Despair and fear, all for the want of a piece of paper
WEST VALLEY CITY — Ana Cañenguez came to Utah after a gang threatened to murder her sons. Jaime Zuazo has earned two community college degrees and wants to enter the seminary.
But Zuazo can’t become a priest, and Cañenguez’s family still lives in fear, because they are without legal documents in the United States. Zuazo was brought to the U.S. at age 12, but even though he graduated from high school with honors and he has been in the country for almost 20 years, he can’t legally work or even obtain a driver’s license. Cañenguez and her family – except her two youngest children, who are U.S. citizens – face deportation despite the death threats from the gang, which doesn’t qualify as a reason for asylum status under immigration law.
These stories and others were shared at an Aug. 6 forum at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. About 150 people attended the forum, which was sponsored by the Enriching Utah Coalition, Salt Lake Dream Team and PICO National Network. Speakers included Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker; Jean Hill, Diocese of Salt Lake City government liaison and director of the diocesan Peace and Justice Commission; and Mark Alvarez, an attorney who specializes in immigration issues. Rep. Jim Matheson had been invited but was unable to attend.
The Catholic Church’s support of immigration reform isn’t a new teaching but rather stems from Scripture, Hill said. "Throughout the Gospels we are told that our job on this planet is to take care of the widow, the orphan and the stranger. Nowhere in those Gospels does it say ‘but only if they’ve got the right documentation.’"
Regarding the immigration debate, the Catholic Church believes that nations have a sovereign right to protect their borders, but also that people have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families, and that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
"None of this is new, but what is new is this amazing opportunity that we have right now to make it happen," Hill said. "This is the best shot we’ve had in a very long time to get comprehensive immigration reform. ... Now is our chance. Our representatives need to know where we stand and why we stand there. It is not about benefits for individuals, it is a matter of faith, morals and American values."
"We’re at a critical moment in the immigration reform debate and we need Utah’s representatives to speak up for our communities now," agreed Diana Paredes, Enriching Utah Coalition coordinator. She added that the House of Representatives took up the issue more than a month ago, but "members of the House of Representatives, including Utah representatives, have shown anything but sensitivity and leadership in this issue, which deeply impacts our communities. ... We believe our representatives are men of faith and good moral character, and as such, we would like to see them honor the welcoming values that are at the cornerstone of the Utah communities they represent."
Becker said immigration reform can only come at a federal level, and he urged those at the meeting to contact their elected representatives about the issue. "So now it is important for all of us to reach out to the Utah members in the U.S. House of Representatives and show them and tell them they will have overwhelming support to take action and comprehensively address immigration reform now," he said.
Those at the forum said during an open-mic session that they wished Matheson had been present to hear their stories. They also asked what the community could do to earn his support.
Questions, comments and petitions urging support for immigration reform were gathered at the forum, to be sent to Matheson’s office.
A second forum of a similar nature was held Aug. 13 in Park City.
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