The CNN.com article "Mistake Costs Dishwasher $59,000" details the trials and tribulations of Pedro Zapeta, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala. The article explains that:
Two years ago, Zapeta was ready to return to Guatemala, so he carried a duffel bag filled with $59,000 -- all the cash he had scrimped and saved over the years -- to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
So an illegal immigrant (who, by the way, doesn't speak English) tries to leave the country on an airplane with $59,000 cash stuffed in a duffel bag. How could this plan go wrong?
The article goes on to paint Zapeta in the most sympathetic light possible, pointing out that Zapeta, "lived his version of the American dream in Stuart, Florida: washing dishes and living frugally to bring money back to his home country." The article claimed that Zapeta had worked in this country for 11 years.
But as Zapeta was leaving the country, a customs official discovered the cash.
Zapeta ... said he didn't know he was running afoul of U.S. law by failing to declare he was carrying more than $10,000 with him. Anyone entering or leaving the country with more than $10,000 has to fill out a one-page form declaring the money to U.S. customs.
Customs officials seized the money, and the remainder of the article details Zapeta's legal struggle to recover his money (not to mention stay in the country). Although he "admits he never paid taxes," the article cites Zapeta's statement that "[t]hey are treating me like a criminal when all I am is a working man." Zapeta later states, "I am desperate. I no longer feel good about this country." CNN.com predictably does not point out the irony that Zapeta actually is a criminal - and wasn't supposed to be in this country in the first place.
For good measure, a sympathetic immigration attorney bemoans: "When you are poor, uneducated and illegal, your avenues are cut."
CNN.com identifies Zapeta's "mistake" as being his failure to fill out the proper customs form. The sentiment of the article was that if Zapeta had only filled out the proper one-page form, he would be home free with his $59,000.
At the outset, it is implausible to consider (as the article implies) that customs officials would have approved an illegal alien's request to exit the country with $59,000 cash in a duffel bag.
But setting that aside, it is an insult to all law-abiding Americans to frame Zapeta's "mistake" as being his failure to successfully flee the country with his ill-gotten, untaxed cash. Zapeta's "mistake" was entering this country illegally in the first place. Zapeta compounded his error by failing to pay income taxes - which over 11 years would likely comprise a significant portion of the $59,000. Wouldn't we all like to keep 100% of our earnings for the next 11 years?
The article further does not reference the "mistake" made by Zapeta's employer, who presumably paid Zapeta under-the-table and gained a competitive advantage over other businesses who played by the rules. The article also completely ignores the point that aggressive prosecutions of these cases act as a deterrent to others who would seek to illegally enter this country.
But these issues don't stand in the way of CNN.com's weeping sympathy for the poor, uneducated, frugal dishwasher from Guatemala who made the "mistake" of getting caught.
—Jason Aslinger is a private practice attorney in Greenville, Ohio.
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Liberals love to see other
September 27, 2007 - 21:11 ET by rbosqueLiberals love to see other liberals get away with crimes. Imagine if a prominent Republican didn't pay his taxes? He'd be chained to the wall.
the article cites Zapeta's
September 27, 2007 - 21:28 ET by USA4freedomthe article cites Zapeta's statement that "[t]hey are treating me like a criminal when all I am is a working man." Zapeta later states, "I am desperate. I no longer feel good about this country."
I no longer feel good about this country?.. good. Stay the hell out!
Gonna miss ya..
Now you have to go home with those dish pan hands and.. no money! Bummer...
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
-and shot.
September 27, 2007 - 21:37 ET by Dave RWhen I'm president, privatization is off the table because it's not the answer to anything.-Hillary Rodham, September 3, 2007 AARP Legislative Conference.
"They're treating me like a
September 27, 2007 - 21:22 ET by MikeB"They're treating me like a criminal..."
Well, let's see:
1) entering the U.S. illegally
2) working without a green card
3) violating U.S. money laws
4) income tax evasion
It is also possible he was driving without a license, driving without insurance, and possibly voting in U.S. elections. The first four it is dead certain he was doing, so the guy is definitely a criminal.
