An 82-Year-Old's Shocking Journey After Losing His Green Card
In a surprising turn of events, an elderly man from Allentown, Pennsylvania, found himself in Guatemala after a routine visit to an immigration office.
Luis Leon, who had lived in the U.S. for nearly 40 years, went to replace his lost green card but ended up being deported without his family's knowledge.
A Mysterious Disappearance
Leon, who had been granted political asylum in 1987, had no ties to Guatemala. His family was left in the dark, initially believing he was dead after a mysterious caller claimed he had passed away. It wasn't until a relative in Chile reached out that they discovered he was alive but hospitalized in Guatemala.
The family's attempts to find information about Leon's whereabouts hit a dead end. They were left with more questions than answers, especially after a woman claiming to be an immigration lawyer contacted them but provided no details about Leon's situation.
A Flawed Deportation Process
According to reports, Leon was first taken to a detention center in Minnesota before being deported. This happened despite a lack of records showing his detention or deportation. A recent Supreme Court decision allowed the Trump administration to deport immigrants to countries other than their origin, which might explain Leon's situation.
Family's Concerns and Next Steps
Leon's family is now planning to travel to Guatemala to see him. They are concerned about his health, as he suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and a heart condition. An ICE official confirmed that they are investigating the matter.
Questions About the Immigration Process
This story raises questions about the immigration process and the treatment of long-time residents who may have lost their documentation. It's a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of dealing with immigration authorities.