Immigrant Still Fighting for Return of $59,000 after Two Years
Two years ago, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, Pedro Zapeta, made a simple but tragic mistake that has cost him his life savings.
Zapeta had worked in the United States for 11 years as a dishwasher. He earned $5.50 per hour at most of the jobs he had, and in some cases as much as $5.75 per hour, once he learned more. Amazingly enough, he lived so frugally that he was able to save $59,000 in cash. He intended to take that money back to Guatemala to help his family, who live in poverty.
When Zapeta packed his things two years ago, he put his money in a duffel bag and headed to the airport. He intended to return to Guatemala and start a new life for himself and his family, but his dreams were shattered that day.
According to U.S. law, any person entering or leaving the country with more than $10,000 in cash must fill out a one page U.S. customs form. Zapeta was not familiar with the law, and speaks no English. He failed to fill out the form and so when airport security officers discovered it, they called U.S. customs, who seized the money. When customs got through with Zapeta, they turned him over to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
The INS released Zapeta, but began deportation proceedings against him. For the past two years, two lawyers working pro-bono have been trying to help Zapeta. One lawyer works on his immigration case, while the other is attempting to get the money that was seized by customs back for Zapeta.
When Zapeta's situation was publicized in the media last year, he received $10,000 in donations which remain in a trust fund.
One of Zapeta's lawyers says that federal prosecutors offered a deal. They said that Zapeta could get $10,000 of his earned money back and also keep $9,000 of the donations given to him if he would agree to leave the country immediately and not speck publicly about the case again.
Zapeta refused the deal. Although he never paid taxes on the money that was seized, he still wants all of it back. The IRS now wants access to the donated money to settle the tax bill on Zapeta's earnings as well as the donations he has received.
It seems that Zapeta just can't get a break. He recently appeared at a hearing regarding his immigration status. The judge ordered him to leave the country by the end of January. He is likely to leave without any of his money.
At the immigration hearing Zapeta did achieve one thing he has never had - legal status in the U.S. Since his status is now "voluntary departure" he is now able to legally work in the U.S. for the first time. He will be able to obtain legal employment until the end of January when he must return to Guatemala.
Zapeta would love to have his money back, but is probably not all that broken up about having to leave the United States. He says that the situation has made him a desperate man and he is tired of being treated like a criminal after he worked so hard for the money that was seized. He says that he no longer feels good about this country, and can you blame him?
