Immigrant wants to go home with his money

Posted on September 28th, 2007 by ecthompson md

Pedro Zapeta has been exactly what the Republicans want. An immigrant that helps the American economy and goes back to his own country. Well, over 11 years, Pedro saved $59,000. So, he was going to take his money back to Guatemala and buy some land for him and his family. Unfortunately, as with all stories like this that come to light there was a problem. Customs seized his money. Now, they want to deport him and keep his money. Yep, that’s justice. NOT! Where’s 60 minutes when you need ‘em?

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From CNN.com:

For 11 years, Pedro Zapeta, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, lived his version of the American dream in Stuart, Florida: washing dishes and living frugally to bring money back to his home country.

Two years ago, Zapeta was ready to return to Guatemala, so he carried a duffel bag filled with $59,000 — all the cash he had scrimped and saved over the years — to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. (more…)

US vs. Pedro the dishwasher [ 2:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Domestic Issues // 52 Comments »

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  • l thompson

    This is wrong! Yes he was not legal. But he worked at a legal job (not many American’s will take – they’d rather have welfare) and he saved his money and he was leaving the US. The US stole his money. He paid taxes on all of those earnings and did not claim them back on tax returns…. free money for the government! Morally this is wrong. The immigrant issue needs to be addressed…. but this is wrong! Give him his money!!!!

  • Erhan Altay

    “”Let’s keep America free of freeloaders.”"

    Yea a guy who works hard and saves $59,000 (something most whites who grew up here can’t do) and wants to go back home is a “freeloader”?

    Racists like you are destroying this country — the only reason they come here ILLEGALLY is because the immigration laws are racist and don’t get many Latin Americans in, thats why they come in illegally. This guy works hard but the laws are stacked against him while millions of lazy unionized auto workers get $50 an hour to sit home and get fat. Does this sound like a system thats going to sustain a World Power? Nope. America is going down hill because the laws punish hard work and reward idiot fat red necks who do monkey work and demand a “fair” wage. This guy saves $59,000 working for way below minimum wage and you red neck morons can’t even afford to pay your electric bills.

    By the way I’m not Latin-American, I’m Turkish and if what happened to this guy happened to me, I swear I would dedicate the rest of my life to doing as much damage to America as I possible could.

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