These are people, not just statistics

Editor’s Note: The following story is part of a continuing series of stories related to the effects of the new federal immigration policy, as seen from the perspective of people who will be affected by those changes. 

High unemployment and the fate of foreign workers are topics of conversation in every government office and the island coffee shops. Businesses are closing and many local people are moving to the mainland for better opportunities.

Another group of people is suffering also, but they’re not able to just pick up and move to California or Idaho. The deadline of Nov. 27 is fast approaching and still hundreds, maybe thousands, of foreign workers, brought here legally, are facing the possibility of being sent back to their home country, and either taking or leaving their American-born children. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is quite clear: people born in the USA are by law U.S. citizens-but not their parents.

I attended a Presbyterian Church on Sunday and encountered dozens of people already contemplating a return to their home country, faced with such questions as: Should I sell my belongings and vehicle? Can I find a friend to take care of my children? I wonder if the government is working on this situation?

I took a sampling of those attending church, and found that many of these folks are unemployed and can’t find jobs, but have umbrella permits. This time I talked directly to many of the children, bright and alert youngsters. These are true-to-life accounts: people not sure of where their next meal will come from, or what the future has in store for them and their offspring:

ZHA XUE YINN

Zha came to Saipan in 1998 to work in the garment industry, which moved away to other countries several years ago. Zha was already entrenched on Saipan. She has an 8-year-old daughter Melanie and a 10-year-old son Michael. Both children attend Oleai Elementary School; they speak three different languages, one of which is almost perfect English.

LIN MZI DAN: Lin came to Saipan as a waitress in 1997. Of course, we see restaurants closing every week and there aren’t any jobs for her to apply. She has two children: Lindsey Lin Jing in the first grade and 4-year-old Lin Zhi Xiang in Headstart.

ZHANG HAI HONG: Zhang came in 2009 to study English and business. She delivered her healthy son Richard a few years later. She wants to work but cannot because of the uncertain status of student and/or worker status.

HU YAN PING: Hu came to Saipan in 1998 to work in the garment industry. Now, she cannot even find part-time work in sewing shops scattered around the island. She delivered her son Hu An Ni two years ago. Well, we know the garment industry on Saipan has just become part of recent history.

I noted that the people are nervous, but still positive about the government helping them to stay with their children. I also observed that their children were well-fed and nurtured, and more than likely will grow up to be good citizens for our country, the land of immigrants.

I’m sure Mr. Scrooge wouldn’t care about sending children home to uncertainty during the upcoming holidays. But as kind-hearted fellow Americans, we would and should care about the children. Even Mr. Scrooge eventually saw the light. Christmas is about goodwill to all men and peace on Earth.and that’s what we should do during the festive season-offering our goodwill in keeping the families together.

In a special request to our government: Congressman Sablan, please continue your hard work on behalf of our fellow Americans. Si yu’us ma’ase ! Mahalo! (Joe Race)