One of the most important tasks for any immigrant is to assimilate into the culture of their new home. But for illegal immigrants, that is not their biggest concern. They are worried about fitting in, while trying not to get kicked out.
There are many businesses in Fort Wayne that cater to the hispanic community. Many of the signs are in Spanish. But Father Tom Ascheman of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ft. Wayne says the idea that Latinos are not interested in learning English is wrong. He says almost all of the children have a preference for English.
Fernando Zapari, who is the publisher of "El Mexicano" a Spanish language newspaper says immigrants know that it's important to learn English. He says there are many programs in the Ft. Wayne area designed to teach English as a second language. But, he says the Mexican culture is not something they want to leave behind. He says it is a shock for immigrants when they come to America...but they adapt.
For the illegal immigrant, fear is also part of this new life. For many children, they live with the fear that when they come home from school, their mother or father may not be there. This fear, according to Father Tom, is always in the back of their minds and it drives the decisions that they make. He tells of a snowstorm that forced the cancellation of Mass because illegal immigrants are afraid to drive in the bad weather. Landing in a ditch might end up in deportation.
Zapari says rumors fly in Ft. Wayne and many people are afraid because of their legal status. He says these people are nice, generous people who come here to work,.
Eduardo Marquez, who owns a car lot in Ft. Wayne says he just came for a dream...and he is pretty sure that everyone has a dream.
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