chanel
Silver Member
The Pereira family is not anticipating a merry Christmas this year.
The festivities have been on hold since Dec. 1, when Jose Pereira, 51, who entered the country illegally more than 20 years ago, was picked up by immigration officials at the Secaucus warehouse where he has worked for about a month, and officials say his deportation is imminent.
Carmen Pereira, 41, said the couples three children Jose Jr., 20; Christina, 18; Nelson, 10 are in shock. The family tries to forget their problems, but when Nelson asks where his father is and when hes coming back, everyone starts to cry, she said.
"I am not angry at these people that are coming over here because theyre looking for a better life," she said. "I angry at the greedy employers looking for cheap labor who have joined forces with greedy politicians looking for cheap votes."
For now, the Pereiras wait, hoping for a miracle. Theyve received calls from Jose Pereira from Essex County Jail, and at least one letter. Writing mostly in Spanish, he wishes the family well, and asks for their forgiveness, Carmen Pereira said.
In the middle of the letter, handwritten on a yellow sheet from a legal pad, there is one line in misspelled English:
"Pleace help me."
Union City father could be deported by Christmas | NJ.com
Working for "one month". Living here for 20 years and can't speak English. She "angry" at the greedy businesses and politicians.
Sad story, but when you break the law for 20 years, there's a chance you might get caught. True story.