IMMIGRANT OF THE DAY: ALFREDO QUINONES-HINOJOSA - FROM UNAUTHORIZED FARM WORKER TO WORLD RENOWN BRAIN SURGEON

Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa has been named to Popular Science Magazine's annual Brilliant 10 list. That's an amazing feat recognizing the physician's reputation as one of the nation's top brain surgeons. He runs the brain tumor program at the world famous Johns Hopkins University. Thousands of patients have benefited from his care over the years. But the most intriguing part of his story is that he began his life in American as an unauthorized immigrant farm worker who was able to legalize.

Here's an interesting article about Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa's journey from entering the country as a 19 year old illegal farmworker who spoke no English to one of America's top doctors who is searching for a cure for brain cancer.

Comments

[ROSE]

You people are all ignorant.

This is a true story. He is my family, and I still visit Mexicali we have more family.

[Ahhh]

Trying to be funny? I pity your lack of self-worth.

[Legal and waiting]

You guys are so pathetic, it's not even funny.

[Ahhh]

"No name, jealous, ha?"

How can one be jealous of someone who is not of better value, even economic one, than an unskilled, uneducated poor undocumented immigrant. Your US education must have been a dump. I am not talking of future potential ability of an undocumented. If only some brain were attached to the greed of the MBA types, there would be less miss-management.

"No name, jealous, ha?"

I don't envy illegals one bit.

"No name, jealous, ha?"

I don't envy the illegal one bit.

[Legal and waiting]

No name, jealous, ha?

"So, you really believe that if I were some uneducated illegal, and not an American educated Top 20 MBA executive, whatever I say would have been untrue, or at the very least, less insightful? "

Ok, let's have a little fun with you. Please state why you think this statement would hold true. Also please state how you know that I believe in this statement.

On a related note, I find it hard to believe any executive has the time during the business day to post as frequently as you do. And if you really were an executive you would buy a green card via EB5 - after all a half million is not what it used to be - or get one via EB1.

[Legal and waiting]

Thanks, Joe. Belle says hi ;-)

[Legal and waiting]

"Looking at the other comments posted by this alias, he/she is probably an illegal immigrant messing with your head. "

So, you really believe that if I were some uneducated illegal, and not an American educated Top 20 MBA executive, whatever I say would have been untrue, or at the very least, less insightful? Then, you are seriously messed up, my friend.

And what would be a better way to demostrate how messed up you are, than in a thread about a brilliant doctor who started off as an illegal farm worker!

[JoeF]

"He/she could be an ILLEGAL who thinks that EB immigrants are job stealers ..HEHE"
Probably an illegal who is a brain surgeon...

[JoeF]

"Just a reminder: the discussion started when L&W baited the EB community with this comment."
Nobody baited the "EB community." Everybody with a real education knows that a person isn't any better just because the person could afford an education.
I myself immigrated through EB, and I fully support L&W.
Again, in particular people with an education should know that the education doesn't make them "better." Anybody who thinks otherwise is a bigot who wasted his or her education.

[JoeF]

"No one is assuming anything here except ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION promoters."
And you, obviously. Nobody promotes illegal immigration. You seem to be reading some other blog.

"Exactly IL&W and you should have known this before rubbing on EBS."
He was the one who claimed to be better than others because of his education. Your attempt at twisting things didn't quite work...
May I suggest attending a course in basic English language understanding??? It seems you need it.

"And you seem to assume that just because you or your family had the financial means to get a college education, you are something better than the people who couldn't afford a college education.
A farm worker entering the US illegally, because that's his only way to a better life, could be a really smart person, as in this case.
Somebody who got a college degree could be less than smart, and just slipped through, or had some connections.
In other words, having a college degree doesn't make a person better than some other person without a degree.
Thinking otherwise is nothing more than arrogance. And somebody with an education should know better than being arrogant (unless the education didn't stick...)"

No one is assuming anything here except ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION promoters.

"And somebody with an education should know better than being arrogant "

Exactly IL&W and you should have known this before rubbing on EBS.

"he/she is probably an illegal immigrant messing with your head."

He/she could be an ILLEGAL who thinks that EB immigrants are job stealers ..HEHE

Just a reminder: the discussion started when L&W baited the EB community with this comment. Don't fall for her bait. Looking at the other comments posted by this alias, he/she is probably an illegal immigrant messing with your head.

