Moving deeper into Arizona's shadows

Here is an inside look at the life of a family in Arizona with one member who is not here legally. Pretty scary. - - Donna Poisl

Maria, a U.S. citizen, and Salvador, an illegal immigrant, have learned to take precautions every day: No driving at night, staying at home more and speaking English.

By Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times

Reporting from Phoenix — The day Arizona's governor signed the strictest immigration law in the country — tasking police with checking the immigration status of those they stop and suspect to be in the country illegally — Maria thought it might be the last straw for her family.

For six years Maria, a U.S. citizen, and her husband, Salvador, who is in the country illegally, have tried to make sure he isn't caught up in a raid or sweep or traffic enforcement operation. To avoid his deportation, the couple takes precautions that, when synthesized, go something like this:

Avoid driving at night. Avoid unnecessary trips — grocery shopping once a week is best.
The rules for driving are clear: Check the truck — make sure the signals and lights work. A friend was once pulled over by deputies for having a broken light on his license plate. He was deported shortly after.
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