Introduction to the Crisis
The path to becoming a U.S. citizen often takes years of waiting and several appointments at immigration offices. But some South Florida immigrants are afraid those appointments are setting them up to be taken from their families.
The Story of Jessica and Josue
Jessica Aguilar and her husband Josue have been together for five years. They have been trying to legalize his status, but it hasn’t been easy. Jessica Rodriguez-Aguilar questions the system, “Why is it that we’re getting punished for trying to do the right thing, for trying to legalize in this country?” Josue came to South Florida from Honduras by himself 12 years ago when he was 14. He applied for asylum status but was denied due to insufficient evidence.
The Legal Struggle
Jessica explained, “So, during the time that his case was kind of ongoing, he got a temporary work permit and a social security number.” He appealed the decision and, while he waited, attended high school and got a job. A deportation order was issued after he graduated in 2018. It was never enforced– until now. Josue expressed his fear, “I’m just a little bit scared because I don’t know what’s gonna happen.”
The Unexpected Turn of Events
Jessica is a U.S. citizen. When she and Josue got married in 2022, they filed an application so she could sponsor her husband for a green card. That would allow him to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Their first appointment was last month. Jessica recalled, “And we actually got approved on the spot, which I was told is kind of rare and right after that, an officer came into the room, and asked me to step out.” After she left, Josue was detained by ICE agents. Josue shared his experience, “They just ask me for my name and then I told them my name and they told me ‘You’re under arrest.’ Honestly, I don’t remember anything because my brain was, you know.”
The Current State of Immigration
Even though Josue had the 2018 deportation order, he was never a target for ICE agents. Immigration attorney Valerie Crespo said cases like his were not a priority back then because he didn’t have a criminal record. Crespo explained, “So the previous administration didn’t focus on complying with the deportation orders necessarily if they weren’t criminals.” But the current administration is, and illegal immigrants with no criminal records are being locked up when they visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, otherwise known as USCIS.
The Dilemma Faced by Immigrants
Crespo said many of her clients have a tough decision to make if they want to continue trying to get legal status. They can go to their appointments and risk being detained or skip them and take their chances. Crespo advised, “So we’re advising our clients, like ‘I cannot advise you against the law, so you have an appointment, you should comply with it.’ They’re like, ‘Am I going to pay for a process that will eventually deport me anyways?’”
The Deportation and Aftermath
Josue was taken from the immigration services center to Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade. He was transferred four times. Josue shared his ordeal, “They moved me to so many places that it was super hard for me.” Josue was deported to Honduras a month later. Jessica is now with him, and the couple is staying with a family member while they file all the paperwork needed for Josue to enter the U.S. legally. They know it could take a long time. Jessica resigned, “We just have to wait.”
Conclusion
The story of Jessica and Josue highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by many immigrants in the U.S. The fear of deportation and the lengthy legal process can be overwhelming. As they navigate this complex system, they hold onto the hope of one day being together again in the U.S.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Josue after his appointment at the immigration office?
- A: Josue was detained by ICE agents after his appointment and eventually deported to Honduras.
- Q: Why was Josue not a priority for deportation before?
- A: Josue was not a priority because he did not have a criminal record.
- Q: What advice are immigration attorneys giving to their clients?
- A: Attorneys are advising clients to comply with the law and attend their appointments but are also warning them of the risk of detention and deportation.
- Q: How long will it take for Josue to legally enter the U.S.?
- A: The process could take a long time, and Jessica and Josue are preparing for a lengthy wait.
- Q: Where can one report similar incidents or seek help?
- A: One can contact organizations like 7Investigates at 305-627-CLUE or 954-921-CLUE, or email 7Investigates@wsvn.com for assistance or to report similar cases.
