Due to the immigration judge finding my husband’s case frivolous in Michigan, he was ordered deported and was unable to adjust status through a US citizen spouse. In March 2018 he bought a ticket and departed. He left behind a six year old Ben and a two year old Julian. Since then I have struggled in every way imaginable. 

Trauma evidences itself in different ways in children. This situation has created so much fear in them. Fear has permeated their being. Every single night they ask "Did you set the alarm?". I had to get an alarm to make them feel safe. They are so frightened that they cannot be in a separate room by themselves. I set up the homework station in the kitchen so I can cook and they can do their homework. 

The American Immigration council stated that these children develop toxic stress. "Children experience toxic stress when they are suddenly separated from their parents, which negatively impacts brain development. They are also at greater risk of developing chronic mental health conditions that include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as physical conditions such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease”.

The most heart wrenching of all is when Ben and Julian say "I want my dad". Birthdays come and go and their dad is not there to hug them or wish them a happy birthday. Julian turned 8 years old on September 29th. His dad had to wish him a happy birthday over the phone. 

"In the Child's Best Interest" an article published by Berkley Law stated that the United States should follow some policies from the European Court of Human Rights which "held that a state's decision to deport an individual is justified only if the interference with family life is not excessive compared to the public interest that is protected".

Please support this petition. Please tell the Department of Homeland Security to allow parents to be eligible for reunification  under a Humanitarian waiver which exists now but it doesn’t apply because family unity is not currently considered a compelling urgent need or a significant public benefit. 

Please help Ben and Julian and other children in the same predicament. Please tell DHS to exercise discretion in cases where children are involved, because they cannot advocate for themselves. 

I sincerely thank you for your time!