Johnny Munoz, 10, couldn't stop the tears from coming Tuesday night. The Chicago-born U.S. citizen was talking about the potential deportation confronting his father, Efraim. After living and working in the U.S. for 14 years, he was arrested in an immigration raid two months ago. A lawyer and the defense committee at this Anglican Church mission are negotiating to prevent his deportation, but he may yet be sent back to Mexico.
When asked how it makes him feel, Johnny said, "Sad. Because he's gonna be over there. And we'll be over here, with the rest of our family."
Although parents Efraim and Paula Munoz have spent nearly half their lives in the U.S., mostly in Chicago, the couple has never learned to speak English. That's a key requirement of competing immigration reform proposals offered by the President and a bipartisan group of senators. To legalize their status, immigrants would also have to pay any back taxes they owe and pass a test on the basics of American government. Through a translator, Efraim told FOX 32 News it would take him a long time to get all that done, but that he would comply if given the chance.
A longtime conservative activist told us FOX 32's Mike Flannery why he opposes giving the Munoz Family that chance.
"Life is difficult. Life is very hard and we have to make difficult choices," Carl Segvich says. "The liberal, the left like to tug on our heartstrings and say, ‘We're breaking those families apart by not letting another member come to the United States.' The Families have been torn apart, tragically. But that tearing apart started the moment one of those family members broke into our country."
Carl Segvich is a Republican Committeeman of the South Side 11th Ward. He accuses Republican Senators Marco Rubio and John McCain of "political pandering" with the immigration reforms they've proposed. While they differ with the Democrats, both parties are proposing to toughen up border enforcement.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:54 GMT
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:36:02 GMT
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:46:35 GMT
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
