The topic of immigration seems to be a hot button issue for Washington legislators. In the midst of all the turmoil, many immigrants unfortunately find themselves victimized by the system. However, occasionally there’s a story that warms our hearts and exemplifies an immigrant victory. A Tacoma, Washington, woman had been facing deportation back to Mexico, but has now been freed.
While no reason has been cited for her sudden release, after spending more than two years in federal detention, the 39-year-old woman is free to return to her life. The recently liberated woman had been adopted by American parents when she was four months old. However, her parents apparently neglected to secure her U.S. citizenship.
The woman told reporters that she is an American, despite not having a green card. She was raised as an American citizen. The woman does not speak Spanish and has no ties with Mexico. She also believes that deportation would pose a serious threat to her safety. Statistically, 67 percent of migrant women in Mexico are trafficked, raped or tortured.
The woman also told the press that she didn’t learn of her illegal status until she ran into some trouble in 2007. After which, a deportation order was written for her, citing the fact that she had no grounds to seek political asylum in the United States. The judge also stated that there was no evidence that the woman would be mistreated if she were deported to Mexico.
The woman and her husband have three children together. He has made it very clear that if she were to be deported, he would not move with her to Mexico because he does not feel it is in the best interest of the couple’s three children.
Luckily, however, the woman is now free to return to her family after she was unexpectedly released from detainment last week. However, not all immigrants are so lucky. Legal counsel is often a necessity for immigrants facing deportation.
Source: The KOMO News, “Omak woman facing deportation suddenly freed without reason,” Aug. 05, 2011