When Prince William County, Virginia passed an anti-immigrant measure earlier this month, a wave of Latinos began moving out of the county. And it’s not just undocumented Latinos. A climate of fear has permeated the county causing one-way U-haul rentals to go up and business at a money transfer store to go down. Schools teaching English have lost 80 percent of their students. Locals say that those who haven’t moved out , don’t dare step outside.

What a way to live.

Many Latinos who are documented are also leaving, some because they have undocumented relatives and others because they feel the measure sends a racist message, that all Latinos are unwelcome and are suspect.

Even where such measures haven’t been passed, like allegedly immigrant friendly NYC, Latinos are feeling a little uneasy. One Puerto Rican woman expressed concern about losing her drivers license. There was a sense of urgency about her getting a replacement.

Years ago, immigration stormed into my grandfather’s apartment demanding his green card. They didn’t understand that as a Puerto Rican he was a U.S. citizen and didn’t need a green card. Not that much has changed. I live in a Latino neighborhood with lots of immigrants. When they (immigration) see me they see a possible undocumented person. I want to make sure I have papers on me all the time.

Via / The Washington Post