For nearly four decades, Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez built a life in California. They came to the United States in 1989, fleeing violence in Colombia. Their three daughters, all American citizens, never imagined they would one day watch their parents be deported.
“We’ve been living in disbelief since it happened,” said Stephanie Gonzalez, the eldest daughter. She explained that her mother and father checked in at an immigration court in Santa Ana, just like they had done many times before. This time, however, officials arrested the couple and placed them in federal custody for three weeks before flying them to Colombia.
Family’s situation raises concerns about current U.S. immigration policy changes
Officials said Gladys, 55, and Nelson, 59, had exhausted their legal options. Yet their attorney insists the couple never missed a meeting, paid their taxes, and only hoped for a path to residency. According to Stephanie, her parents volunteered at local food pantries and led Bible studies, showing deep ties to their neighborhood.
Who else might face a similar outcome? Many advocates fear that more undocumented immigrants with longstanding community roots could be at risk. “No one gave them time to pack or say goodbye,” Stephanie lamented. “They were simply treated like criminals.”
How the deportation process affects families with deep American roots and no criminal record
The Gonzalezes initially arrived without authorization, seeking safety from rampant crime in Bogotá. Over the years, they attempted to legalize their status but became victims of misleading legal advice. Court records show that in 2000, they were given voluntary departure orders, yet they hoped to remain under supervision while new legislation might eventually help.
Can you be fined for staying in the country without authorization? The answer is that it depends on the specific circumstances and any outstanding orders. Experts say it is crucial to keep up with immigration requirements to avoid future legal repercussions. Below is a quick overview of their timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Arrived in the United States |
| 2000 | Received voluntary departure order |
| 2018 | Attorney warns deportation may be imminent |
| 2023 | Arrested at routine check-in and deported |
Despite the difficulties, the family remains hopeful. Their daughters have launched a fundraiser to help their parents adjust to life in Colombia and possibly explore future legal avenues for a return to the United States.
Here’s a short list of crucial steps many attorneys recommend to those facing immigration issues:
- Seek reputable legal counsel and verify credentials.
- Maintain regular check-ins with immigration officers.
- Gather all legal documents and keep copies safe.
In the end, Gladys and Nelson are left to start over in a country they left 35 years ago. Their daughters, meanwhile, continue to advocate for change. They believe deportations that separate families so abruptly serve as a painful reminder of how complex and unpredictable current immigration policies can be.