Alfredo Orellana, "Alex", is a permanent U.S. resident with a valid green card. He’s also a devoted caregiver to a young man with severe autism. Suddenly and heartbreakingly, Alex has been detained by ICE.

For 28-year-old Luke Ferris, who has severe autism, Alex isn’t just support — he’s a best friend, a workout buddy, a video game partner, a source of joy in a world that too often shuts Luke out.

But now, Alex sits in an immigration detention center thousands of miles away, facing deportation over a nonviolent mistake he made eight years ago during a dark time in his life. He went to rehab, turned his life around, and found purpose in caring for people like Luke. 

Luke doesn’t understand why his friend disappeared. Every day he asks, “Where’s Alex?” and clings to letters written in Alex’s voice, just to keep believing he’s still out there.

Alex is a green card holder. He’s lived here since he was four. His wife — six months pregnant with their first child — needs him. Luke needs him. And our country needs more compassionate, committed caregivers like him, not fewer.

Deporting Alex serves no justice. It only tears apart families, robs a vulnerable young man of stability, and punishes someone who’s already paid his dues and then some.

We urge immigration authorities and the court to show compassion and common sense. Let Alex come home.

Time is running out. Please help bring him back before his baby is born and before Luke’s hope fades completely.

Let Alfredo "Alex" Orellana stay!

Photo: Caroline Gutman NYT