ImmigrationDeportation
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ImmigrationDeportation
Colombian Couple Deported After 35 Years in US, Daughters Fight for Return
about 1 year agoUS
Gladys and Nelson González, a Colombian couple who built a life in Southern California over 35 years, were abruptly detained during a routine immigration check-in and deported back to Colombia in March 2025. This case highlights the harsh realities of the US immigration system and its impact on families, as their three US-born daughters now campaign for their parents' return.
Key Insights
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Long-Term Residents:: Gladys (55) and Nelson (59) González lived in the US since 1989, arriving without authorization while fleeing violence in Bogotá, Colombia.
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Family & Community Ties:: They raised three daughters, now adults and US citizens, welcomed their first grandchild, were active in their church, and volunteered in their community.
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Decades-Long Legal Struggle:: The couple spent years attempting to legalize their status, reportedly falling victim to fraudulent immigration practitioners early on. They received a voluntary departure order in 2000 but remained, continuing to appeal their case.
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Sudden Detention & Deportation:: Despite regular check-ins with immigration authorities since 2000 under an order of supervision, they were unexpectedly detained on February 21, 2025, held for three weeks, and deported.
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Impact of Policy:: Their lawyer suggests the detention aligns with recent shifts in immigration enforcement, impacting individuals even with long-standing, non-criminal presence in the US.
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Why this matters:: This case underscores the vulnerability of long-term undocumented residents and the profound disruption deportation causes to families with mixed immigration statuses, even those deeply integrated into American society.
In-Depth Analysis
Gladys and Nelson González arrived in the US in 1989 seeking refuge from the widespread violence in their native Colombia. Granted permission to apply for asylum, their journey towards legal status was fraught with challenges. According to their daughter Stephanie and lawyer Monica Crooms, they were victims of "predatory" immigration practices, including hiring individuals who were not actual lawyers or were later disbarred.
Despite these setbacks, they established deep roots in California, raising their family, paying taxes, and contributing to their community. In 2000, an immigration court denied their request to stay and issued a voluntary departure order. Misled by counsel at the time, they did not leave and instead pursued further appeals. Over the next two decades, they exhausted legal options, with final appeals denied by the Board of Immigration Appeals (2018) and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (2021).
They remained in the US under an order of supervision, requiring regular check-ins with ICE. Their detention in February 2025 came as a shock. Their lawyer, Monica Crooms, noted they expected they might have to leave eventually but not be forcibly detained and separated from their family without warning. The deportation itself was delayed partly because the Department of Homeland Security reportedly lost their passports.
Under a 1996 law, having stayed unlawfully for over a year and failing to comply with the voluntary departure order means they face a minimum 10-year ban on returning to the US. Their daughters have started a GoFundMe campaign to support their parents in Colombia and fund legal efforts for their eventual return.
FAQs
Why were they deported after living in the US for 35 years?
Despite their long residency and community ties, they never obtained legal status. After exhausting all legal appeals against a 2000 voluntary departure order, immigration authorities enforced their removal under current policies.
Can Gladys and Nelson González return to the US?
Due to immigration laws (specifically, the consequences of overstaying and not departing voluntarily), they face at least a 10-year ban from re-entering the US. Their return would likely require significant changes in immigration law or specific waivers, which are difficult to obtain.
What are the risks for others in similar situations?
Individuals living in the US under orders of supervision or with unresolved immigration cases face a potential risk of detention and deportation, particularly under shifting enforcement priorities.
Key Takeaways
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Who This Affects Most:: Long-term residents without permanent legal status, mixed-status families, and individuals under orders of supervision from immigration authorities.
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The Precariousness of Status:: This case shows that long-term residency, community integration, and lack of criminal record do not guarantee protection from deportation if legal status isn't secured.
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Importance of Legal Counsel:: Navigating the immigration system is complex; competent and ethical legal representation is crucial. The González family's early experiences highlight the dangers of fraudulent practitioners.
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How to Prepare (General Advice):: Lawyer Monica Crooms advises that anyone required to check in with ICE under an order of supervision should anticipate detention as a "real possibility" and consult with an attorney to understand their options and prepare accordingly. This includes having important documents organized and making family contingency plans.
Discussion
The deportation of the González family raises questions about fairness and priorities within the US immigration system.
*Do you think long-term residency and strong community ties should weigh more heavily in deportation decisions? Let us know!*
*Share this article with others who need to stay informed on immigration issues!*
Sources & References
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Source 3: Information regarding GoFundMe sourced via CNN article above.
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