Jose

Nov. 3,  2011

Jose

Every country has its young adults who interrupt their lives to take a trip abroad.  This was true of Jose a member of a middle class Mexican family who after one year at the university decided to take some time in the United States.  He came by visa which later expired and stayed with an uncle.  He was an extroverted young man who was very pleasant and looked much like other youth his age world-wide.  He constantly carried a very expensive computer which he used with great expertise.  He spent weekends partying with other young men  who shared his need for adventure but not his social background.

Jose fell in love with Lucia, a very introverted young woman, with a troubled background but much common sense.  Lucia was ambivalent about him and finally decided that his lifestyle did not fit hers.  She rejected him and he responded with heavy drinking.  He received a DUI and was sent to the local jail.  ICE was notified and he has spent two months in an immigration detention center.   He has signed the voluntary order to return to Mexico.  He painted houses for a local contractor for $9 per hour and was considered an excellent employee.  I hope that they have hired an American citizen to take his place.  The local community may be safer without him but it is not as interesting.  The world would have been safer if ICE would have spent money on alcohol counseling for him rather than pay board and room for two months.  His family is very happy that he is coming home.