Here's his story:

 
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Pedro Pablo slowly folds up his American flag blanket and stuffs it in his duffel bag. With it goes his American dream.

Pedro Pablo, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, headed home recently due to the bad U.S. economy.

1 of 3 "I left my family and lost four years with them. I will ask them to forgive me," he said.

Pablo is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who came to the United States to support his wife and five sons back home. When he arrived, construction jobs were plentiful. Over the last year, he says, he's worked three days.

He recently boarded a bus with a one-way ticket home, paid for by the Guatemalan consulate in Los Angeles. "I thought I could get ahead here. I regret coming." Watch day laborers head home »

Across the United States, tens of thousands of immigrants -- those here legally and illegally -- are facing a similar dilemma: Do they continue to search for jobs in a struggling U.S. economy or return home to an even bleaker economic situation?

"Things are very dire, and I think it's impacting those at the very bottom even more so," said Abel Valenzuela, a professor at the University of California-Los Angeles who has spent years studying day laborers.

"Day laborers are being really, really impacted."

America's economic boom during the 1990s and 2000s created a high demand of day workers needed for anything from building homes to picking fruit and from working at slaughterhouses to working as nannies. Many of those jobs have since evaporated, resulting in more and more people -- immigrants and native-born Americans -- flooding day labor job sites and standing on street corners in search of any type of work they can get.

"All of them are competing for the few jobs being dispatched," Valenzuela said.

Immigration experts say it's not yet clear how large an immigration exodus of Latin Americans is under way. But they say anecdotal evidence suggests day laborers, like Pablo, have begun packing -- a result of the economy and tougher immigration enforcement.

For some immigrants, the experts say, the reasons for toughing out the U.S. economic recession outweigh the reasons for leaving, including:
• One or two days of work per month at $8 an hour is often better than what they can make back home;
• Tougher border enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border has made it harder for them to return once they leave;
• Smuggling costs to get into the United States from Mexico have skyrocketed from about $1,500 three years ago to about $6,000 today.

"I'm not convinced it's a tidal wave of exodus," Valenzuela said. "There really is a fear mentality [of leaving], and as a result many immigrants are buckling down -- that is they're hiding or living in the shadows of our law. So they think more than twice about whether or not they want to go back to their country of origin, because they know very well that it's going to be extremely difficult and very expensive to come back if they want to pursue their dream."

Steven Camarota with the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington-based think tank that seeks a "pro-immigrant, low-immigration vision," said Census data indicate that more than 1 million illegal immigrants left last year, a departure that began even before the nation's economy took a turn for the worse toward the end of the year.

He said better border enforcement and workplace raids on illegal immigrants "let people know that the immigration law was back in business."

With illegal immigrants returning home, he said, "It's certainly good for two groups: taxpayers and less educated natives."

The lack of work in the United States has had a trickle down effect in the immigrants' countries of origin. The money sent back home by Mexican immigrants in 2008 fell for the first time since record-keeping began 13 years ago. Watch lack of remittances has "real large economic implications" »

The remittances dipped 3.6 percent, from $26 billion in 2007 to $25 billion, according to Mexico's central bank. Remittances are Mexico's second-largest source of foreign income, behind only oil. Other Latin American countries also have seen money sent from immigrants in the United States slow.

Erik Camayd-Freixas, a professor at Florida International University who has served as an immigration court interpreter for two decades, recently traveled to Guatemala, where he saw the effects of less money being sent home by immigrants.

"Everybody was talking about it," he said. "The local economies are severely impacted and the unemployment is rampant."

He said scores of people deported from the United States are trying to find any type of job in Guatemala. "They've been there six months and they have no work," Camayd-Freixas said.

That's why he said he believes most immigrants already in the United States are willing to stick it out, despite the hard-scrabble times in America.

"The truth of the matter is, despite our 7.6 percent unemployment, most Americans are not going to do those jobs that migrant workers do," Camayd-Freixas said. "They're certainly not going to pick tomatoes, grapefruits and oranges."

Camarota disagrees. He said Americans most likely to compete for day labor jobs -- those with a high school degree or less -- are currently unemployed at an astounding rate of about 15 percent. "It's very hard to argue that we're desperately short of unskilled workers," he said.

