In brief
In a poignant story of love and resilience, Janie Pérez shares how she relocated 1,500 miles to Mexico after her husband, Alejandro, was deported. Despite the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land, Janie emphasizes the importance of family unity. Their case reflects the harsh realities faced by many mixed-status families in the U.S., especially amid increasing deportations.
In a poignant story of love and resilience, Janie Pérez found her world turned upside down the day her husband, Alejandro, was detained by ICE agents shortly after leaving for work. ‘I think ICE is here,’ he told her over the phone, marking the start of an emotional turmoil that would lead Janie to make a heart-wrenching choice: to move 1,500 miles to Mexico to reunite with him after his deportation.
As an American woman without Spanish proficiency, Janie's transition to life in Mexico has been difficult. However, she firmly believes there is nothing more important than being together with her family.
‘I fell to the ground on my knees crying uncontrollably,’ she recalls of the day Alejandro was taken from their home in Missouri, leaving behind her and their two young daughters, Luna and Lexie. The couple faced the reality of deportation head-on, knowing separation was simply inconceivable.
Since returning to Mexico, Janie reflects on the complexities of starting anew in an unfamiliar culture, yet maintains a positive outlook. ‘There is nothing more important than being together,’ she insists, highlighting the challenges many mixed-status families face amid the current political climate.
Alejandro, who entered the U.S. as a child, now grapples with adjusting to life in Mexico after spending 16 years in America. Alongside them, other families with similar stories reveal the heart-wrenching decisions faced due to the risk of deportation.
As the U.S. continues to enforce strict immigration policies, the Pérez family's story serves as a powerful reminder of the human impact behind these laws, showcasing that love knows no borders.
