Immigration issue hits home for local man

Posted: Nov 16, 2016 9:03 AM EST
Updated: Nov 16, 2016 9:33 AM EST

CBS46 News
Read more: http://www.cbs46.com/story/33723177/undocumented-immigrants-fear-deportation-after-new-administration-elected#ixzz4QByP8ZPj,code>

ATLANTA (CBS46) –

He campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S. and now that he’s been elected, Donald Trump says he’s going to follow through with his plans.

Trump said he would immediately begin the process of deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records but those already living here who haven’t been convicted of a crime are fearful of what the new policies mean for them.

Advocates of the plan, like Bill Inman want the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants deported. For Inman, the issue is personal.

His wife Kathy is in a wheelchair after she and the couple’s only son Dustin were involved in a drunk-driving crash 16 years ago with an alleged undocumented immigrant behind the wheel. The crash killed Dustin, who was 16 years-old at the time.

“I don’t get to hug my son,” said Inman. “I don’t get to have him help me do whatever in the yard or on the truck. I won’t be a grandpa.”

Inman says the driver accused of killing Dustin and severely injuring his wife was never convicted and returned to Mexico. He isn’t afraid to speak his mind and says he is hopeful that Trump will follow through on his campaign promise.
Trump has softened his stance on deportation since being elected but still says he plans to begin proceedings on the 20 to 3 million people who have been convicted of a felony after crossing into the U.S. illegally.

On the other side of the coin, those undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. who have not committed a felony remain fearful as they wait to find out what will happen. One such person who wants to remain anonymous crossed over into the U.S. 17 years ago. She is a working mother of three and she say she and her children are living in fear.

“My younger son, he’s afraid. He’s just scared. He’s asking me the question if I’m getting deported,” the woman told CBS46 News.

Carlos Garcia of the Pro-Immigrant Alliance says calls have more than doubled to his organization from Georgians who have crossed into the U.S. illegally, wondering what will happen to them. While Garcia supports deportation of those convicted of violent crimes, he wonders where it will stop.

“The only thing we’re worried about is this is going to create some form of persecution against people who has a need to drive to work. Hard working families, splitting them apart,” said Garcia.

Copyright 2016 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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