An Illegal Immigrant's Legal Paradox

"I'm trying to be here for my kids. I'm trying to be here until they grow up," said Jaime R. Villagran, who is awaiting reinstatement of his work permit. (By James M. Thresher -- The Washington Post)
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If he gets his work permit, he said, he would like to sell cars or houses.

"These are doors of opportunities when you have your papers," Villagran said. Without them, he said, he would remain in fear, "waiting for immigration [authorities] to crash through."

Villagran's court-appointed lawyer, Gary M. Greenbaum, said the entire workers' compensation payment will go toward child support. But that did not change the judge's decision to send Villagran to jail. The only way Villagran can get out in less than three months is to pay the full amount owed, $11,291, a figure that rises every month.

Calls to Judge Helen F. Leiner were not returned.

"It's a Catch-22," Greenbaum said. "What troubles me is this guy intends to work as soon as he's legally entitled to do it. He's trying to do this the right way and make a life here."

Greenbaum said: "Adding insult to injury," Leiner authorized his client to take part in a work-release program.

Villagran, of course, is not eligible.