Grandfather facing deportation granted short reprieve by US immigration authorities

Guerrero after the first hearing

Amidst intense grassroots organizing by Faith in New Jersey, a member of PICO National Network, Catalino Guerrero, an undocumented immigrant from Union City, New Jersey, was granted a reprieve from deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) today. Guerrero has received an outpouring of support from faith leaders across the country as well as Senator Robert Menendez and Cardinal Joseph Tobin, in his quest to remain with his family. Guerrero was ordered to appear with his passport before ICE officials this morning, which resulted in a decision to allow him to return home until Monday, May 22. After that he will again face the risk of deportation.

"We are grateful that Catalino will be returning home; however, ICE is only kicking the can down the road and leaving Catalino and his family living in a state of uncertainty and fear," said Richard Morales, immigration policy director for PICO National Network, which has advocated on Guerrero's behalf. "I see no reason why ICE could not grant him a stay today. They know Catalino is not a danger to the community. They know Catalino has many ties to the United States including grandchildren. The fact is Catalino has lived in this country for 25 years and faces deportation because he trusted the wrong person. ICE should immediately exercise prosecutorial discretion and grant him a permanent stay of removal."

Guerrero came to the United States in 1991 in an attempt to flee violence in his home country. When he tried to obtain a work permit, he was misled into applying for asylum. It wasn't until eight years later - after annually renewing his work permit and paying his taxes - he was put into deportation proceedings. Under the Obama administration, through prosecutorial discretion, Guerrero was allowed to stay in the United States.

"Catalino and all those whose only offense was to seek a better life for their family deserve to be recognized as unique persons whose inherent dignity is honored," said Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, who has spoken out publicly in support of Guerrero. "As people of faith, we stand together in resistance to any and all attempts demonize or characterize refugees and immigrants as sinister, faceless threats. We thank God for the temporary respite Catalino has received but continue our appeal to the conscience of this nation and its leaders so that he - and countless others like him - might continue to be spared."

"Love is an action word, and communities across the country need to know that their clergy leaders are committed to standing with them in the struggle for justice," said Archange Antoine, executive director of Faith in New Jersey. "Our work is far from over, but I'm pleased to see people of faith standing up, speaking out and taking action for those who need us the most."

PICO National Network is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. PICO works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 45 local and state federations. PICO and its federations are non-partisan and do not endorse or support candidates for office. PICO urges people of faith to consult their faith traditions for guidance on specific policies and legislation.

See earlier report: www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=32086

For more information see: ICN 8 March 2017 - US faith groups rally around grandfather threatened with deportation www.piconetwork.org