Q: Why do scumbags rip-off immigrants? A: Because they can.
When I learned that Mike Sneed was the first attorney to represent Juana Villegas, I knew she was in trouble.
Sneed is the kind of guy who gives lawyers a bad name. He’s been censured and cited by state regulators for taking his client's money and not showing up for court, depositions or scheduled meetings. He’s even been successfully sued for malpractice, which isn’t as easy as you might think. Years ago, Sneed teamed up with Carmen Ceja — a Nolensville Road notario who charges clients big bucks so she can improperly file government documents on their behalf. This gave Sneed access to some of Nashville’s most vulnerable clients.
Sneed and Ceja are just two of many business people who offer shoddy or unlicensed legal or accounting services to Nashville's immigrant communities. There’s Elmer Virula, who made thousands preparing taxes, immigration documents and marriage licenses for Nashville immigrants. Problem is, he isn’t an attorney or a CPA and the marriage licenses he sold where from the state of California. He is now facing charges from the Tennessee attorney general’s office.
And who could forget Robert “Ismael” Chavez, disgraced former head of the TN Hispanic Chamber of Commerce?
These characters thrive in a fear-imposed sphere of immunity. When immigrants — both legal and undocumented — get ripped off, they are often hesitant about coming forward with a complaint. They fear that contact with authority will lead to deportation or worse. Immigration attorney Sean Lewis has told me that he’s had a number of clients decline to prosecute unscrupulous business owners because of threats from these crooks.
And what is an immigrant going to do, go to the cops? If he or she is here illegally they’re probably terrified of being 287(g)’ed out of the country. Rhetoric like this English First nonsense and immigration dragnets have created an impenetrable bubble of fear in which the Michael Sneeds of the world can victimize immigrants with impunity. This is to say nothing of the immigrant victims of domestic violence who fear the police, but live with an abuser.
Phil Valentine would probably argue that this climate, while regrettable, will help make Nashville inhospitable for undocumented immigrants and perhaps they will stop coming here. He may be correct. But is it right?
Comments
Yes, he's right.
We do not need to encouurage illegal invaders to Tennessee or any other state.
No, it's not right that immigrants (legal or illegal) or anyone else gets ripped off, but if they were not here illegally, they wouldn't have to worry about 287g.
Posted 08/05/2008 at 07:26:01 PMI think that rhetoric like “illegal invaders” is part of the problem. I understand your viewpoint, but parroting talk radio punch-lines makes you sound like a xenophobe, and a not too creative one at that.
Posted 08/06/2008 at 10:11:18 AMThese people are usually victimized every step of the way, both in the US and they nation they are fleeing, and it's an absolute tragedy. Most are asking for little more than an honest day's work, and instead are shunned by those who wouldn't be caught dead working the jobs they claim are being stolen.
Posted 08/06/2008 at 03:42:18 PMNo, wrong. I was using the term "illegal invaders" long before I ever read it anywhere.
Because that's what they are.
"....those who wouldn't be caught dead working the jobs they claim are being stolen."
Did you mention rhetoric?
Americans will do any job if they could support their families on the wages paid.
"These people are usually victimized every step of the way, both in the US and they nation they are fleeing, and it's an absolute tragedy."
Posted 08/07/2008 at 02:42:44 AMNow that I agree with.