"WOW! That's a lesson for those who feel like they have more to offer just because they came as EB."

[JoeF]

"You assume every illegal is a potential brain surgeon which is as logical as assuming every illegal is a gang member or drug dealer."

And you seem to assume that just because you or your family had the financial means to get a college education, you are something better than the people who couldn't afford a college education.
A farm worker entering the US illegally, because that's his only way to a better life, could be a really smart person, as in this case.
Somebody who got a college degree could be less than smart, and just slipped through, or had some connections.
In other words, having a college degree doesn't make a person better than some other person without a degree.
Thinking otherwise is nothing more than arrogance. And somebody with an education should know better than being arrogant (unless the education didn't stick...)

[Legal and waiting]

"No wonder some people who dislike you (illegals) so much. Not only you guys are here illegally and want to deport me .. hehe .. Good luck with that thought .. You radicals are not going to go anywhere with that. "

First of all, you are dilusional. I do not talk on behalf of those who are here illegally, and you just don't get that blind personal attacks don't get you anywhere.

Second, I do not want you be deported, but if your policies are implemented, you will be next in line out after that family.

"First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not Jewish, so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me. " (c) Martin Niemoeller

First, they came for the illegals... This is exactly why I want to stop the rasist. This is exactly why I speak up - on behalf of those EBs who do not share your ignorant views.

[L]

"Why don't we start with deporting you? What, you do not think this is right? Who cares, there will be no trial for you, anyway."

So sad ... please look at this piece of news :( .. My turn would never come for deportation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/31/us/31immig.html?ref=us

[L]

"Why don't we start with deporting you? What, you do not think this is right? Who cares, there will be no trial for you, anyway."

Deporting me ... Good luck with that dream. No wonder some people who dislike you (illegals) so much. Not only you guys are here illegally and want to deport me .. hehe .. Good luck with that thought .. You radicals are not going to go anywhere with that.

[Legal and waiting]

"Duh, so you want jury trials for 20 million people before they are deported for the immigration violations? "

Why don't we start with deporting you? What, you do not think this is right? Who cares, there will be no trial for you, anyway.

[L]

"Your approach is one's guilty until proven innocent."

Duh, so you want jury trials for 20 million people before they are deported for the immigration violations?

[L]

"Could you please enlighten us, how this particular doctor could have come legally to the US as an agricultural worker and stayed? You probably came through H1, but what about other people? There are no H1 for them. It is quite hypocritical to tell other people to follow the legal path, when there is no legal path for them."

It does not matter how I came here, I came thru a proper channel and waiting in line patiently. I am not demanding immediate green card like the illegeal lobby does. The same lobby that supports illegals have a problem with legal immigration. If someone does not have a legal path they should work towards the path that lets them in and there are so many millions across the world that are denied student visas in american consulates not all of them are jumping the border. I have my own family members who are denied tourist/student visas, they did not jump the border. There is something called H2-A VISA if you what it means.

One robbing the bank can not be justified because one does not money or ways to earn money.

You illegal lobby has to learn onething you can not overplay your hand. If you think you are winning friends by your arguments, you are totally mistaken.. Keep dreaming

[Legal and waiting]

"How do you write an immigration legislation that gives immigration benifits based on integrity of ones character? The illegal lobby has one answer for everything an affidavit."

The affidavit is not going to change one's criminal record. Your approach is one's guilty until proven innocent. This whole country was build on the opposite principle - one is a good person until proven otherwise. And guess what - it worked.

[Legal and waiting]

"One can think maintaining the legal status and having respect for immigration laws and rules is stupid, If you think these rules are stupid and you dont like them why dont you protest by not following them."

Could you please enlighten us, how this particular doctor could have come legally to the US as an agricultural worker and stayed? You probably came through H1, but what about other people? There are no H1 for them. It is quite hypocritical to tell other people to follow the legal path, when there is no legal path for them.

[L]

"My logic only says that people should be judged based on the integrity of their character, not based on some stupid paper that confirms their status. There is a lot of good things these people can bring to the society, so let's acknowledge that."

One can think maintaining the legal status and having respect for immigration laws and rules is stupid, If you think these rules are stupid and you dont like them why dont you protest by not following them.

"My logic only says that people should be judged based on the integrity of their character"

How do you write an immigration legislation that gives immigration benifits based on integrity of ones character? The illegal lobby has one answer for everything an affidavit.