Jeronimo Salguero is the director of a day labor site in Los Angeles. He says employment for day laborers has dipped 75 percent over the last year. He said on any given day three years ago, his center found work for nearly 50 percent of the people who gathered there. Now, that figure is about 5 percent of the 250 men who huddle daily searching for work.

A study issued in January by the Pew Hispanic Center found that nearly three of four Latinos surveyed said their personal finances were in fair or poor shape, compared to 61 percent of the general U.S. population. Among Hispanic immigrants who sent remittances home over the last two years, about 70 percent said they sent less in 2008 than in 2007.

Salguero said to help offset the hard times, immigrants are crowding about 20 men into apartments. He's now working with the Guatemalan consulate. Once a week, he said, the consulate purchases a bus ticket for an immigrant to go home.

"They are completely desperate," he said. "Each day, I have workers coming into the office and say, 'Geronimo, help me. I want to go back to my country.' "

Pablo was one of those men. He had lived in a one-bedroom apartment with seven other men. His "bedroom" was a corner of the living room where he kept his blanket, duffel bag and picture of his family.

"I can't make it here," he said. "If I have to suffer, it's better to suffer in Guatemala with my family."
 

**************

EGADS!!!  What can we do to make these illegal aliens stay??!?!?!?

What the hell is going to happen with the "Change We Can Believe In?"  George Soros's architect plans might be in a snag?  What are we gonna do now man?  What are we gonna do?  Where's the boat?  Where's the boat?  hehe

Seriously though.  It's too bad companies are still trying to find time to replace born and bread Americans with foreigners that supposeably work harder (don't buy it personally) and work for less. (obviously this part is true)  That's probably why we're seeing all these layoffs. (I hardly doubt companies want to hire back Americans when they can make mounds off foreigners instead: Change We Can Believe In disgustingly)

Lol en1gma this isn't a trend trust me believe it or not peope applying for Laser Visa's(Border crossing cards they get that name because they are biometric and a real pain in the ass forge) is in record numbers

There are more OTM(other then mexican immigrant) doing EWI(entry wihout inspection) then ever.

El paso is worse then ever as far as illegal immigration is concerned whichis part of the reason DHS is still on a big hiring phase.

The fact is its easier to be unemployed in america then it is in most latin american countries, particularly guatamala mostly because our immigration policy has tuned guatamala into what very closely resembles downtown baghdad by sending every single guatamalan gang member here who commits a crime back there instead of jailing them here.

believe me pablo is tryingo bring back parachute pants in the middle of july in east texas, as far as trends go.

in fact the guides are actually getting better and charging more, 2 years ago it wa somewhere around 1500-2k a head, now its between 4-5k

We have so many illegals because the lazy americans wont do the jobs these guys will. -shrugs-

Deploy a whole bunch of THESE on the border for further testing and we won't have to worry about illegals for a while=)  Tireless.  The don't sleep.  They don't care.  Just need to be rearmed every so often.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQf0Q0JEdtE&feature=related

Yes, I know they began shooting anything that moved by accident and the project had to be put on hold.  What better way to test and improve them though.  Its not murder when the people that may get shot are already breaking the law=)  The poor SWORD won't really care if you decommission him.

Its all in jest, but it would probably stop the problem in say, a week, maybe two.  This was a joke, partly!!!

Originally posted by Josher

Deploy a whole bunch of THESE on the border for further testing and we won't have to worry about illegals for a while=)  Tireless.  The don't sleep.  They don't care.  Just need to be rearmed every so often.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQf0Q0JEdtE&feature=related

Yes, I know they began shooting anything that moved by accident and the project had to be put on hold.  What better way to test and improve them though.  Its not murder when the people that may get shot are already breaking the law=)  The poor SWORD won't really care if you decommission him.

Its all in jest, but it would probably stop the problem in say, a week, maybe two.  This was a joke, partly!!!

There are a lot of people who actually believe we should just start shooting at those trying to enter.

I call these people sadists.

