Local man faces deportation despite immigration reform

LINCOLN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) - President Barack Obama excited thousands of young illegal immigrants last week with the announcement of immigration reforms, but it could be too late for many others.

The policy change would give a temporary reprieve to those who illegally crossed the border at a young age, but it might not be enough to save Jorge Garcia from being deported to Mexico.

Speaking on Sunday in front of his church, Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Lincoln Park, Garcia and his wife, Cindy worried this could be their family’s last Father’s Day together.

“Basically I go back to a country that I don’t even know. It’s going to be a struggle,” said Jorge. His parents illegally immigrated to the U.S. with him when he was 10 years old. In 2004 Jorge and Cindy filed paperwork with the U.S. government to become legal, but he is now scheduled to be deported on July 12.

“It’s very traumatic for me to even think this could be the last Father’s Day with my husband,” said Cindy, joined by their two young children. “It’s very hard knowing we’ve tried to do all the right things with immigration.”

Jorge, who graduated from and American high school and has worked ever since, will leave behind Cindy and their children, who are all American citizens. Once he leaves, it could take up to 10 years for Jorge to legally be allowed back into the U.S. unless he receives a Family Unity Waiver.  At this time the Garcias say they’re leaving their future in the hands of God.