This clown reminds me of the convict in Maricopa county griping about the way Sheriff Arpaio was treating them. Does he realize how funny he really is?
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
Mike: Up here in the
September 27, 2007 - 21:33 ET by Conservative_in_mass.Mike:
Up here in the Kommonwealth of Massachusetts, your list of violations would entitle him to the following:
Welfare
A drivers license
free medical (Mass Health)
A legal aid attorney to sue the federal government for disrupting his plan to smuggle money out of the U.S. thereby infringing on his civil liberties.
and of course, a state funded interpreter so he can secure all the above in a timely fashion.
Have to go now and prepare my estimated quarterly tax return...don't want to be late or else...
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. ~ Unknown
Zapeta said his goal in
September 27, 2007 - 21:41 ET by HypocriteHaterZapeta said his goal in coming to the United States was to make enough money to buy land in his mountain village and build a home for his mother and sisters. He sent no money back to Guatemala over the years, he said, and planned to bring it all home at once.
More evidence for the pro-illegal immigrant lobby that illegals are not here to live the American dream. They're here to make tax-free money by taking jobs away from legal citizens, then bring it back home to their native countries. Could that be why the dollar is dropping in value?
It's almost surprising that the left isn't outraged by someone trying to aviod paying taxes. But I'm sure it's because the victim status of the illegals is more important to them than their taxes.
* Wrong,
September 28, 2007 - 06:15 ET by rob6677The left isn't outraged about the taxes because he's sure to be a democrat voter, they print voting instuctions in spanish on the back of fake green cards that they sell to Mexicans crossing the border!
It's so simple, you should have figured it out. lol
"I'm interested in the fact that the less secure a man is, the more likely he is to have extreme prejudice." Clint Eastwood
Sheesh, again
September 27, 2007 - 21:54 ET by UnsaneFunny...my mother, who immigrated here LEGALLY, decided to learn English as quickly as possible once she determined there weren't that many German speakers in the United States. Not to mention that the school she went to wasn't interested in coddling her with bilingual programs.
So, why didn't this guy learn one word of the vernacular of the United States in ELEVEN YEARS?
And you know what's really pathetic? He still cannot take any responsibility for his actions. If he had come here legally, he wouldn't have any issues, hassles or problems.
May he stay in Guatemala, and be quickly sent back there if he tries to come back.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
CNN's cherry-picking
September 27, 2007 - 22:06 ET by SeptemberI'm hispanic and my family and I watched this tonight then said, "Welcome to America, Mr. Z!" because he isn't being treated differently than any one of the rest of us would be. Nope. No special treatment, least not yet.
My dad used to say ignorance of the law is no excuse. Ouch. I do feel for the guy for being so clueless about the laws of the land. But in 10 years you'd think he would've picked up on the tax rules and all, huh?
This is it, the segregated nation. A class of people living in a sub-society because there is no accountability for their actions. And little accountability for the guy's employer as well.
So now the guy's in trouble. He can thank the federal gov't for letting him stay here illegally and then turn round and curse them for finally doing their job.
What a mess. I wish the guy luck. Maybe he can get a fair portion of the money or something after taxes(?)--then go home to his momma!
something doesn't add up to this sob story
September 27, 2007 - 22:03 ET by Joe 1956For all we know, he was carrying drug money and planned to return here.
A little investigative journalism nowadays is to much to hope for, I suppose.
Kinda what I was thinking.
September 28, 2007 - 08:46 ET by general companyKinda what I was thinking. Did he save the cash in his mattress? And how could anyone in this country save 59K in 11yrs as a dishwasher?
The rest of the story is???
September 27, 2007 - 22:12 ET by SeptemberI agree. He could be playing the American media and me like a violin, appealing to our sympathies although I'd never excuse the guy for not paying taxes. Nobody's ever excused me from those wicked monthly deductions.
Too bad zapster,
September 27, 2007 - 22:36 ET by SlicksterHad you came legally and attempted to learn english you wouldn't have this problem. You are a crimminal, be happy that we are only keeping the money and sendng you home, In my world we would keep the money, sentence you to hard labor, force you to pay back taxes and any tax payer paid services you scammed. We woyld also shave your head and brand you with a huge "I" in the middle of your forehead.
