- Local
- Community
- Journalism
Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of New Times free.
Alberto grew up in Phoenix, after his illegal-immigrant parents took him here when he was two years old. The young man, now 18, left town this summer for New Mexico to escape Arizona's oppressive, anti-undocumented fervor.
Santa Fe's New Mexican newspaper details his story in its online edition today, reporting that he's one of several public school or community college students who've found Arizona's eastern state "friendlier" to folks in his shoes. From the article:
"In Arizona, I'd be too scared to say, 'I don't have a Social (Security number).' Here, it's OK," said Alberto, referring to Northern New Mexico College in Española, where he is a student.
In July, he left Phoenix and decided to pursue his dream to major in psychology to become a high-school counselor. Staying in Arizona meant not attending school, not being able to drive. And the only possibility of work was in construction, alongside his father.
In New Mexico, Alberto (his last name isn't given for obvious reasons) can obtain a driver's license and pay in-state tuition for college courses. And no power-hungry sheriff looking to bust him for another headline.
Okay, if Alberto's given legal status, we can see how someone could argue that his parents were rewarded for breaking the rules. Maybe his parents are to blame. But he was 2 when he was brought here -- give him a break.
Where's Dick Durbin when you need him?
Keep Phoenix New Times Free... Since we started Phoenix New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix, and we would like to keep it that way. Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Phoenix with no paywalls.
