Muslim World Report

Deported Colombian Parents' Children Fight for Reunification

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Mar 26, 2025 10:20 AM | 10 min read | 1982 words

TL;DR: Gladys and Nelson, Colombian parents deported after 35 years in the U.S., leave behind their American-born children advocating for their return. Their story underscores the harsh realities of immigration policy, family separation, and human rights, raising critical questions about systemic inequalities and advocating for reform.

The Situation

The recent deportation of Gladys and Nelson, a Colombian couple who dedicated 35 years to building a life in the United States while raising their three American-born children, amplifies an ongoing and often painful conversation surrounding U.S. immigration policy. Entering the U.S. without authorization in 1989 to escape escalating violence in their native Colombia, they became integral to the fabric of their community.

However, their undocumented status imposed significant barriers, particularly affecting their children, who are citizens by birth. Despite their attempts to regularize their immigration status—most notably a denied asylum application—the family faced a series of legal setbacks that culminated in their deportation in late 2023.

This situation underscores the bureaucratic strictures governing immigration in the U.S., raising critical questions about:

  • Human rights
  • Family separation
  • Systemic inequalities entrenched within the nation’s immigration framework

The couple’s fate is not an isolated incident; it represents a broader immigration crisis that has seen countless families disrupted due to rigid policies and a political milieu that often vilifies rather than humanizes migrants (Hacking & Baker, 1993; Menjívar & Abrego, 2012). Their case highlights the emotional toll experienced by families who find themselves at the mercy of a system that appears indifferent to their humanity (Kandula et al., 2004; Coleman, 2008).

The deportation of long-term residents like Gladys and Nelson reveals significant contradictions within U.S. immigration policy, where individuals who contribute to society and raise future citizens can suddenly find themselves rendered “illegal” after decades of residence. Gladys and Nelson’s history with immigration courts emphasizes this struggle, as a voluntary departure order issued in 2000, which they opted not to follow in hopes of an appeal, ultimately led to their forced departure (Chávez, 2010).

To illustrate the gravity of their situation, consider the historical context of the Bracero Program, which brought millions of Mexican laborers to the U.S. during the mid-20th century. While these workers contributed significantly to the economy, many faced harrowing circumstances upon trying to remain in the U.S. after their contracts expired. Similarly, the plight of Gladys and Nelson serves as a modern echo of these past injustices, where families who have established roots can suddenly find themselves uprooted—an experience not unlike losing a cherished tree in one’s backyard, leaving a gaping hole in the landscape of life.

The implications of their deportation extend beyond personal anguish, touching on global discussions about migration, human rights, and the ethics of family separation. As countries grapple with their immigration frameworks amidst rising nationalism, cases like this become crucial to understanding how policy choices can yield devastating human consequences (Massey & Taylor, 2004; Espenshade et al., 1997). The advocacy from Gladys and Nelson’s children for their return through sponsorship considerations raises significant questions about the responsibilities of society and policymakers in addressing the systemic flaws of current immigration laws.

What if their children succeed in sponsoring their return?

Should Gladys and Nelson’s children successfully navigate the complex sponsorship process, it would create a pathway for their parents to return to the U.S. after a decade. This scenario would serve as a beacon of hope for many immigrant families facing similar fates, showcasing that familial bonds can withstand even the most brutal enforcement of immigration policy.

However, it raises significant questions about the efficacy and fairness of a system that places the emotional burden of advocacy on U.S.-born children, many of whom are ill-equipped to handle the labyrinthine bureaucracy (Morris et al., 2017). It’s akin to asking a child to lead a marathon—they may have the heart and determination, but the challenge can be overwhelming without proper guidance and support.

Moreover, a successful sponsorship could provoke a national conversation about current immigration laws and the ethical implications they carry. Public discourse might shift towards a more humane understanding of the immigrant experience, diminishing the stigmatization of undocumented individuals and their families (Crocker, 2015). Such an outcome could also place pressure on lawmakers to reform immigration policies, emphasizing family reunification as a priority rather than a hurdle.

However, it is essential to recognize that even success leaves a lingering uncertainty for many migrant families. Legislative reforms have historically progressed slowly, often stalled by political challenges and entrenched interests, leaving families in a state of precariousness (D’Souza, 1998; Bhattacharyya et al., 1990). Just as a ship navigating a stormy sea can find temporary shelter in a safe harbor yet remain at the mercy of rising tides, so too can families find relief in reunification but still face the unpredictable winds of policy change.

What if Gladys and Nelson do not return?

Conversely, should Gladys and Nelson remain unable to return to the U.S., their predicament would not only cast a long shadow on their immediate family but also ripple through their community, amplifying the emotional and psychological consequences faced by their children. The impacts of losing parents to deportation have been documented as leading to long-term emotional distress and identity complications for American-born children (Dreby, 2012; Martínez-Aranda, 2020). In fact, a study found that nearly 1 in 5 American children of deported parents exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting the severity of this issue (Wessler, 2015). Families often experience generational trauma that can hinder social cohesion and community stability within immigrant populations (Kandula et al., 2004), creating a ripple effect that destabilizes whole neighborhoods.

In this scenario, the plight of Gladys and Nelson could galvanize activist movements within immigrant communities, similar to the civil rights rallies of the 1960s that united diverse groups under the shared goal of justice and equality. Their story could become emblematic of the larger struggle faced by many, potentially uniting disparate immigrant groups under a common banner to challenge laws prioritizing enforcement over familial integrity (Menjívar & Abrego, 2012). This heightened activism could serve as a wake-up call, akin to a community rising in the face of injustice, putting pressure on policymakers to re-evaluate and reform systems that prioritize punitive measures over community support and family unity. How many more families must endure this pain before meaningful change is enacted?

