It’s estimated more than 100 people were packed inside the trailer truck driven by 60-year-old James Bradley before he parked it outside of a San Antonio Walmart early Sunday morning.
Temperatures reached more than 100 degrees. The dangerous journey from the Texas-Mexico border left 10 people dead, and sent several others to the hospital for heat-related injuries.
Cities across the state have held vigils for those who died or are now fighting for their lives. After having gone through so much suffering and tragedy, it might be assumed that those who made the trek could stay. However, as one Lubbock immigration attorney explains that it’s not that simple, and that it’s most likely the majority of the immigrants will be sent back.
When Paola Ledesma heard of the tragic incident, she said she was shocked, but that it is also a harsh reality of something that happens far too often.
“Smugglers come and offer you an opportunity to be in the U.S., saying they’ll bring you all the way and they [immigrants] pay a lot of money for that. It’s a very common issue and unfortunately, these people [smugglers] make tons of money doing that,” said Ledesma.
“Sometimes what they’ll do is sell everything they have with the promise to come here and start making more money. Their situation is so drastic, usually it’s people trying to find a good job, or flee from violence or poverty.”
Ledesma said although the chances are slim, there are two options immigrants could potentially qualify for in order to stay in the U.S.: through asylum or a T-visa.
Ledesma explained that in order for immigrants to qualify for asylum, they must be able to prove that upon returning back to their home country, their lives would be in great danger on account of their race, religion, or political affiliation.
To qualify for the T visa, Ledesma explained the immigrants would have to prove they are victims of human trafficking.
While some of the immigrants may choose to pursue these options, Ledesma said acquiring either may be more difficult for some than others. She said right now the main focus at hand should be expressing compassion for the survivors and better addressing the issue of human trafficking.
“Those are very hard to obtain, so, how can they come on a temporary basis, without risking their lives, without breaking the law? That is the bigger issue here, that’s what we should be addressing right now,” said Ledesma.
The truck driver in this case, Bradley, currently faces federal charges of illegally transporting immigrants, and could face the death penalty if convicted.
