Many New Jersey residents are currently navigating processes to become permanent residents or citizens of the United States. The immigration and naturalization system is often complex; any number of obstacles may arise to delay or prevent an immigrant from accomplishing his or her goals. In one man's case in another state, the biggest impediment is currently risk of deportation.

The man entered the United States as a teenager without documentation. He says that's because he was fleeing his country of origin in fear for his life. It seems his girlfriend's family members were associated with a known drug cartel, and they were very angry about the couple's relationship. The man has told immigration officials that the young woman's family members made several attempts against his life.

He was deported once but returned when he realized his life was still in danger. Since then, he and the young lady married and had several children. He has been working three jobs for years and doing his best to build a better life for himself and his family. Things were going well; in fact, he was planning to attend his son's first football game when everything changed for the worse. Immigration officials showed up at his house and arrested him while his horrified wife looked on in tears.

When a serious immigration and naturalization problem arises, family members often feel helpless. New Jersey immigrants may take comfort in knowing that they have rights and may reach out for support from experienced immigration law attorneys to help them protect those rights. The man in this particular situation has no criminal record, which may increase his chances of avoiding deportation.

Source: npr.org, “A Father, A Husband, An Immigrant: Detained And Facing Deportation“, Sam Gringlas, Ari Shapiro, Christina Cala, Jan. 25, 2018