Fight for immigration reform; undocumented family speaks out – 13WHAM-TV

Fight for immigration reform continues; undocumented speaks out (WHAM Photo)

ROCHESTER --- Immigrants, regardless of legal status, are being offered legal help in New York State.

The announcement was made by Governor Andrew Cuomo on the heels of protests outside the federal building in downtown Rochester Friday night.

10 years ago, Carlos Cardona and his family moved to the United States from Guatamala.

"The only thing I dedicate myself to do here is work," Cardona said. "I have one day off every two weeks. I work 12-hour shifts per day."

Cardona says he was horrified when a family of Guatemalan immigrants were pulled over for speeding on Thursday and turned over to U.S. Border Patrol.

The incident led to several protests in Rochester in the days that followed. Gates Town Supervisor Mark Assini says from a political standpoint, there is a dilemma.

"We have a nightmare scenario," Assini said. "We have law enforcement trying to protect the public. We have sanctuary cities which are allowing criminals to hide in plain sight while trying to protect good and decent families so they don't get deported. It is a nightmarish scenario."

Carlos says undocumented people often get a bad name because of people like Reynaldo Diaz-Ruiz.

Batavia Police say Diaz-Ruiz is here illegally and was arrested Thursday for resisting arrest and trying to take an officer's gun following a domestic dispute.

"We have to have a comprehensive approach that has both," Assini said. "One that protects the border, protects the citizens from criminals crossing over and preying on them, as well as giving an opportunity for residents who are here illegally but are good and decent people."

Cardona hopes for the same opportunities.

"I think it should be a little easier for those who work here who haven't committed a crime," Cardona said.

13WHAM spoke to a few police agencies who agrees that there needs to be immigration reform.

On their end, some officials believe there should be a system in place that helps law enforcement agencies identify immigrants who are in the process of becoming legal citizens.

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Fight for immigration reform; undocumented family speaks out - 13WHAM-TV

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