DACA recipient stuck in Mexico forced to leave her baby and husband in Texas

ECW · ECW

Quote:

Allison Reyes, almost eight months old, can only stare at her mother through a computer screen.

On the other side of the Zoom call, fighting back tears, Karumi Duran sings to her baby, as only a mother could.

"I miss my baby a lot," Duran says via the scratchy connection.

Ever since she was 6 years old, Duran and her family has called Texas home. Now, she's staring at the only life she knew through a computer from Mexico City.

"I went to school there, graduated, met my husband, had my baby, and it's hard. Trying to stay strong," she said.

But finding that strength is harder every day. Duran is married to Robert Reyes, an American citizen. They met in church youth group in Bryan. Both graduated from Texas A&M, with Duran also earning a master's degree.

Last year, the young couple bought their first home in Tyler, where Reyes is working as an architect.

Life was lining up well, until three weeks ago. Duran, a DACA recipient, the program allowing undocumented people who came to America as children to stay, went for her interview for her legal residency status at the American Consulate in Juarez, Mexico, just across the border.

"We were super nervous, but everybody was telling us, your case is super easy," said Reyes, pointing out that his wife was a minor, had DACA and has never been in trouble with the law. "She has everything to get her residency."

However, the officer at the U.S. Consulate in Juarez decided that Duran was not eligible because she crossed into the U.S. without documents when she was 6 years old, with her parents. She was then given a 10-year ban before she can re-enter the United States.

"It's been three weeks ever since this happened," said Reyes, his voice catching. "It's such a long time. Baby's growing, (Karumi is) missing out on her crawling. She's missing out on her new teeth."

Duran is currently staying with relatives in Mexico City while her attorney appeals the decision.

"It's a misinterpretation of the law," said Lawrence Rushton, the couple's immigration attorney. "I'm surprised. Here's somebody who's lived in the United States since she is 6, is married to a U.S. citizen, has children, has DACA, so she is working legally. To deny her is unconscionable."

For now, the couple's baby, Allison, is being looked at during the week by her grandmother in College Station. Reyes is working in Tyler during the week and driving back to College Station on weekends to see their baby.

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia's office has taken an interest in the Reyes family's plight. Staffers with her office have sent an inquiry to the U.S. Consulate, asking why Duran was denied legal status.

But immigration cases often move very slowly, and there is no guarantee of a positive outcome.

"We're both very religious," said Duran, who is relying on her faith to get through. "I really do hope something good can come out of this."

"I'm trying to stay strong," said Reyes, who waved goodbye at his wife via Zoom, as she gave Allison a virtual kiss through the computer screen.

https://abc13.com/texas-mom-stuck-in...ient/10512608/

ECW · ECW

I feel like there is more to this story that's not being said...

justjohnjustice1988 · justjohnjustice1988

Honestly she needs a better lawyer or we need more details.

tx_dreamer · tx_dreamer

I’m guessing because she didn’t technically accrued any unlawful status as she got DACA when she was minor, thought 10yr ban wouldn’t apply to her and didn’t file 601a.

Smooth · Smooth

Guy needs to hire 2face as his spiritual advisor.

2Face · 2Face

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smooth

Guy needs to hire 2face as his spiritual advisor.

Lmfaoooo.

I wish the best for the Dreamer.

PapiChulo · PapiChulo

unfortunate.

MIdreamer · MIdreamer

Quote:

Karumi’s family was denied legal entry, but they came back to the U.S. illegally a month later in February*. "*

Why the FUCK did her lawyer let her leave the country!! People need to read into the laws themselves to get a better understanding of their situation and not blindly trust their lawyer. A lot of immigration lawyers suck ass and screw people's case up all the time.

When she entered illegally after getting caught at the border, she triggered a permanent ban. She doesn't qualify for 601 or 601A. Her best option is to stay in the US with DACA. No competent lawyer will advise her to leave the country.

hDreamer1988 · hDreamer1988

Quote:

Why the FUCK did her lawyer let her leave the country!! People need to read into the laws themselves to get a better understanding of their situation and not blindly trust their lawyer. A lot of immigration lawyers suck ass and screw people's case up all the time.

When she entered illegally after getting caught at the border, she triggered a permanent ban. She doesn't qualify for 601 or 601A. Her best option is to stay in the US with DACA. No competent lawyer will advise her to leave the country.

Could she not have adjusted her status inside the US? As for lawyers, I lean toward paying more for a reputable lawyer vs finding the best deal.

john_smith · john_smith

The ban doesn't apply if you are a minor from what I've heard

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DACA recipient stuck in Mexico forced to leave her baby and husband in Texas