[Legal and waiting]

"I did not say the above statement is a personal attack, you wishing my familiy members a brain tumour is a personal attack."

I never wished your family a brain tumor, I just acknowledged the fact that chances are that someone in your (or mine, or anyone else's) family will fall seriously ill in the next 20 years. Knowing this fact makes me want to live in a society where everyone's talents are put to a good use, and everyone is given an ooportunity to contribute maximum to society. This way, your/my/anyone else's relatives have better chances of making it. But you, apparently, think that calling the legislators to shut the door on decent people is going to keep every serious medical condition out of your family. Good luck with that.

[Legal and waiting]

"Going by your logic you can acheive more if you are illegal why dont you fall out of status and become illegal? "

No, you are not going by my logic, you are inventing your own. My logic only says that people should be judged based on the integrity of their character, not based on some stupid paper that confirms their status. There is a lot of good things these people can bring to the society, so let's acknowledge that.

[EB3ROW]

"L, so what again you are offended by? Why is this a personal attack? Could you please legibly explain? I am EB2 with an American degree, and I don't think I have more to offer than this formerly illegal immigrant. This is why I would not even claim that I deserve more than other hard working people in this country, regardless of what their papers say. Why is that an offensive position?"

I did not say the above statement is a personal attack, you wishing my familiy members a brain tumour is a personal attack.

"I am EB2 with an American degree, and I don't think I have more to offer than this formerly illegal immigrant. "

Going by your logic you can acheive more if you are illegal why dont you fall out of status and become illegal?

"WOW! That's a lesson for those who feel like they have more to offer just because they came as EB."

You are the one who started the rubbing. You assume every illegal is a potential brain surgeon which is as logical as assuming every illegal is a gang member or drug dealer.

[L]

"EB3, you can also join NumbersUSA or work for Tancredo presidential campaign, they totally share your views. You are such a disgrace for all immigrants in this country."

You are a total disgrace to the civil soceity, you want to encourage more unlawful and anarchic behavior.

I will oppose any legislation that treats illegal gang members better than legal immigrants.

[Legal and waiting]

L, so what again you are offended by? Why is this a personal attack? Could you please legibly explain? I am EB2 with an American degree, and I don't think I have more to offer than this formerly illegal immigrant. This is why I would not even claim that I deserve more than other hard working people in this country, regardless of what their papers say. Why is that an offensive position?

[Legal and waiting]

EB3, you can also join NumbersUSA or work for Tancredo presidential campaign, they totally share your views. You are such a disgrace for all immigrants in this country.

'How many more of these types of hidden gems are out there amogst the 12-20 million Immigrants that have no documents. Even if its only one its a waste. This guy is really contributing to humanity.'

Using your logic, you could make the exact OPPOSITE case in the name of Jose Carranza:

How many more of these types of hidden time bombs are out there amongst the 12-20 million Immigrants that have no documents. Even if it's only one it's an outrage. This guy is really a blight on humanity.

"You are not very familiar with US immigration system, are you? All people in EB line already have college degrees. On top of it, a lot of them have greaduate degrees, and many (like me) have American graduate degrees - and you do not need to be a green card holder to have an opportunity to get a degree. So, the answer to your question is 100%."

Since you know so much about the US immigration system, why don't you explain how one can go to Harvard to study medicine at age 29 without abandoning an EB GC application?

[L]

"Your personal attacks just show that you are out of arguments. But your are right, everyone gets what they deserve - and you are getting too. And you will get in 20 years, too."

Dumb A , go and read the whole thing from the begining , you are the one who started personal attacks in first place. You are the one who started the whole thing with statement "WOW! That's a lesson for those who feel like they have more to offer just because they came as EB."

[EB3ROW2004]

"No, EB, you do not seem to be able to understand cause and effect. If there were no amnesty in 1987, this brilliant brain surgeon would not be able to save lifes in 2007. If there is no amnesty in 2008, someone bright will not be able to save one of your relative's life in 2028, simple as that.

Your personal attacks just show that you are out of arguments. But your are right, everyone gets what they deserve - and you are getting too. And you will get in 20 years, too.
"

ILLEGAL AND WAITING FOR AMNESTY you are the one who started picking fight with EBS and you think you are going to win friends , no way. Now I know what kind of phone calls i have to make when next amnesty is considered by congress.

