RRJ #3

1. In the Phoenix suburb of Chandler on the 27th of July, 1997 police of the Immigration and
Naturalization Service sought out illegal Mexican immigrants in order to clean up the streets.
Approximately 100 INS agents were assigned toward this mission in order to seek out the illegal
Mexicans who were swarming into Arizona. Not only were the government searching for them
but also organizations such as the Minutemen, Ranch Rescue, and American Border Patrol were
assisting with the deportation of Mexicans because of the paranoia of "La Reconquista" or the
nonviolent invasion to take back America where it belongs to Mexico. Oscar Vazquez, a young
boy from Temosachic, Mexico was living with his parents Ramiro and Manuela along with his
brother Pedro and his sister Luz. They were living in a farm however were very poor so Ramiro,
Oscar's father sought out opportunity and left Mexico for the United States in order to help his
family cross the Mexican border. Luckily, Oscar was able to make it over along with his mother
while his siblings stayed behind because they could support themselves. Oscar never fitted any
group within high school however he found out about the ROTC and joined. It would be his
greatest achievement until he realized that he was an immigrant. He would later seek out a new
thing to join and that would be the time he met Fredi Lajvardi.
2. When I read about the deportation of hundreds of Mexicans by the INS, it made me feel
disappointed by the fact that opportunities were taken away from them. I could imagine how
much they risked in order for a chance to come over to America. This meant that families had to
give up their savings and possessions. And if they lost all of that to get deported back, what
happens when they go back? How will they get back up their feet again with nothing in their
pockets? These are the many questions that linger in my mind. Also, it made me feel distraught
by the fact that Oscar Vasquez, a successful ROTC recruit was not given the opportunity of
joining the military just because he was an illegal immigrant. He was very devoted and never
gave up however it brings to my attention that citizenship should not deprive one's abilities to
contribute to one's favored community or nation.
3. What do families resort to when being deported back to Mexico? Do they try again? How so?
Why is it that if an individual is willing to commit towards giving to his country, why can't they
join the military? Is it simply complex process to make them a citizen if they are willing to join?
4. I started to think about how my family immigrated to the United States. It made me wonder
about the struggles my grandparents and parents went through when seeking refuge in America.
I was distracted by checking my emails but then I remembered that I had homework when I saw
that Spare Parts was due today on September 26th, 2015.
5. INS ( immigration and Naturalization Service)- an agency that detects and deters illegal
immigration while conducting investigations criminal activity. I chose this word because it this
agency plays a key role in the deportation of millions seeking out opportunity in the United
States.
lasciviously- sexual interest. I chose this word because I didn't know what it meant.

infatuated- to be inspired by a short-lived admiration for something. I chose this word because I
didn't know what it meant.
entity- a thing that is present or existent. I chose this word because I didn't know what it meant.