Carlos Yuniel Valle, a Cuban-American citizen, has launched a signature drive on MoveOn, urging U.S. immigration authorities to allow his wife, Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, to return after being recently deported to Cuba. This case has captured the attention of both the media and the Cuban exile community due to its emotional and humanitarian implications. Despite being married to a U.S. citizen, Heydi was deported back to the island, leaving behind a one-year-old daughter with serious health concerns.
Valle's petition is directed at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), seeking a humanitarian permit for Heydi's return to reunite with her family. Their daughter, conceived through in vitro fertilization, suffers from frequent seizures and was separated from her mother while still breastfeeding. "Heydi's daughter is not just an infant; she's a long-awaited miracle. This separation has been devastating to her physical and emotional well-being," states the campaign's message.
Sudden Deportation
Heydi's deportation occurred in April following a sudden decision by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The humanitarian aspect of Heydi's case has sparked controversy. Unlike other cases where extensions have been granted, ICE acted unusually swiftly, ignoring the child's fragile health and the engagement of a new legal defense team.
A Complex Legal Journey for Heydi's Return
Despite the deportation, Heydi might return to the United States, although the process is expected to be intricate. Her attorney explained that they would need to apply for several immigration pardons and present strong evidence justifying her absence from a past hearing. "First, we need her immigration record; then we'll file the necessary pardon applications and request an embassy interview," Cañizares detailed.
The duration of this process could span years, depending on the review by immigration authorities and the social backing the case receives.
A Call to Reform the System
The campaign led by Carlos Yuniel Valle aims for more than just family reunification. According to him, it's a plea for a more compassionate U.S. immigration system. "Supporting Heydi's return is supporting family unity, especially in situations involving vulnerable children. Separating nursing mothers from their infants inflicts irreparable harm," argues the petition's text.
The Cuban community in the United States has voiced its outrage on social media, criticizing the insensitivity of immigration authorities. The case has been seen as emblematic of the structural flaws in the deportation system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heydi Sánchez Tejeda's Deportation Case
Why was Heydi Sánchez Tejeda deported from the U.S.?
Heydi was deported due to a final deportation order issued in 2019, despite having no criminal record. ICE unexpectedly accelerated her immigration check-in, leading to her abrupt deportation.
What is Carlos Yuniel Valle doing to bring his wife back?
Carlos has started a petition on MoveOn, directed at USCIS, to obtain a humanitarian permit for Heydi's return. This effort is part of a broader campaign to highlight the need for a more humane immigration system.
How does Heydi's deportation affect her family?
Heydi's deportation has separated her from her one-year-old daughter, who suffers from frequent seizures and was still being breastfed. This separation poses significant challenges to the child's health and emotional well-being.