Jesuits Come Together to Support Mother of Three Facing Deportation

December 16, 2011 in News, Pastoral, Social and International

UPDATE 12/16/11:
On Tuesday, Ann Arbor immigrant Lourdes Salazar learned that her December 27th deportation had been postponed for one year through Deferred Action. She will remain in the country to enjoy Christmas with her family in the United States.

For more information on Lourdes’ case, click here.

UPDATE:
The vigil held Friday, November 11, 2011, was attended by many to show their support for Ms. Lourdes Salazar.  ABC 7 Action News was there to cover the event.  To view the video, click here.

The work for Lourdes’ case continues.  More petitioning and phone calls are needed to help persuade ICE Director Morton to grant Lourdes a deferment of her deportation order, set for December 27.  Three University of Michigan students are currently at the Capital meeting with Senator Stabenow and others to share their thoughts on various social justice issues, including immigration reform.  None of this could have happened without your help and continued support.

Parishioner and mother of three facing deportation:  A candlelight vigil will be held today, Friday, November 11 to support a member of the Jesuit-run parish at U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor (St. Mary Student Parish) Ms. Lourdes Salazar is scheduled to be deported on December 27.  She and her husband have been in the U.S. for 14 years and they have three children (ages 13, 9, 7) all born in the U.S. They have owned a house in Ann Arbor for over ten years.  Her husband was deported last year and she has been the sole supporter of her kids.  Lourdes is just one of three individuals from the parish that are in the process of deportation.  The parish is working with other immigrant rights groups on and off campus to petition for reconsideration of her case.  Bishop Earl Boyea (Diocese of Lansing) and oversees Ann Arbor has written to directors of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on behalf of Ms. Salazar.

 

Additional Resources:
Click here to learn more about Lordes’ case and help take action
To read a joint appeal to Congress made by the provincials of the Jesuit conference, click here
Learn more about the Jesuits’ work on migration and immigration
US Conference of Catholic Bishops
Justice for Immigrants
New York Times Article About President Obama’s Policy on Deportation