Mexican Immigrant Mom in Custody Dispute

CNN ^ | 06/01/2005 | AP

[Responsibility1st]

LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) -- A juvenile court judge in this town near Nashville startled many when he issued an order to a Mexican immigrant mother: Learn English or risk losing your child. The case involving Felipa Barrera has evolved into more than a custody dispute _ it's also putting a spotlight on how Hispanic immigrants are treated by the legal system. Barrera, who came to the United States in the mid-1990s, is in the middle of a trial to try to regain custody of her 11-year-old daughter. A judge now has to decide if it's a case of neglect and abuse, or a cultural misunderstanding. Her attorneys are asking a judge to set aside a decision by Juvenile Court Judge Barry Tatum that gave temporary custody of the child to an unrelated couple, Emily and Warren Patterson. Testimony resumes June 7. Tatum had told Barrera in October that she would need to show basic English proficiency when she returned to court in April, although he backed down on that order in the later hearing. But lawyers for the Pattersons say the case isn't merely about language.

[Responsibility1st]

Funny how this story, nor any others I've read, mention if Ms. Barrera is a LEGAL immigrant or not.

Anybody wanna debate ENGLISH ONLY LAWS here?

[andyk]

Funny how this story, nor any others I've read, mention if Ms. Barrera is a LEGAL immigrant or not.

I have a feeling that if the AP doesn't center the article around her being here legally, then she isn't.

[gubamyster]

ping

[HiJinx]

Anybody wanna debate ENGLISH ONLY LAWS here?

I'm all for them. Used to be a prerequisite for citizenship to learn English. Resident aliens went to night classes to learn, so that they'd have an opportunity to make it in America.

Now they demand that we either speak Spanish, or "Get someone!" who does. That person was politely told to stuff it.

[jackbenimble]

She might be (but I doubt it) a legal resident but she is certainly not a citizen or she would know English. That is a requirement of naturalization.

They should deport this woman and her child. If she has legal residence it should be revoked because she has proved she is a burden on our society and has not made a reasonable effort to learn English and assimilate. It sounds like the child was born in Mexico so she is not a citizen and the government has no business taking children away from foreign nationals. She should be handed over to Mexican authorities so they can take the action they deem appropriate.

[Old Sarge]

This is a sore spot.

My grandparents came her, not knowing any English at all. They learned. Grandmama's first English was the Oath of Citizenship.

Why are these people better than my grandparents?

[Texas_Jarhead]

She only arrived here in the "mid-1990s" she hasn't had enough time to learn English.

[TexasKamaAina]

"Mixteco concept of family is different than our concept of family," Gonzalez said.

But she's here now.

[HiJinx]

Why are these people better than my grandparents?

They're not, not really. I know, that was a rhetorical question...

The answer is because the powers that be have decided to let them be better than our ancestors.

[MoJo2001]

I learned how to speak English using "Sesame Street". Oh yeah! I had parents that refused to speak anything but English to me. So? No fun speaking Samoan to know one outside of myself.

I don't buy into the theory that no one can learn English. I've seen that excuse my entire life. Maybe it would work on somebody, but it doesn't fly with me.

[4.1O dana super trac pak]

Cultural misunderstanding?

Maybe your culture stinks, lady.

[Goodgirlinred]

I agree, athough my heart breaks for the child. Perhaps they could go to Mexico and try to adopt her,since the child wants to live with them. Children probably have no more rights in Mexico than they have here, though.

[blackie]

Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!

Be Ever Vigilant!

Minutemen Patriots ~ Bump!

[kstewskis]

Now they demand that we either speak Spanish, or "Get someone!" who does. That person was politely told to stuff it.

One place I work, when someone calls rattling off in Spanish trying to make an appointment...Oh how I wished I knew how to "politely tell them to stuff it" when they start to get belligerent, because I don't speak Spanish.

[HiJinx]

Mrs. HJ was the polite rebuffer...

The patient asked if she spoke Spanish, and when Mrs. HJ said 'No', the patient said, "Get someone."...just like that.

Mrs. HJ told her "The only Spanish speaking associate we have is currently at lunch. Since you know enough English to ask for a Spanish speaker, let's see if you and I can figure out where you need to go and get you on your way. If we can't...well, there's the door. You're welcome to come back in an hour when Cxxxx returns."

The lady left in a huff, and Mrs. HJ didn't lose any sleep over it!

[Eaker]

Gee, a Mexican too lazy to learn Mexican??

And she wants her English fluent daughter back??

This is really stupid.

[Eaker]

Oh how I wished I knew how to "politely tell them to stuff it" when they start to get belligerent, because I don't speak Spanish.

Hang up. Repeat as required.

[SandRat]

It's more than Spanish it's every language imaginable, not only that but Ballots to vote, drivers licenses, and every other form imaginable must be in foreign languages too. That's just plain WRONG!

[SandRat]

For those of us who have lived overseas and had to learn enough of the language of the country we were in to do every day things like shop, get the car repaired, travel, etc. we know that another language can be learned, and should if your in someone else's country. If for no other reason than to be courteous to you host country.

[afnamvet]

They should deport this woman and her child. If she has legal residence it should be revoked because she has proved she is a burden on our society and has not made a reasonable effort to learn English and assimilate. It sounds like the child was born in Mexico so she is not a citizen and the government has no business taking children away from foreign nationals. She should be handed over to Mexican authorities so they can take the action they deem appropriate.

Deportation should begin immediately for both the mother and child.