A Survivor’s Story: The Side of Illegal Immigration We Can’t Ignore

I’ve been sitting on this letter for a while, but after a jury found Rachel Morin’s killer guilty in less than an hour, I feel compelled to speak up. I hate that Americans continue to be harmed—and in some cases killed—by people who entered this country illegally.

Mr. Tom Howarth recently wrote two letters praising how wonderful undocumented immigrants are. But he didn’t mention the final, terrifying moments of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, 22-year-old Laken Riley, or Rachel Morin, a mother of five.

Tom, not even my husband knows this story—but when I was 19, walking back from a frat party to my sorority house, I was raped by an undocumented immigrant. My sorority sisters called my parents, and they met me at the hospital. I was a virgin. Six weeks later, I was throwing up—and I was pregnant.

I placed my baby, a boy I named Juan Paulo, for adoption. The couple I chose were of Puerto Rican and Irish descent. They had known each other since third grade and were happily married. Tragically, the woman had been raped by an undocumented immigrant when she was just 12. She had to have a hysterectomy and couldn’t have children of her own. Juan Paulo grew up with them. Today, he is a father of five, a grandfather of three, and a pediatric heart surgeon.

Maybe, Tom, you think that’s an inspiring story. But I wouldn’t wish what happened to me—or what’s happened to countless victims—on anyone. I can’t overlook the Americans who have been assaulted or killed by people who never should have been here.

Yes, you shared heartfelt stories about immigrants. But you didn’t talk about those who lost their lives. I know you consider yourself a model Catholic. You may not agree with those of us who are concerned about illegal immigration. But if you feel that strongly, maybe you should take them in yourself. Go ahead—hold hands with a member of TDA or MS-13 and enjoy that warm moment. How lovely for you and your family.

I also want to be clear—I’m one of the parents who said families should pay attention to what their keiki—that’s Hawaiian for “kids”—check out from the library. I’ve adopted three children from foster care in Hawaii, and I have a biological child with special needs. I’m not without children—and I’ve given homes to those who truly needed them. How many undocumented children have you adopted?

I hope your halo isn’t on too tight. Clearly, you believe you’re a saint in the making.

Terri Glotfelty
Front Royal, VA

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