Ed Kissam: Illegal Immigrants

Juan Carlos Martin Dept: "The stereotype about the young people who are eligible is that they're college students and academic superstars that speak English perfectly. And that is, of course, not true for all of them," said Ed Kissam, a labour policy researcher, according to Vancouver Sun. Martin was surprised to learn that he may be eligible for the new federal program aimed at young illegal immigrants. Agricultural workers like him say a work permit and the benefits that come with it could open doors previously closed, leading to better paying jobs, improved working conditions and benefits and a path to higher education and tULARE, Calif. - Much of the attention on a new U.S. immigration program that started Wednesday has focused on the hundreds of thousands of students who are in the country illegally and now have the chance at work permits and deferred deportation. But just as many young workers, especially farmworkers, could benefit as well. One may be 23-year-old Juan Carlos Martin, who was smuggled through a U.S. border checkpoint from Mexico in a car at age 13. He had hoped for an education and career, but he started working full time after school after an accident incapacitated his father. In a California animal laboratory, he cleaned and fed dozens of cows. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.