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

 

 

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

If they screw an American out of a job, then yes they do. I live in Ca and we are paying these people, actually more like trash from South America. I for one am tired of it. I get taxed so they can use our emergency rooms as walk in clinics and causing them to close. Oh then they pack the hell out of MY public schools and force MY kids to learn Spanish. Oh wait my kids do not attend the shit hole that is the Ca public shcool system I pay for private school and get the shit taxed out of me for that. Ya there is a lot of love here in Ca for those poor people breaking the law and making this State a fucking shit hole. Oh and the law suits cant for get those because they had there civil rights violated that they dont even rate.

Originally posted by ounumen

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

 

 

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

 

If they screw an American out of a job, then yes they do. I live in Ca and we are paying these people, actually more like trash from South America. I for one am tired of it. I get taxed so they can use our emergency rooms as walk in clinics and causing them to close. Oh then they pack the hell out of MY public schools and force MY kids to learn Spanish. Oh wait my kids do not attend the shit hole that is the Ca public shcool system I pay for private school and get the shit taxed out of me for that. Ya there is a lot of love here in Ca for those poor people breaking the law and making this State a fucking shit hole. Oh and the law suits cant for get those because they had there civil rights violated that they dont even rate.

So let's say tomorrow all of the illegal aliens suddenly became U.S. citizens.  Would you still have a problem with them?

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

 

 

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

lol If the mexican people put even a Quarter the effort in to Fixing their Own Fing Country then I would have some Simpathy...
 

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by ounumen

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

 

 

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

 

If they screw an American out of a job, then yes they do. I live in Ca and we are paying these people, actually more like trash from South America. I for one am tired of it. I get taxed so they can use our emergency rooms as walk in clinics and causing them to close. Oh then they pack the hell out of MY public schools and force MY kids to learn Spanish. Oh wait my kids do not attend the shit hole that is the Ca public shcool system I pay for private school and get the shit taxed out of me for that. Ya there is a lot of love here in Ca for those poor people breaking the law and making this State a fucking shit hole. Oh and the law suits cant for get those because they had there civil rights violated that they dont even rate.

 

So let's say tomorrow all of the illegal aliens suddenly became U.S. citizens.  Would you still have a problem with them?

Nope they would be Americans at that point. I may not like it but then they would pay taxes. My biggest beef is with them sticking with there strong Mexican roots. Sorry if you want my milk and honey then you should probably rally around America not Mexico. Most citizens of border states will agree. I have traveled all over South East Asia and faught in the Middle East. No were have I been did I expect them to acomidate me for my lack of linguistic skills. Hell I even learned a bit of Japanese so I could go off the beaten tourist paths. But oh no in America we have to roll out the fucking red carpet! Speak spanish here is the DMV flyers in Spansih. Dont worry learning English is not a priority.  My problem is there fucking hands are out like I owe them somthing. Hell I used to work along side them as a teenager on construction sites fighting to keep my job. I tired of America taking care of others when every red cent we have should go towards Americans first.

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

LOL

Originally posted by Ekibiogami

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

 

 

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

lol If the mexican people put even a Quarter the effort in to Fixing their Own Fing Country then I would have some Simpathy...
 

I have to agree. I think its way past time for the people of mexico to stand up and fight for their country. It's sad how their country has been over run by drug cartels and getting rid of them is going to be very bloody but there comes a time when you have to do something about it.

If they weren't a drain on the economy, I'd feel sympathy as well.  If they didn't use OUR emergency rooms for regular doctor visits or our ambulances as taxis, I'd feel sympathy.  Hospitals around the borders are in trouble and guess who's bringing in the problems?   If they would embrace our way of life, language and culture instead of forcing US to adapt to THEIRS, I'd feel sympathy.  If they didn't give me dirty looks when I dare to speak english, I'd feel sympathy.  If they drove on OUR roads with licences and  insurance, I'd feel sympathy, but some don't.  Don't say they're not driving.  If they happen to kill me or my wife and kids in an accident, life in jail is probably a better life than what they'd have back in Mexico, Cuba, or any number of islands around FL.  None of this is made up. 

A lot of the money they do "make" goes right back out of their country anyway, so please explain how it benefits us at all.  While certain people feel sorry for them, I don't, as I watch as the USA is slowly and surely being converted and diminished . . . and Liberals are leading the charge. 

