be changed, and hopefully give us the opportunity to come home. During the course of deportation, I became aware of how cruelly these immigrants are treated, ridiculed, and treated as animals. Immigration needs reform...and its should start within the system.

Melissa signed the petition | about 2 years ago

Protect the Human Rights of US Citizens and Immigrants Locked Up in Jails Across the U.S.
Melissa signed the petition | about 2 years ago

Ask USATODAY: What Do You Mean By "Illegal Students?"
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Clear Majority of Public Supports Legal Status for Undocumented

No, rather REFORM the laws on the books... They're a bit past due.
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Clear Majority of Public Supports Legal Status for Undocumented

you make it sound so easy. In Mexico, when you go to apply for a visa, 7/10 times, if they don't like the "look" of you or have a sufficient bank account to support you... you're denied before you've finished with your paperwork. I don't agree with it, but i think immigrants might guess that they'll have a better chance waiting for CIR.
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Luis Ramirez's Killers Acquitted in Pennsylvania

that reminds me of the movie, "The Perfect Crime." Apparently, the idea worked.
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Luis Ramirez's Killers Acquitted in Pennsylvania

what i don't understand is how this isn't compared to the civil rights era? Except now, black are being replaced by immigrants. or brown people... regardless of where they came from. This is a slap in the face to every American who has common sense/ values, knows that this was morally wrong and inhumane and had hope that our criminal system would protect us. While I agree that the verdict was an embarrassment to our system, is this really any different from what we see in our courtrooms everyday? The severity of punishment would have intensified should it have been the other way around. Why is that? hmmmm.....
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Pastor Tazed, Beaten by Border Patrol in Warrantless Search

Once again, D.Izzy, how would I know... I'm not Mexican. I don't understand the culture here. If you'd like, as soon as I can figure out enough spanish, I'll ask.
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Pastor Tazed, Beaten by Border Patrol in Warrantless Search

My husband was arrested because we tried to rectify his status with INS. We filed an I 212, which was 'lost' by INS for over a year. We never were given a response or anything. ICE came and arrested him at his work, apparently 30 daysto the day 'after' we could have appealed the decision. what decision??? ICE later lied and said the letter was never mailed out and was still in his file.... depriving us of our 30 days to legally appeal it to the BIA. Otherwise, it could have been appealed and this whole thing could have possibly been avoided. ICE decided to continue lying until it was brought up in court and they had to testify to their previous statements... and it was all 'forgotten.' Thus, hubby received time served instead of 72 months.... and unfortunetly, returned to ICE. Instead of giving him an opportunity to challenge his case, he was deported within two days. How's that for speedy?!? So, yes.... I'm a little biased after observing the way INS works, how it treats its detainees, and how much cyniscism and hate are still present.

I don't think all Mexicans are angels. In fact, it drives me nuts living here with people that have a different mentality that what we're used to. Its frustrating at times, believe me. But, we make the best of it because we have to. I know that we'll probably never have the opportunity to come back, but I hope that other families have a chance at a future in a better place.
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Pastor Tazed, Beaten by Border Patrol in Warrantless Search

D.Izzy, I am an American, living abroad. (like I said about my police family in L.A.) My husband was deported in 2008 and instead of moving to his little ranch town, I chose to live in Guadalajara. So, no. It is not MY mexican government. There is nothing I can do down here as far as the government goes. I'd rather focus my attention on our immigration system.

What I meant by "beneath" you, I meant people from all walks of life. Back in the States, in my hubby's work, he dealt with criminals, meth heads, immigrants, doctors, lawyers, border patrol, cops, prison guards... you name it.. and heard a gazillion different stories.There's alot more corruption/hatred/crime on the AMERICAN side. More people have their hands in the cookie jar than what is reported on the news... or in biased studies. Guns are incredibly easy to bring into Mexico. My hubby's mom, (in her 70's) was living by herself on the ranch and SHE brought a gun down! Now in Mexico, we're seeing the other side. A client came in...and nonchalantly asked my hubby to run "a load" across the border! Supply and demand.
Tijana/Nogales/El paso... all those border town should not be a representation of Mexico. Those areas are just filth. Partly caused by Drug wars, criminals, deportees just left at the border, americans who think they can do anything because they're in mexico... mostly college kids/military. My dad used to tell me stories about the stuff U.S. cops would take to the Mexican cops just to be able to do whatever!!! We Americans aren't angels.
Melissa commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Pastor Tazed, Beaten by Border Patrol in Warrantless Search

They are posioning Americans? Are any Americans at fault? of course not. You probably don't correspond with anyone who is "beneath" you. Where does the demand come from? Where does the money laundering come from? Where are the guns supplied? Please don't tell me you believe that we Americans are perfect!

As for Mexico, the education system is quite nice. My kids are learning concepts that we didn't touch until our later years....Mexico is working on their politics, thus the change of power to the PAN... and the poverty... is changing little by little. However, most Mexicans aren't as materialistic as we are in the States and are content with their lives... not needing Americans to judge them.