DHS backs down, offers to drop deportation proceedings against wife of special forces veteran

Daily Kos Staff

Friday March 02, 2018 · 7:50 AM PST

2018/03/02 · 07:50

Screen_Shot_2018-03-02_at_7.40.33_AM.png — Elia and Bob Crawford

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has offered to drop deportation proceedings against Elia Crawford, an undocumented immigrant and spouse of a special forces veteran. Crawford could be eligible for “Parole in Place”—a provision that protects immigrant spouses of active-duty service members and veterans like her from being torn from deportation—but her deportation order barred her from going forward, and DHS had refused to drop it. But following a report from the Military Times, DHS retreated:

The case came to light in a Military Times exclusive that reported how retired Sgt. 1st Class Bob Crawford, an Army Ranger who spent the latter part of his career with 7th Special Forces Group conducting counter-narcotics missions in Latin America, was fighting to keep his wife Elia from being deported.

The family faced an immigration court hearing Monday in Arlington, Virginia, that could have led to Elia’s deportation. Elia Crawford entered the country illegally in 1999. As a military spouse, she is eligible for a provision known as “Parole in Place,” that allows her to seek legal status in the U.S.

“The latest development in this case is that we were contacted today by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Chief Counsel who offered to dismiss deportation [removal] proceedings,” said attorney Leticia Corona. “Once the judge approves the dismissal, this would allow Mrs. Crawford to pursue permanent legal status. While we are encouraged by this latest development there will still be a long road ahead.”

Screen_Shot_2017-06-02_at_11.32.50_AM.png — U.S. military veteran Israel Solano. His dad, Francisco, was deported last year.

Yes, America deports veterans and their family members, and it’s been a stain on both Democratic and Republican administrations alike. NBC News estimates that some 230 veterans have been kicked out after serving their country. Last May, a viral photo showed a group of deported U.S. military veterans commemorating Memorial Day in Mexico. A month later, the undocumented dad of U.S. military veteran Israel Solano was deported after two decades in the U.S.:

Solano, who served a tour in Afghanistan, said he was awakened by an early morning call from his father, Francisco, telling him to “take care of the family” and their small business installing floors.

“What are you talking about?” a confused Israel asked. Francisco responded that “immigration is outside my house, I love you,” and hung up. “I couldn’t say anything else,” Israel told Univision. “That’s the last time I heard from him.”

"It has been extraordinarily stressful," Corona said about the uncertainty facing the Crawford family, who have two young children. "I know that they are very much looking forward to a sense of security, not having this cloud of worry over their heads." Crawford’s story might just help other military families who are also facing being torn apart, too: “After the Crawfords’ story published, Military Times was contacted by several other families also facing the deportation of a spouse”:

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has previously said that service members and veterans would be protected from deportation due to an agreement he came to with the DHS, but it is not clear if that new agreement would extend to family members.

It’s unclear the exact reason why DHS backtracked on its decision, but it is clear it happened after Crawford’s story was publicized. Which means, we have to keep talking about these kinds of stories. “We feel passionately about this issue coming to light because of the many sacrifices our military makes as they protect our country.” Corona continued, “We are hopeful for a positive outcome in this case that will also help other families across the country dealing with the same issues.”

DHS backs down, offers to drop deportation proceedings against wife of special forces veteran

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