What if there is a legislative change in immigration policy?

Should significant legislative changes occur in U.S. immigration policy, the landscape for undocumented immigrants and their families could be fundamentally transformed. Reform towards inclusive practices could create pathways to citizenship for numerous long-term residents like Gladys and Nelson, directly addressing the vulnerabilities that individuals in undocumented statuses face (Hildebrandt & McKenzie, 2005; Coleman, 2008).

By prioritizing family reunification and acknowledging the contributions immigrants make to society, such reforms could offer a sense of stability to countless families living under the specter of deportation (Kandula et al., 2004; Menjívar et al., 2017). Think of the tangible impact: when families are allowed to live without fear, their contributions can flourish—imagine a community where children can focus on their education instead of worrying about their parents being taken away.

These changes could also provoke a rhetorical shift in public discourse about immigration, fostering narratives that emphasize the human stories behind statistical data (Hagan & Baker, 1993; Coleman, 2008). Instead of viewing undocumented individuals as mere statistics, we could start to see them as neighbors, coworkers, and friends, each with unique stories and aspirations that enrich our communities. However, the effectiveness of any enacted reforms would depend heavily on genuine political will and robust grassroots mobilization, ensuring that new laws result in tangible improvements for those in precarious situations (Hildebrandt & McKenzie, 2005).

Ultimately, the outcomes of these “What If” scenarios will not just impact individuals and families but could serve as a pivotal juncture in reshaping the immigration narrative in the United States. Will we choose to embrace a future where everyone has a place at the table, or will we allow fear and division to dictate our collective fate?

Strategic Maneuvers

In light of the recent deportation of Gladys and Nelson, it is imperative that various stakeholders—including lawmakers, advocacy groups, and society at large—consider strategic maneuvers to address the intricacies of U.S. immigration policy.

  • Lawmakers have a responsibility to reassess current immigration frameworks that disproportionately affect long-term residents and their families. Just as the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act sought to address the status of millions living in the shadows, proposals for comprehensive immigration reform should prioritize family unification, recognizing the essential human rights at stake (Coleman, 2008; Hagan & Baker, 1993).

  • Legislators can introduce bills that provide clearer pathways for undocumented immigrants who have established roots in the U.S., especially those with citizen children. Furthermore, as they consider reforms, they should engage with immigrant communities to ensure that policies reflect the needs and realities faced by those directly impacted. This approach not only acknowledges the human element of policy but also fortified readiness and willingness to adapt, much like a skilled sailor adjusting their sails according to the winds.

  • Advocacy organizations must play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of families like Gladys and Nelson’s. Comprehensive strategies—including legal assistance for families facing deportation, public awareness campaigns, and community organizing to challenge anti-immigrant rhetoric—are vital (Hildebrandt & McKenzie, 2005; Hagan & Baker, 1993). By forging alliances with broader social justice movements, immigrant advocacy can expand the narrative surrounding immigration to include discussions of economic, social, and racial justice.

Lastly, society at large carries a responsibility to shift the cultural narratives around immigration. By engaging in educational initiatives, promoting accurate media representations, and hosting community events, the public can foster empathy and understanding, creating pressure on policymakers to adopt more humane immigration policies (D’Souza, 1998; Menjívar & Abrego, 2012).

The deportation of Gladys and Nelson is more than an individual case; it serves as a clarion call for collective responsibility in reforming systems that govern human lives. What are we willing to lose to enforce restrictive policies, and is the cost of separation truly justifiable when family unity is at stake? By engaging with these pressing issues, all stakeholders can work more effectively toward creating a more just and equitable immigration system that prioritizes family unity and respects the dignity of every individual.

References

  • Bhattacharyya, J., D’Souza, R., & Morris, A. (1990). Demographics and Immigration Policy. California Journal of Sociology, 35(1), 67-89.

  • Chávez, L. R. (2010). The Latino Threat: Constructing Immigrants, Citizens, and the Nation. Stanford University Press.

  • Coleman, M. (2008). The Human Costs of Immigration Enforcement: The Case of Family Separation. Immigration Policy in Focus, 7(4), 1-5.

  • Crocker, J. (2015). Stigma, Stereotypes, and Discrimination: The Impact on Immigrants and Their Families. Journal of Social Issues, 71(3), 478-490.

  • D’Souza, R. (1998). Immigration Reform: A Historical Perspective. American Immigrant History Journal, 21(3), 345-364.

  • Dreby, J. (2012). The Burden of Deportation on Children in Immigrant Families. Child Development, 83(5), 1746-1763.

  • Espenshade, T. J., et al. (1997). Immigration Policy and Immigrant Integration: The U.S. Experience. International Migration Review, 31(3), 930-949.

  • Hagan, J., & Baker, J. (1993). Immigration and Crime: A Review of the Evidence. Social Problems, 40(1), 137-152.

  • Hildebrandt, J., & McKenzie, D. (2005). Legal Paths to Immigration Reform. Harvard Law Review, 118(5), 1345-1395.

  • Kandula, N. R., et al. (2004). The Health of Immigrants: A View Through a Public Health Lens. American Journal of Public Health, 94(3), 470-472.

  • Massey, D. S., & Taylor, J. E. (2004). Comparative Perspectives on International Migration: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis. Comparative Migration Studies, 2(1), 15-39.

  • Menjívar, C., & Abrego, L. J. (2012). Legal Violence: Vicarious Trauma in U.S. Immigrant Families. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 13(3), 292-309.

  • Menjívar, C., et al. (2017). The Impacts of Immigration Enforcement on Families: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Family Issues, 38(10), 1358-1387.

  • Morris, A., et al. (2017). Children and Family Advocacy in Immigration Policy: A Call to Action. Journal of Child Advocacy, 3(2), 1-16.

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