Don't tell me it doesn't piss you off when you walk into a store and can't communicate to the person behind the register.  When they look at me as if its MY problem, you just have to wonder how quickly things are turning.  Do I have a right to be upset?  Of course.

Originally posted by ounumen

Originally posted by Sabiancym

 

So let's say tomorrow all of the illegal aliens suddenly became U.S. citizens.  Would you still have a problem with them?

 

Nope they would be Americans at that point. I may not like it but then they would pay taxes. My biggest beef is with them sticking with there strong Mexican roots. Sorry if you want my milk and honey then you should probably rally around America not Mexico. Most citizens of border states will agree. I have traveled all over South East Asia and faught in the Middle East. No were have I been did I expect them to acomidate me for my lack of linguistic skills. Hell I even learned a bit of Japanese so I could go off the beaten tourist paths. But oh no in America we have to roll out the fucking red carpet! Speak spanish here is the DMV flyers in Spansih. Dont worry learning English is not a priority.  My problem is there fucking hands are out like I owe them somthing. Hell I used to work along side them as a teenager on construction sites fighting to keep my job. I tired of America taking care of others when every red cent we have should go towards Americans first.

What?!?  Expect people to work for something...this concept is totally new, right?

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

Sorry, but that crap does not work on me. I don't feel at all sorry for them. If you do, you are more than welcome to send money to support them. We have laws in this country, I don't care how starved they are.

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by ounumen

Originally posted by Sabiancym

Originally posted by Dekron

Ahhh, poor little man can't find a job to undercut a US citizen who would actually like to work for at least minimum wage?

My gift to him is a boot to the ass and a resounding "Illegals are not welcome here!"

Next time, poor man, apply for citizenship, then you may enter - legally.

 

 

Yea, how dare them for not wanting to wait years to pull their family out of starvation.  They need to get rid of that ambition asap.

 

If they screw an American out of a job, then yes they do. I live in Ca and we are paying these people, actually more like trash from South America. I for one am tired of it. I get taxed so they can use our emergency rooms as walk in clinics and causing them to close. Oh then they pack the hell out of MY public schools and force MY kids to learn Spanish. Oh wait my kids do not attend the shit hole that is the Ca public shcool system I pay for private school and get the shit taxed out of me for that. Ya there is a lot of love here in Ca for those poor people breaking the law and making this State a fucking shit hole. Oh and the law suits cant for get those because they had there civil rights violated that they dont even rate.

 

So let's say tomorrow all of the illegal aliens suddenly became U.S. citizens.  Would you still have a problem with them?

Yes. I'm against amnesty. It's still screwing with our immigration laws. These people came here illegally and need to go back to where they came from and wait in line like everyone else wanting to become a citizen.

@Dekron People with your egoistic attitude are the most pathetic of all. Here have a read:

Originally posted by Josher

If they weren't a drain on the economy, I'd feel sympathy as well.  If they didn't use OUR emergency rooms for regular doctor visits or our ambulances as taxis, I'd feel sympathy.  Hospitals around the borders are in trouble and guess who's bringing in the problems?   If they would embrace our way of life, language and culture instead of forcing US to adapt to THEIRS, I'd feel sympathy.  If they didn't give me dirty looks when I dare to speak english, I'd feel sympathy.  If they drove on OUR roads with licences and  insurance, I'd feel sympathy, but some don't.  Don't say they're not driving.  If they happen to kill me or my wife and kids in an accident, life in jail is probably a better life than what they'd have back in Mexico, Cuba, or any number of islands around FL.  None of this is made up. 

A lot of the money they do "make" goes right back out of their country anyway, so please explain how it benefits us at all.  While certain people feel sorry for them, I don't, as I watch as the USA is slowly and surely being converted and diminished . . . and Liberals are leading the charge. 

Don't tell me it doesn't piss you off when you walk into a store and can't communicate to the person behind the register.  When they look at me as if its MY problem, you just have to wonder how quickly things are turning.  Do I have a right to be upset?  Of course.

Can't agree more. If they want to come over here legally like others do, they can do it. They're just lazy and want quick money out of our country.

ILLEGAL immigrants. No sympathy for people who break laws to get here and continue to break laws to get jobs while milking tax money. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.