Monday, November 19, 2007

FILIPINO COUPLE FIGHTING DEPORTATION


He is a 54-year-old doctor, she runs a grocery store and bakery in central Pennsylvania.

They have been Americans for two decades. Their children were U.S.-born and -educated.

But the day after Thanksgiving, they are scheduled to report to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office to start their deportation proceedings.

This is the life-changing dilemma being faced by Pedro and Salvacion Servano. They are, by reported accounts, model U.S. residents since arriving from the Philippines in the 1980s.

Their problem stemmed from a mistake in their visa application 17 years ago. They started the application process as single but by the time their visas were approved, they have gotten married. They didn't correct their status. It was a simple oversight, they contend.

"We love this country and this is our American dream to be here," Salvacion Servano said to AP reporter Genaro C. Armas. "We've been here for 25 years. This is our home."

Many people are appealing to the government to give the Servanos a chance, arguing that they do not fit the profile of the demonized image of deportable immigrants. Even a Department of Homeland Security official has publicly signified his support to the couple.

"I fervently believe in the ICE mission. However, the Servanos did not sneak into this country illegally, they have broken no laws, and they have not been a burden to the economy. They pose no threat. I cannot fathom how deporting the Servanos fulfills any portion of the ICE mission. In fact, I would argue the action runs counter to it," DHS counterterrorism operative Bill Schweigart wrote in a published letter.
-Yong B. Chavez, filipinonline.com

[PHOTO: The Patriot-News]
Thanks to Art Pacho for the news tip.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Nakakahiya! This is a disgrace to all Pilipinos who legally emigrated and have followed the law even if it is difficult and frustrating at times. Magpapalusot pa kasi! Nasa States na pero style unggoy pa rin ang ginagamit. Nagmamaangmaangan pa! It was never an honest mistake since they keep on waving the issue that he is a doctor and he did not know this detail? Too many shortcuts in their lives! Shame on them for making this a race issue. What are they showing their children & grandchildren that it is okay to circumvent the law based on personal selfish intentions? To all you so called supporters, please do not use race as an issue. Open your eyes and see the truth since this is not a race issue but rather a breaking the law and law enforcent issue!