Struggling illegal immigrants yearn for reform

The economy is hard on immigrants too. This couple was being sponsored for citizenship by his employer, but he lost his job when the plant closed. They have been here 20 years and have to start over now. DP

By Joseph Ruzich | SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

Sal didn't just get laid off from his factory job in 2001; the Cicero resident also lost out on a chance to become an American citizen.

At that time, Sal and his wife—who both came from Mexico 20 years ago—were being sponsored for citizenship by his employer. But when the plant closed, his wish of living in America without the constant fear of being deported evaporated.

"The entire [citizenship application] process was stopped," said Sal, 39, who entered the U.S. with a work visa that was good for only six months. "It was very frustrating for us," he said. "We really thought we would finally become citizens."

Sal, who has two American-born children, a 9-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son, said he plans to apply for citizenship again but added that doing so is very expensive.
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