[Legal and waiting]

No, EB, you do not seem to be able to understand cause and effect. If there were no amnesty in 1987, this brilliant brain surgeon would not be able to save lifes in 2007. If there is no amnesty in 2008, someone bright will not be able to save one of your relative's life in 2028, simple as that.

Your personal attacks just show that you are out of arguments. But your are right, everyone gets what they deserve - and you are getting too. And you will get in 20 years, too.

[EB3ROW2004]

"EB3ROW2004, fine. 20 years from now when your child/spouse/parent has a brain tumor, there would be fewer brilliant surgeons here since all the talented youth will have lost their chance in life because you thought "amnesty" would have been unfair to you. That could be one surgeon short to save your relative."

You are so illogical. None of my family members will have brain tumours becuase you curse me ... Get a life .. you illegals and the lobby that supports you are getting what you deserve. You lose an argument when you resort to personal attacks.

I dont think you being an effective advocate of illegals here with the kind of argurments you make .

[Legal and waiting]

"This guy was successful in large part because his drive was coupled with the ablility to go to college full time. How many people in the EB pipeline can do that while they wait 5-10 years for a green card that gives them the right to do so?"

You are not very familiar with US immigration system, are you? All people in EB line already have college degrees. On top of it, a lot of them have greaduate degrees, and many (like me) have American graduate degrees - and you do not need to be a green card holder to have an opportunity to get a degree. So, the answer to your question is 100%.

[Legal and waiting]

EB3ROW2004, fine. 20 years from now when your child/spouse/parent has a brain tumor, there would be fewer brilliant surgeons here since all the talented youth will have lost their chance in life because you thought "amnesty" would have been unfair to you. That could be one surgeon short to save your relative.

[EB3ROW2004]

"WOW! That's a lesson for those who feel like they have more to offer just because they came as EB."

Whatever Legal , You may think all illegal aliens will be the best brain surgeons one day and the other side thinks that all the illegal aliens are drug dealers and gang members. No wonder the radical illegal alien lobby is getting the treatment it deserves, just look at the above statement.

Yes I do feel that I have more to offer and I am an EB immigrant.

[Another voice]

"Our motto use to be "give us your poor" (read the Statue of Liberty). That was a great motto when we were a growing INDUSTRIAL nation. Today, we aren't that nation - our growth is in skilled services. Our motto today should be "give us your skilled". And it should be a highly competitive process."

RIGHT that is why the current system helps so much high skill workers from other countries.

"The system does not restrict immigration opportunities to allow only applicants who are living below the poverty line in their native countries. "

The old system welcomed poor people. The new system should welcome smart people. Our country doesn't need more poor people. We have plenty - and frankly many have become a burden on society. Our prisons are filled with hispanic gang members and drug dealers.

Our country needs smart people. People who will grow this nation and help us compete globally. I don't mean people who will help offshore work. I mean people who will help bring work here through investment and people who will start businesses (entrepreneurs), and people who are exceptional in their professions.

Our current program is geared towards finding low cost labor. That is wrong. We need a system geared towards helping our nation compete. So naturally, the system should be competitive.

"Our motto use to be "give us your poor" (read the Statue of Liberty). "

This is a good point. But this has never been enforced in the modern immigration system. The system does not restrict immigration opportunities to allow only applicants who are living below the poverty line in their native countries. If it did so, then the system may well be truer to the real desires and heritage of the American people and also help poor people around the world.

It's a cool story. But once again it would be absurd to open up the borders to everyone around the world. The bad outweighs the good.

Our motto use to be "give us your poor" (read the Statue of Liberty). That was a great motto when we were a growing INDUSTRIAL nation. Today, we aren't that nation - our growth is in skilled services. Our motto today should be "give us your skilled". And it should be a highly competitive process.

"WOW! That's a lesson for those who feel like they have more to offer just because they came as EB."

That's your conclusion. I'm sure most EBs are saying they want the same opportunities as offered to the undocumented under any legalization program.

This guy was successful in large part because his drive was coupled with the ablility to go to college full time. How many people in the EB pipeline can do that while they wait 5-10 years for a green card that gives them the right to do so?

[Another voice]

How many more of these types of hidden gems are out there amogst the 12-20 million Immigrants that have no documents. Even if its only one its a waste. This guy is really contributing to humanity.

[Legal and waiting]

WOW! That's a lesson for those who feel like they have more to offer just because they came as EB.

[abc123]

That's really cool.