The alien world of the undocumented
Wednesday, February 3, 1988
IN THE SHADOW of the law hide families who are like Americans in most
ways save one -- they are living in constant terror of being caught by la migra and
deported.
They are ilegales -- illegal aliens. The term conjures up a vision of
alien beings from another planet invading our world.
The reality for undocumented immigrants crossing the border, hunted by
Border Patrol officers wearing nightscopes, is equally alien and frightening. What is it
like to be one of them?
A powerful television documentary produced by KPBS in San Diego pierces
through the alienating image to bring viewers the human reality. The camera brings you
into their homes. You follow a maid to work and a daughter to school. You see a ranch
foreman hosting a cookout for American friends. You watch a mother caring for a sick baby,
receiving care that targets the mother for deportation: Should she use her baby to get
amnesty, or should she remain in the shadows of the law?
It is difficult for journalists to gain the confidence of undocumented
workers and record their stories, for they are afraid. What is unique and powerful about
this documentary is that producer Paul Espinosa and director Frank Christopher managed to
gain the confidence of people in hiding. Immigrants tell their own stories.
The four families in focus all broke immigration law in coming here
illegally. But they are not criminals. They are families struggling to survive, to become
part of the community, yet to hold on to their heritage from Mexico.
The Tribune has editorialized for seven years on the issue of
immigration. We have strongly endorsed the amnesty provisions that some families in the
documentary are hoping to get.
But the documentary shows, with great power, that the immigration law did not go far
enough in changing the reality on the border. Many people will continue to live here
fearfully without papers. Others are still crossing the border.
Tonight at 10 p.m., we urge you to watch the national broadcast of
"In the Shadow of the Law." This is public-service programming at its best, and
KPBS deserves to be commended.