Many residents of Massachusetts and surrounding states know all too well the troubles that immigrants face in trying to stay in the United States. It doesn't help when some politicians like to demonize immigrants as the impediment to job growth for U.S. citizens during these difficult times. Many don't understand that people immigrate to the United States not to break the law, but to live in a society where they can make an honest living and be a contributing taxpayer.

This is the case for a woman who was arrested by police for allegedly reentering the United States illegally after being deported in the past. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who had a warrant for the woman's arrest, the woman was deported in 1999 and had been living under an assumed name.

The 53-year-old woman, who lived in Westerly, Rhode Island, owned and ran a consignment store and a housecleaning service. She is currently being held in a prison in Massachusetts.

The woman's case is being prosecuted by the U.S. attorney's office, which will be tried in U.S. District Court. She could be sentenced to up to two years in prison. Additionally, ICE could still conduct deportation proceedings against her.

A business owner in the area said the woman would send money back to her native Mexico to pay for college for her daughters.

A silent investor in the woman's businesses said the woman had been trying to get legal residency in the United States for years, and that she always paid income taxes. He described her as an honest businesswoman who cared about the community. She also donated her time to local charitable organizations.

With deportations increasing during the Obama administration's time in office, any immigrant living in the country without documentation should consider the options they have if they are arrested. Even people who are taxpaying members of society can be deported if they are undocumented.

Source: The Westerly Sun, "Local woman arrested on immigration charge," Chris Keegan, Feb. 8, 2012