Families Separated by Deportation

Victoria N.

English Per. 4

Pierson

5-14-12

Families Separated by Deportation

                  Throughout the years, many people have arrived to the United States in search of what is known as the American Dream. However, some people are only able to complete their voyage half way. Other people spend many years in this country without being discovered by immigration and get accustomed to raising their kids here and even decide to expand their families.  What happens to all of these children when one or both parents are deported?

            There are many cases where one parent is an immigrant and the other is a U.S. Citizen. In this case the decision of what will be the family’s destiny is ten times more difficult to make. An example of a case like this is the story of the Acuitlapa Family. “Margaret Acuitlpa faced a tough decision after her husband, an illegal immigrant, was deported. A U.S. citizen mother of three, Acuitlapa had to decide whether to raise the children alone or uproot them and move to Mexico so they could be with their father” (Reitmayer).  This quote demonstrates how difficult it is for families to decide what to do with their life after their families have been separated by U.S. security.  This is not the only evident issue that rises with these types of separations; kids/teens that immigrated to the U.S at a very young age or that were born in the U.S. have a very difficult time adjusting to new customs when they have to move to another country. At times, they even have to face discrimination.

                        After their parents have been deported, children are very likely to suffer emotional disturbances. “The 80-page report, “Facing Our Future: Children in the Aftermath of Immigration Enforcement”, relays in detail how children in 85 families responded to their parents’ arrest in six communities. Most children experienced emotional distress” (Zehr). This quote demonstrates the negative effects that deportation has on children and teens and how immigration officials do not seem to care and continue to deport entire families.

                        The only way difference can be made a difference is by upcoming generations becoming interested in these types of problems and speaking about them. Otherwise we will always have other people making decisions for us.

                       

                       

Works Cited Page

Reitmayer, Erryn Elizabeth. “When Parents Get Deported Citizen Children Fight to Survive”. 2006. Carnegie- Knight Initiative on the Future of Journalism Foundation. May 15 2012.

Zehr, Mary Ann  “How Does a Parent’s Arrest and Deportation Affect Children?” February 3 2012. Editorial Projects in Education. May 15 2012.