We would allow you to choose what the "I" stood for though, illegal or idiot, your choice.
Had you came (sic) legally
September 28, 2007 - 00:22 ET by cleverpigHad you came (sic) legally and attempted to learn english you wouldn't have this problem.
I feel the need to point out that even if he had come here legally, paid all his taxes, learned english, and then tried to leave the country with $59,000 undeclared, he would still have this problem.
Agreed.
September 28, 2007 - 07:09 ET by sarcasmoIn fact, he could have been born here & never learned a word of Spanish, and that ineffective, freedom-eroding law the Founders would have spit-on would have applied to him.
And chances are, despite the failure of that "guilty until proven innocent" type of law to solve any of our substantial problems with either terror or illegal drugs, people will find a way to defend it. The Constitution used to limit the powers of the Federal government a lot more than it does now...
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
On the other hand, if what
September 27, 2007 - 23:16 ET by Sonny LykosOn the other hand, if what he said was true, $59,000 over 11 years amounts to about $5363 per year. He probably would not have had to pay income taxes considering his annual income, just FICA.
See, the Fair Tax system would eliminate the underground economy not paying ANY taxes.
He said he saved $59,000 in
September 28, 2007 - 19:29 ET by american-americanHe said he saved $59,000 in 11 years. He didn't say he earned only that amount. He surely made alot more than $5363 per year to be able to save that much money. Unless he lived in a tent or cardboard box on the street and did not eat, nor wear any clothing for 11 years.
But, you do have a point, that he may not have made enough annually to have any tax liability.
For him it was pre & post
September 28, 2007 - 20:30 ET by Conservative_in_mass.For him it was pre & post tax dollars...as he didn't PAY any. So 100% of his money went into a burlap bag? I wish that were the case for me...I'd be retired for 10 years already. And you really think he paid FICA? Pleeeese!
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. ~ Unknown
Sounds like this guy could
September 28, 2007 - 00:28 ET by DaMavSounds like this guy could have walked out of here free and clean with $ 19,000, most likely because enforcement felt sorry for his situation and offered him a deal. Now he's looking at nothing at all.
I wonder what advice his immigration lawyer gave him that led him to turn down the deal. Maybe CNN can look into how bad legal advice might have cost him nearly 20K.
On the other foot
September 28, 2007 - 01:09 ET by NiftySwellI dont understand why the MSM portrays it as evil for taxpaying US companies to outsource jobs to foreign countries but it is somehow fine and dandy for foreign nationals to:
I guarantee the day that illegal foreign nationals start coming in offering to report the news for half the price someone is going to care.
My heart goes out to this
September 28, 2007 - 02:17 ET by mostlymoderateMy heart goes out to this poor guy. My brain, however, asks how many more illegals get away with not paying taxes! The illegal invasion problem not going away.
Gee, next thing you know a
September 28, 2007 - 03:38 ET by jdhawkGee, next thing you know a judge will be agreeing with a bunch of lawyers that inmates sleeping on the floor deserve compensation . . . for having to sleep on the floor.
Oh! Wait a minute, a California judge already has done so.
What do you think the chances of Zapeta turning this whole thing around and suing in civil court for the money back and then some?
Yeah, that's what the libs call "social justice."
Dishwasher
September 28, 2007 - 03:55 ET by philhoeyLike most people who break the law - he is not sorry for what he did - only that he got caught.
The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius
the "american dream"?
September 28, 2007 - 04:03 ET by garykrasnerGood article. But I would add my 2 cents about this quote by CNN:
"lived his version of the American dream in Stuart, Florida: washing dishes and living frugally to bring money back to his home country."
(1) Liberals should show their purported concern for wage earners by acknowledging that illegal immigrants suppress wages for Americans, be they dishwashers, brick layers, or any jobs they take.
(2) Liberals should stop referring to job seekers as persuing the "American Dream". No one who comes to the US solely for a job is fulfilling the American Dream. That would make our country no different than a Walmart store.
