By Kelley Kepler
Catholic Herald

Community rallies behind immigrant family

CUMBERLAND --On first impression, there is nothing out of the ordinary about the Ortiz family. Martin and Maria Ortiz own a house in Cumberland and work hard to provide their sons with the best possible opportunities in life. Martin, Jr., 17, and Abraham, 7, are dedicated students, and the entire family is highly involved in school and community activities. They are also active parishioners at St. Anthony Abbot. Much of the Cumberland community, in fact, regards the Ortiz family as not out of the ordinary, but extraordinary.

However, the laws of the United States define the Ortizes as illegal immigrants who should be deported. The family left Queretaro, Mexico, with tourist visas and settled into the Cumberland community. Though they entered the United States legally, they were not guided on the right path in regard to staying in the country after their visas expired.

Like the countless people who have immigrated to the United States, the Ortiz family left their home to pursue the American dream in a land of increased opportunities. In Mexico, Martin had owned a bus company and later an auto parts store; both businesses failed as a result of currency devaluations and economic downturns.

Martin came to the United States in 1995 and worked in many locations before finding employment at Seneca Foods in Cumberland. He had been looking at schools and searching for a good environment for his family. "Here I find a good place for my sons," Martin said. In July of 1999, Maria, Martin, Jr. and Abraham flew into the country to join him.

Their problems with the Immigration and Naturalization Service began after Sept. 11, 2001, when Maria went to Rice Lake in hopes of obtaining additional identification cards for her family. At that time, Martin's Social Security number was found to be invalid, and this prompted an arranged visit from two INS agents on Dec. 19, 2001. A hearing on Aug. 29, 2002, followed, at which an immigration judge granted the family a continuance. A second trial set for Feb. 20, 2003 will determine whether or not the Ortiz family will be allowed to remain in the United States and apply for citizenship.

Many people believe that immigration enforcement has picked up since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. According to Maria, it was difficult to find lawyers who would help them. "Many lawyers said they can't help after Sept. 11," she said. They did receive a good deal of support from Jim Larkin, a retired attorney and St. Anthony parishioner, who volunteered his services.

Ruth Schafer, a teacher and librarian at Cumberland High School, wrote in a letter of appeal to authorities, "I realize our country's immigration department needs to be more careful about allowing foreigners to stay in this country. But I don't feel the Ortiz family poses any threat to Americans. In fact, I believe they represent the best our country has to offer."

Many others agree, and if the situation were in the hands of the Cumberland and nearby communities, the Ortiz family would be, without a doubt, allowed to stay. Since December 2001, the family has received an outpouring of support from fellow St. Anthony parishioners, co-workers, teachers and many others. Countless people have signed petitions and written letters explaining why the Ortizes belong in the United States.

Fr. Dennis M. Mullen, pastor at St. Anthony Parish, said that one thing is clear: "The community has made a strong push to the INS that this is a family that wants to stay in the United States and should be welcome to."

What sets the Ortiz family apart and makes them such a valuable addition to the community? Teachers and students in the Cumberland School District say that Martin and Abraham are hardworking, talented students and good leaders, in and outside of the classroom.

Martin is a high school senior who is well loved by both teachers and peers. Ann Ethen, one of Martin's English teachers, wrote, "As an educator for the past 10 years, I have never met a student who is more courteous, hard-working, kind, caring, honest and the list can go on."

Another teacher, Ryan Stowers, said "Martin is not the average student; he is a gifted student. Martin is one of the most intelligent students I have ever taught, and he is the hardest working student I have ever had in class."

One of Martin's friends, Rogelio Jensen, called Martin "the perfect role model" because "he has made me realize that if you set goals in life, you are able to achieve them if you want them bad enough."

Despite beginning his freshman year with limited English skills, Martin has an excellent grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is involved many extracurricular activities including track, cross country, swimming, band, choir and community theater. Martin hopes to complete high school in Cumberland, attend college in the United States and pursue a career in the medical field.

Abraham, who is starting second grade, displays the same academic and leadership potential as his older brother. He does well in his classes and also plays hockey and soccer. He was elected junior royalty for the high school prom in 2001.

Barbara Lynch is a first grade teacher at Cumberland Elementary school and is leading a campaign to gain support for the Ortiz family. When she had Abraham in class, she discovered he was "a bright boy who has taught my other students that diversity is a wonderful gift to the classroom. We are all learning Spanish from him while he diligently works at perfecting his oral and written English skills."

Susan Skinner, another teacher at Cumberland Elementary School, wrote, "To see little Abraham wearing his American flag T-shirt and proudly saying the Pledge of Allegiance would bring tears to your eyes!"

Although Martin and Maria are not as fluent in English as their children, they are equally respected and loved by the community. Both worked at Seneca Foods until they were let go due to their illegal status. Richard Hensel, III, a co-worker, wrote in their behalf, "Martin was a valuable worker. He held a very demanding position and I never saw him falter. We miss him greatly in the workplace. Maria is also something else. She is the type of person that would work herself to death if that's what it took."

Martin and Maria also play an active role in their sons' education. According to Ethen, "many parents could learn from the enthusiasm that they portray in supporting their children." Martin and Maria attend all parent teacher conferences, and they encourage Martin and Abraham by attending every concert, game, meet and performance in which their sons are involved. They can often be spotted in front row cheering and videotaping the events.

Many say the Ortiz family enriches the community by helping others appreciate diversity. Martin Jr. volunteers for Migrant Ministry, an organization that offers help and friendship to migrant workers and their families. The family also sings in the Spanish choir during St. Anthony's seasonal Spanish Masses. The Ortizes have volunteered to tutor people with Spanish, and Martin and Maria teach Spanish classes to church and community members. Maria also taught students about Mexican culture during diversity day at Cumberland High School.

While Congress is currently considering legislation that may help the Ortiz family, chances are nothing will pass in time to help them. According to Martin Jr., Congress could pass a private bill giving them permission to remain in the country. However, private bills, he said, are "very unique and hard to get."

The Ortizes feel blessed by the level of support they have received, and Martin Jr. said there many "unbelievable people" in the Cumberland community.

The Ortiz family wants nothing more than the opportunity to remain in the United States and the chance to pursue their dreams. Clearly, the Cumberland community wants to grant them this opportunity. "The school district, community, state and country would all be at a great loss without the many assets this family has to offer," Stowers wrote in his letter of appeal. And, in the words of Lynch, "These are the people we should be inviting in, not sending home."

How to help

The Ortiz family requests that others wishing to offer support send letters of appeal to their congressman and senators:

* Sen. Russell Feingold, 506 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-4904; E mail via http://feingold.senate.gov/

* Sen. Herb Kohl, 330 Hart Senate Office Building, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510; E mail: senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

* Rep. David R. Obey, 2314 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; E mail via www.house.gov/obey/

* Rep. Ron Kind, 1713 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, E mail via www.house.gov/kind/

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002