A mother, not a statistic (North Jersey Record)

A mother, not a statistic

Saturday, November 8, 2008

A STORM has once again intervened in the lives of a family in Paramus, this time in a good way.

Karla Garcia, an illegal immigrant and mother of three, was scheduled to be deported this week to Honduras. But flooding there in the wake of a storm has delayed her deportation temporarily.

It should be delayed permanently.

We understand that immigration reform is necessary. Some system must be found to deal with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in this country, including 500,000 in New Jersey.

But that reform must be humane and compassionate. It should not include breaking up families, particularly when some members of the family are already U.S. citizens.

Garcia's husband is a U.S. citizen. The youngest of her three sons was born here and is a U.S. citizen. Garcia crossed the Mexican border in 2001 with her two oldest sons to be with her husband, who had come to this country legally to find work after they suffered devastating losses during Hurricane Mitch in Honduras.

The family lived in Louisiana until they lost everything during Hurricane Katrina. They were then relocated to Paramus by the Red Cross. As Staff Writer Elizabeth Llorente has reported, the borough welcomed them and provided the family shelter. The school district hired Garcia's husband as a custodian. Local groups collected donations. And the family settled in, taking part in community activities and making friends.

But last summer, their home was raided by immigration agents and Garcia was arrested. She lost a cleaning job she had held. She was scheduled to be deported in October, but that deportation was delayed when her husband became ill.

Supporters have tried to keep Garcia here with her family. Dozens of Paramus residents have written to immigration officials. About 500 residents have signed a petition. Aides for Sen. Bob Menendez recently asked federal immigration officials for a reprieve for Garcia based on the flooding conditions in Honduras.

Garcia learned this week that she would not be deported, two days before she was to leave. Now she is happy that she will be with her family through the holidays, but she is not unpacking her suitcases.

The question must be asked: What is gained by breaking up this family?

Even some supporters of stringent immigration reform are reluctant to tear parents and children apart.

Vince Micco, the recent Republican candidate for Congress in the 9th District, said being here illegally is wrong, but "it's even more immoral to break up families."

And Rep. Scott Garrett, the conservative Republican incumbent who recently won reelection in the 5th District, which includes Paramus, said when children who are citizens have parents facing deportation, "It's a difficult situation, and I think you have to look at them on a case-by-case basis."

It seems clear that this case is one of those that should be considered in light of extenuating circumstances. The family has already struggled to surmount severe hardship more than once. They have finally found a home in Paramus and have the strong support of the community.

Immigration officials should reconsider Garcia's case, put her on the path to citizenship and allow her to stay.