Gary Krasner
Curious
September 28, 2007 - 06:15 ET by allanfThe purpose of these seizure laws is to prevent the laundering of money derived from criminal activity, primarily drugs and later terrorism. It is a misdemeanor to enter the United States improperly. Continued presence in the US is not an ongoing offense. It is also not a crime for him to have a job. (It is unlawful for the employer to hire him and for him to lie about his status).
I'm curious. Less taxes due, how many here think this man does not deserve to keep money he earned from the activity of dishwashing?
* No Speaka
September 28, 2007 - 06:32 ET by rob6677No one keeps the proceeds from Illegal activities, he is Illegal and his activities generated those proceeds.
However, if this gentleman had bothered to learn english, had internet access, and found his way to NB for example, he would have known the only time anyone can keep Illegal proceeds is if you are a politician etc.(See Clinton's). I would think he knows this already being from South America, so it's just a simple case of language barrier!
"I'm interested in the fact that the less secure a man is, the more likely he is to have extreme prejudice." Clint Eastwood
Wrong
September 28, 2007 - 06:35 ET by allanfSorry you are wrong on the law. He committed a midemeanor by entering the United States. His continuted presence in the United States is not illegal. He is considered "deportable" under the law.
He was not committing a crime by working as a dishwasher. The employer is responsible for screening applicants. I would be stunned if you can find a court decision or statute that holds that his wages from work are considered "proceeds of crime".
allanf
September 28, 2007 - 07:01 ET by Jason Aslingerallanf, I appreciate your sentiment. However, the failure to file an income tax return alone is a felony. And the problem is not necessarily that this poor sap worked 11 years as a dishwasher. The problem is that we don't know exactly what he was doing here. Like some of the other posts, I'm inclined to not believe that this guy accumulated $59,000 over 11 years washing dishes, and then decided to take it back home all at once. We will never know how much money this guy made exactly, and we'll never be 100% sure where the money came from (the employer is not likely to be honest about it). So - while the rest of us have ssn's and pay FICA - Zapeta gets to fly under the radar and then claim that tens of thousands of dollars were solely the fruits of his labor. The analysis could go on and on ... how many times did Zapeta go to the emergency room during the 11 years? Was he on food stamps? Was he on housing assistance? My guess is that he owes us money. Probably a lot of money.
First of all, I don't think
September 28, 2007 - 07:58 ET by Ruths husband BenFirst of all, I don't think a dishwasher would owe very much in taxes. The fact that he was frugal enough to amass 59K from washing dishes speaks highly of his discipline. I have trouble amassing 59K from my income which is considerably greater than minimum wage. Secondly, I don't and never will be able to condemn a man for trying to provide for his family. It used to be part of our culture that such a man was considered honorable. Based upon what I know of this "poor sap" from the article, I would be proud to have him as a friend. America should be proud too.
The problem is not the people who come here illegally. The problem is a system which encourages it. We need to fix the real problem and stop villianizing those who work within the system (the real world system, not the legal system) to try and better themselves.
And yes, he should be able to keep his money. He earned it, with blood, sweat and tears. It is a disgrace to steal it from him.
"We just can't trust the American people to make those types of choices.... Government has to make those choices for people" -HRC
Hear hear!
September 28, 2007 - 08:24 ET by cleverpigHear hear!
Seizure Laws
September 28, 2007 - 08:34 ET by allanfJason, you may well be right on that last point. The government may may not believe his story that the money was accumulated from dishwashing A civil seizure of this sort is considered an act against the object seized, not the person. The burden in court is on the party seeking to recover the property.
It probably goes without saying that a portion of the funds can be civally forfeited to cover back taxes, interest and penalties. The government only gets the ability to seize property criminally, once there is a conviction for a crime.
That has not happened yet. The seizure laws are a very useful tool. But they can be subject to abuse. In New Jersey a prosecutor was found to have conspired with high school classmates to seize property and then purchase the property at steep discounts. Police in Texas seized cars and money based solely on drug sniffing dogs reacting to objects, without actually finding drugs. That meant that cash which the dogs reacted to was seized. Well few of us know the history of each bill in our wallet.
