'IN THE SHADOW OF THE LAW' PROFILES FOUR FAMILIES
LIVING ILLEGALLY IN THE U.S.
Mexican workers and their families have been crossing the U.S. border illegally for generations, working in jobs which most Americans won't perform. "In the Shadow of the Law," an hour long documentary, examines the daily dilemmas faced by four such families, from constant worry about apprehension by the U.S. Immigration Service, to being taken advantage of by many who capitalize on their vulnerability.
"In the Shadow of the Law" explores the lives of these families at work and at home as they describe their aspirations for the future. The new immigration law which passed last year is a source of both hope and uncertainty for them. Will they qualify for amnesty and become part of American society, or will they remain in the shadow?
Ignacio and Benita Vasquez
Revealing how the daily activites of undocumented immigrants are accompanied by nagging uneasiness, Benita Vasquez, who works as a maid, recalls, "Every time I left my home, I was afraid that I would get caught." According to her husband, Ignacio, who works as a cook's helper six days a week, "Without papers you have to tolerate everything - humiliation, low wages, long hours at work."
The Gamez Family
Victor Gamez and his family were preparing for a relaxing day at the beach in Oceanside in 1980. Instead, they were arrested while parking their car. Gamez, who entered the U.S. illegally in 1972, had been working in Escondido, California, on an avocado ranch, first as a field hand, later as ranch supervisor. Eventually he brought his family up from Mexico. They blended into their community and became well-liked by their neighbors. Since their arrests and many appearances in court, the Gamez' status still remains uncertain despite the new migration law and much media attention.
Amalia
Amalia is an undocumented, single mother who migrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1979. Because her daughter has cerebral palsy, she recieves $422 a month in disability for her daughter. "I feel bad about receiving the help they give us. We always paid for what we ate by earning it." The fact that the government may view her as a possible burden on society lessens her chances for legalization.
Isabel and Jesus
Isabel and Jesus have lived illegally in the U.S. since 1974. Their two sons were born here and are U.S. citizens. "I always try to encourage my children to study," says Isabel, who is determined to stay in the U.S. because of the opportunity for her sons. Jesus is a successful independent contractor specializing in brick masonry and tile work. In 1983, confident that they could come out of the shadows, their lawyer went to court to try to legalize their status, arguing that if the family were forced to return to Mexico it would be an extreme hardship for their sons. But the judge disagreed and, leaving Isabel and Jesus to remain among the millions of people living in the U.S. illegally, day to day, caught between a difficult past and as uncertain future.
"In the Shadow of the Law" is a production of Kpbs Television and is produced by Paul Espinosa and directed and edited by Frank Christopher. Associate Producer is Leo Chavez and videographer is Marty Zimmerman. The program is written by Paul Espinosa and Leo Chavez, and narrated by Carmen Zapata. Funding for in the shadow of the law was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.