In answer to our query as to whether clients who are in the country illegally should be reported to authorities, Linda Barr of Pregnancy Ministries in Chambersburg, PA, said: "We are in S. Center PA - a magnet area for migrant, Hispanic workers because of the orchards. Some of them stay in the area with their families after harvest.
"After consultation with CareNet, we treat them as regular clients. We are under no obligation to report them IF we know they are 'illegal' and we do not ask. Of course, many of those we see have followed their husbands to the area.
"We have also had a lot of contact with one of the pastors from a local Hispanic church. . . . He said their church is mainly on a first name basis and if someone does not want to give a last name he does not press it.
"We have chosen not to request photo ID except for the STI testing (required) and for the PA Car Seat Loaner program (also required). We have on occasion had "no shows" for the car seat program and we have wondered if that is due to the fact they do not have proper ID. Once or twice I have had someone present a photo ID license from Mexico and I explain that when it expires it will be invalid and the problems that can present for them if stopped while driving."
Thanks, Linda! Your comments are helpful.
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