By Jerry Davis
I have already told Juan’s story, how he entered the US illegally, worked on a ranch in Texas and earned enough to build a nice house here in San Miguel.
Then he tried to sneak back into Texas, was caught, and warned, but stubborn Juan tried once more, was nabbed once again and now is in the lockup.
I guess that life in prison is bearable but certainly stressful and unhappy.
According to Juan the petty extortionists who work as guards sell special benefits to earn extra money.
Special favors, cigarettes, an easier time; it is all available for cash.
His brother sends him the money while his wife and son work here in San Miguel.
Juan’s wife will soon need an operation, fortunately paid for by our government medical plan, but the family finances, caring for Juan’s three horses, and running the household will fall on Juanito’s (John junior, or “little John’s) young shoulders.
The horses will have to go.
Juan’s pride and joy will have other owners while he rots in jail.
And Juanito, smarter than his dad, has a plan of his own.
Working with an immigration lawyer for over a year he just received a tourist visa and as soon as his mom has recovered from her operation and is working again, he will go north, maybe flying.
The contrast with his dad’s plan is startling. Juanito paid his lawyer a fraction of what a coyote, a smuggler, would have charged.
He will not have to swim over the river, expose himself to the dangers of being in the hands of a smuggler, or run the risk of being forced to be a drug mule.
At the immigration desk he will flash his new visa and hear the agent say, “Welcome to the United States”.
The next day Juanito will look for work.
Working will be illegal but the chances of getting away with it are pretty good.
His boss might lie and say, “He is my nephew visiting from Mexico and is just giving me a hand today because I am ...
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