Military Spouses Facing Deportation

What’s the story?

Military Times has broken the story of multiple undocumented military spouses who are facing deportation. Some of them are married to retired soldiers, but some soldiers are on active duty and fear their spouses and children could be deported while they are away fighting for the United States.

Retired 7th Special Forces Group Sgt. 1st Class Bob Crawford and his wife, Elia, were staring down a deportation order on Monday. The release of their story by Military Times drew the attention of the administration, however, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an offer to drop the removal proceedings against Elia so she can stay with Crawford and their two children.

Other military spouses are hoping for similar help and clarity from the administration. Policy states that active-duty, honorably discharged veterans, Guard and Reserve forces will be protected from deportation, as long as there is not a court ruling in place and they have not committed a serious felony. Protections for family members have been unclear and unevenly applied.

Alejandra Juarez and her husband, former Marine Sgt. Cuauhtemoc "Temo" Juarez, have spent years and thousands of dollars fighting her deportation. They have reached out to their member of Congress, Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), with no luck. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has now offered to help.

In 2010 Vice President Pence, then a Congressman from Indiana, signed a bipartisan letter calling for protection of military spouses from deportation while they pursue legal immigration status. At that time, DHS head Janet Napolitano referenced a "parole in place" policy, which would cover the protection of military spouses.

That policy has been in place since 2007, but hasn’t been utilized consistently by authorities, as evidenced by Crawford’s and Juarez’s stories.

What do you think?

Do you think there should be a consistently applied policy protecting military spouses from deportation while they pursue legal status? Are you a military spouse who has confronted immigration issues? What has your experience been, and what do you think a consistent policy should look like?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Military Times)