05/14/2026
Imagine this.
You are 18 years old. You were born in Venezuela, but you are also Muslim and Syrian. Your older brother kidnapped, your father threatened.All because of your nationality and religion.
Your father moves the family to the USA. You present yourself at the border and your family is released .
Yet you are given an ankle bracelet for 8 months. You file your asylum application with the court.
You then are required to check in with ICE . For 5 years. Perfect record of compliance.
You get TPS, you get your work authorization. You continue working, waiting for your case to be heard at the court. Not a single day working without authorization. Government terminates TPS, but you still have your asylum case pending. Delays at the court… none caused by you rather caused by a government that only wants chaos and confusion.
Fast forward to April 29,2026, when you attend your annual check in . And all of
The sudden the government changes their mind and detains you. No reason no explanation… no rhyme or reason. Except filling a daily quota…a campaign promise to deport millions of immigrants…
No criminal record, taxes filed yearly, perfect compliance with the court’s requirements. You already have a court date for your asylum. Yet you are now detained… miles away from family. Days without a proper meal because the detention center doesn’t have Halal foods. Your father moving earth and heaven to get you out.
Every meeting I see that father being chipped away, crying, nervous, fearful.
So we start again, to guide this family to our immigration system. An unfair, ugly and difficult system. Explaining the process… reassuring them.. supporting them.
Finally, the hearing… scheduled for 1 pm. I’m ready. My arguments.. the evidence… as I wait for an unreasonable amount of time… the hours goes by and I’m still looking at screen with a message 14 people in the waiting room…..3:45 finally here we go!!
I take my time… developing the record,,, element by element. Arguing against a determination that this kid- now 22- is a danger to the community and a flight risk. 167 pages of evidence supporting the argument… the government process zero evidence … not even one document.
My heart is racing … as the judge starts presenting his decision. My mind racing .. hopeful but also knowing that it can go either way.
Finally bond granted…I can breathe now. The father can’t stop crying … we won…
This son is coming home. A family restored… seguimos por más!