Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has responded to the troubling case of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda, who was recently deported to Cuba despite being married to a U.S. citizen and being the mother of a one-year-old baby with significant health issues.
In a statement sent to CiberCuba and journalist Mario J. Pentón, Salazar's office stated, "We are aware of the case of Heydi Sánchez Tejeda and have been contacted by her attorney. According to House of Representatives rules, cases outside of my Miami congressional district must be referred to the appropriate representative."
Despite jurisdictional limitations, the congresswoman took the opportunity to emphasize the urgent need for immigration reform. "Cases like this highlight why Congress must pass my Dignity Act: to bring compassion, order, and long-overdue reform to our broken immigration system," she stated.
Salazar believes that the solution lies in legislative reform, specifically pushing for immigration reform to address situations like that of the deported Cuban mother.
The Abrupt Deportation of Heydi Sánchez
Heydi Sánchez was deported in April by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after an unexpectedly advanced immigration check-in appointment. Although she had no criminal record, she held an I-220B form and faced a final deportation order since 2019. Her lawyer, Claudia Cañizares, had been attempting to reopen the case.
The incident has sparked outrage within the Cuban exile community, particularly because of the health condition of Heydi's daughter, who was conceived via in vitro fertilization and suffers from frequent seizures. The baby was separated from her mother while still being breastfed.
Carlos Yuniel Valle, Heydi's husband and a U.S. citizen, has launched a campaign on the MoveOn platform to request a humanitarian permit allowing his wife's return to the United States.
The legal process will be challenging, but the defense attorney insists there are still possibilities if they can demonstrate the humanitarian impact and gather sufficient public support to pressure immigration authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation Case and Immigration Reform
What is the Dignity Act proposed by María Elvira Salazar?
The Dignity Act is a legislative proposal aimed at bringing compassion, order, and much-needed reform to the U.S. immigration system. It seeks to address cases like that of Heydi Sánchez by providing a comprehensive approach to immigration challenges.
Why was Heydi Sánchez deported despite having a U.S. citizen family?
Heydi Sánchez was deported due to a final deportation order from 2019 and an advanced immigration check-in appointment. Despite her marriage to a U.S. citizen and being the mother of a child with health issues, these factors did not prevent her deportation.
What steps are being taken to bring Heydi Sánchez back to the U.S.?
Heydi's husband has initiated a campaign on MoveOn to secure a humanitarian permit for her return. Her lawyer is also working to reopen her case, focusing on demonstrating the humanitarian impact and gathering public support.