Children Of Illegal Immigrants May Get Housing In L.A., Community Outraged


Children of illegal immigrants may soon have housing while awaiting court hearings on whether they can remain in the United States, thanks to the efforts of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and area non-profit groups.

However, not everyone is happy about it.

CBS Los Angeles reports that Garcetti, while speaking at a forum on Tuesday, said that the Department of Health and Human Services reached out to him about the possibility of offering free housing as federal authorities struggle with finding shelter for the children until their locations can be decided.

“Before you get partisan, before you tell me where you are on immigration, these are children,” Garcetti said. “As a father, who are we as Americans if we do not step forward first? I see this as not just a moral issue but as a practical one.”

Ted Hayes, a homeless activist who has lived in L.A. for close to 30 years, said he is opposed to the idea, insisting that the nation would be better served to focus on its own children in need before offering a helping hand to those of illegal immigrants.

“It’s kind of a slap in the face to U.S. citizens,” Hayes said. “It’s embarrassing. It’s hurtful. Because it’s like a father saying that he loves children outside of the family more than he loves his own.”

“We feel for them,” Hayes added. “We feel their pain. But we are feeling pain of our own children first.”

Representatives from Garcetti’s office said the mayor had convened with a group of non-profits that could take the children in while they await their hearings. Garcetti also said no city resources would be used in the event the children are moved to L.A.

“These kids who are isolated, alone. Maybe are doing the right thing, maybe have made mistakes. Forget all that first,” Garcetti said. “Let’s get them some place safe and secure. Let’s get them legal representation, which is what this country has always stood for.”

No timetable has been set for the plan at this time, which means there is plenty of time for people to voice their outrage, and that, they have been.

Commenters from the CBS L.A. site had this to say:

“Why should we pay for other countries mistakes? These people had 500 years to figure things out. They wanted to live in a state controlled dictatorship, let them enjoy the fruits of their labor. Don’t punish Americans for having common sense.”

“They could stay at Garcetti’s house. Perhaps someone should post an invitation in Spanish on Craigslist, with his address… ”

“‘… while they await their hearings… ‘ which the majority will never show up for.”

“This is what happens when you vote democrat.”

“Lets take care of our own children in need. Let the Banana Republics in South and Central America take responsibility for their own spawn.”

We think you get the point. What do you think, everyone? Are Americans being unreasonable or completely justified regarding Garcetti’s plan to house the children of illegal immigrants? Share your thoughts!

[Image via ShutterStock]

Share this article: Children Of Illegal Immigrants May Get Housing In L.A., Community Outraged
More from Inquisitr