Comments on: Former Councilwoman Faces Deportation

Emigrated From Cuba At Age 1, Calif. Woman Learns True Residency Status Means Her Vote Was Illegal

[family2007-2009]

Zinnanti writes,

"This case is an outrage. Secondly, if you don't know immigration law, you sound foolish commenting on it. Illegal immigration is a lot more complex than people hopping over a wall. In this situation, Meyer doesn't come anywhere near those who blatantly disregard the laws.

Unless Meyer knew she was not a United States citizen at the time of voting, she is not guilty of fraudulent voting."

Hear, hear on your first point. Good luck if you are able to enter into the representation. I'm just wonder if you'll have a bit of an uphill climb collaterally attacking her original conviction, since she plea-bargained to the original charge. I'm thinking it's going to be a heavy burden to show that she received ineffective assistance of counsel and that she didn't make an informed decision regarding her plea as a result. Still, this is a battle I think needs to be fought in this instance. Good luck to you.

--From a law school grad now applying to the Tennessee bar.

[mike_hunt5]

See you later Mrs Meyer I hope you like squid because you'll be eating a lot of it in communist Cuba. But don't worry too much, you can let vacationers from: North America, Europe, and Mexico violate you in all three holes in order be able to buy formula and diapers. I'm even feeling generous enough to let you earn your first $15.

[gingersnapp1]

I wish the INS would use some common sense and compassion in their work. This type of thing happens too often!!

[becksteen]

This is crazy, Bush and his buddies are using this whole immigration thing as a smokescreen to keep people from being angry about all the good jobs being shipped overseas to be done dirt cheap so all the profits can go to the execs of the companies. Then they blame the disappearing standard of living for the middle class on immigrants. The worse thing is that the sheeple in this country aren't questioning this *** even though it's so obvious. Now immigration officials are out of control. To allow something this extreme to happen is just insane.

[zinnanti]

I'll take the case pro bono. I've won a decision before the Board of Immigration Appeals. I used to practice routine immigration and now limit my immigration practice to removal proceedings.

When I practiced routine immigration, the Service policy updates and interpretation of federal regulations would change monthly, if not bi-weekly. There was a point where no one knew what was going on. Recent experience with the Service indicates that not much has changed.

This case is an outrage. Secondly, if you don't know immigration law, you sound foolish commenting on it. Illegal immigration is a lot more complex than people hopping over a wall. In this situation, Meyer doesn't come anywhere near those who blatantly disregard the laws.

Unless Meyer knew she was not a United States citizen at the time of voting, she is not guilty of fraudulent voting. Fraudulent voting requires a mens rea (or mental/intent) component. She should take a petition for writ corum nobis and/or habeas corpus to reverse the conviction.

I'm willing to put my time where my mouth is. Again, I'll take the case pro bono - free of charge. I'm just an hour from where Meyer lives.

Anthony D. Zinnanti, Esq. SBN 196778
LAW OFFICES OF ANTHONY D. ZINNANTI
23822 W. Valencia Blvd., Ste 210
Valencia, California 91355-5349

[hollyt2-2009]

Unfortunatley this is becoming very familiar.. There are many many immigrants that belive they are citizens because their parents brought them here as small children and fail to tell them they are not when they are growing up.. Delavan wisconsin are full of kids that think they are ctizens.. I know of one girl that is going to be 16 next year and is already deciding on the carshe wants and all she talks about is getting her license .but her mom nor her family has the heart to tell her she came here when she was 2 and is not legal and has no social security.. way to go parents.

[noaanhc]

As an immigrant myself,I feel for this woman and what has happen to her is sheer stupidity.
Leave the poor woman alone,let her remain with
her family.Go after the real lawbreakers who illegally cross our borders everyday.

[mitch0927]

drivelphobe,
She was one year old when she moved here you moron....

[formrusmcsgt]

It's highly unlikely she did not know she wasn't a citizen.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 07:30 PM : Jun 24, 2007

Right, tuckerndfw.....she's so stupid that knowing she's an illegal, she CHOSE to run for public office and come under scrutiny.

Had a few brews tody, have ya?

[becksteen]

This is crazy, Bush and his buddies are using this whole immigration thing as a smokescreen to keep people from being angry about all the good jobs being shipped overseas to be done dirt cheap so all the profits can go to the execs of the companies. Then they blame the disappearing standard of living for the middle class on immigrants. The worse thing is that the sheeple in this country aren't questioning this *** even though it's so obvious. Now immigration officials are out of control. To allow something this extreme to happen is just insane.