When someone is facing a possible deportation, that person may not know where to turn or exactly what rights he or she may have under the current immigration laws. Recently, a few people have made news as they sought out ways to avoid deportation by seeking asylum in houses of worship. Anyone in Maryland who fears deportation or is curious about the timeline and specifics of the process may want to follow the story of a woman who has been living in a church while supporters fight to keep her here.
The 28-year-old mother and wife has had a unique journey and has lived in the shadows for some time. Her story began as she was picked up while trying to get in the country illegally at 17. Her parents had permission to live here after a hurricane had devastated their native country of Honduras. She was trying to join them when a deportation order was filed against her.
She defied the order and lived in secret for some time. She now lives in the church with her two children and her husband. Officials generally won’t pursue an order against an immigrant inside a church. The church members have made accommodations for her and are fighting to find a way to keep her here based on her marital status and new immigration policies pertaining to minors being put into action.
Any deportation case can be proved complex as the laws evolve and cases are dealt with over the course of years. A Maryland immigrant who is concerned about his or her status or the status of a family member may find it difficult to keep up with changing policies and how those policies may impact each family. Legal representatives who specialize in fighting deportation and helping immigrants can provide up-to-date advice and guidance as a case moves forward.
Source: csmonitor.com, “Immigrant mom avoids deportation by staying in Philadelphia church“, Kathy Matheson, Dec. 23, 2014