just wanted to point out DACA highlights for cases like these, full read is linked at the bottom.

On May 23, immigration officials told the couple they had three months to make arrangements to leave for the Mexican homeland in which they last set foot 23 years ago. On Tuesday, they will reluctantly split up their family, flying to Mexico with their 12-year-old son to start a new life, while leaving their three older daughters — who are 16, 21 and 23 — behind in the U.S.

In the past, Mendoza-Sanchez’s background likely would have spared her from deportation. She’s the mother of three native-born U.S. citizens and one recipient of the government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. She owns a home in Oakland, has no criminal record, and works as a nurse in the cardiology and oncology wing of Highland Hospital.

Staying behind are 21-year-old Melin, who has one more year of undergraduate work to complete, as well as Vianney, 23, and Elizabeth, a 16-year-old who is going to be a junior in high school.

Vianney, a DACA recipient, will become Elizabeth’s legal guardian and the two will stay in the family home together until their other sister joins them. She’s ready for the task but has concerns.

http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/a...photo-13666130