Stories such as the one CNN produced are usually put out to arouse sympathy and may have little to do with the actual issues in the litigation. Before he gets his money back, he will have to fess up and show how it was earned.
Allan produce the goods and
September 28, 2007 - 10:15 ET by Dan The Man 2Allan produce the goods and link the articles for your Texas claims. That said the government has all rights to sieze the money because it was not declared. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and neither is flaunting it.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
I believe Allan is right on
September 28, 2007 - 19:09 ET by James2306I believe Allan is right on the seizure laws when I lived in North Carolina the drug siezure laws allowed the state to seize property and sell it before charges were filed let alone a conviction it was in a lot of newspapers includung conservative ones
Pacifism is a luxury bought with the blood of the valorous
American Dream
September 28, 2007 - 07:38 ET by dwillmoreThe dream is to start a fresh life of oppertunity with freedom and hope. The dream is not to rape and pillage the land in hopes to take your spoils back to the mother country.
I'm sorry, he did what to
September 30, 2007 - 23:29 ET by cleverpigI'm sorry, he did what to the land now?
I have ALL kinds of issues
September 28, 2007 - 09:46 ET by BeowulfI have ALL kinds of issues with this disingenuous story. This guy is quite obviously (and self-admitedly) an habitual law-breaker. He entered this country illegally, He worked a job illegally. He was paid illegally. He paid no taxes. And he failed to complete the proper claim for "his" money. Even going with the lib "3-strikes" mentality, he's waaaaay over the strike-out limit.
How many American's dream is it to be a dish-washer?
How much taxpayer did this guy suck up for "social aid"?
By working here illegally, he took a job from an American (maybe just a teenager - but still an American). He attempted to follow-up on that by removing the currency from the country, draining our reserves and enhancing those of Guatemala (sounds almost Mexican, doesn't it - after all, the Mexican economy is essentially based on "remittence" of US cash).
Finally, I sincerely hope he wins his legal case for his money. After, of course, he pays the lawyer, pays back taxes and penalties, re-pays what he glommed off of American taxpayers, does his jail time, and then pays the cost of deporting him. I hope he gets his $59,000 back. Of course, it will have cost him $65,000 to do so, but that's the American way. Welcome to the dream a-hole!
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
Entering the country
September 28, 2007 - 10:04 ET by balboaEntering the country illegally, not paying taxes, all bad things. But if it's true that someone just took his money, then offered a payoff if he didn't go to the press, that's really bad, too.
This is a perfect template
September 28, 2007 - 11:04 ET by c5thenAt least 25%-50% of the illegal immigrants in this country fit this EXACT model. They work "under-the-table", pay no taxes whatsoever, get social services from the State and Federal Governemnt because they are "off-the-books" and then either bring their saved money home or send it home.
This guy is a criminal for entering the country illegally, for failure to pay income taxes, for failure to pay SS and Medicare taxes, for failure to pay state income taxes, for illegally recieving social services, etc., etc....
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Fred08.com
Ruth's hubbie
September 28, 2007 - 14:13 ET by SeptemberBased upon what I know of this "poor sap" from the article, I would be
proud to have him as a friend. America should be proud too.
Oh, those "shoulds" always get to me. They're so preachy. "Proud"? I wouldn't go that far. Feel sorry for him, yes, for being completely ignorant of our laws. But I would have to have a lot more information before I could call him my pal. Like actually knowing the guy well.
I hope he gets most of his money back after taxes and agree it probably isn't much considering a dishwasher's salary. Technically he probably could've qualified for EIC or some other low income tax break.
In a way, however, it's scary to realize how much power the government has over any of us, legal or illegal, once we get caught up in the system.
LOL
September 29, 2007 - 09:42 ET by StokeyBobAll I can say is, I'm laughing out loud here.
Not laughing any more.
September 29, 2007 - 09:51 ET by StokeyBobNow that I got the laughing out of my system the reality of what this illegal invader has done has started to set in.
The 59,000 wouldn't even cover the cost of what the rest of the honest people have had to put into the system to cover him for his taxes and social services.
It's time to hold his employer accountable for aiding and abetting his stay in our country.