This Sunday, a Cuban family's painful journey through a harsh immigration ordeal will take a somber turn as Deivy Alemán Oropesa opts to voluntarily return to Cuba. This difficult decision is made to evade immigration detention in the United States, even though it means leaving behind his young daughter who requires another open-heart surgery.
Journalist Javier Díaz brought this story to light, sharing Alemán's and his wife Yisel Miguel Sarduy's testimony on social media. Alemán revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presented him with two choices: face detention while awaiting forced deportation or leave the country willingly by September 14.
"I believe leaving voluntarily is the best option. My greatest concern is leaving my daughter and family here," he expressed tearfully. "She's awaiting surgery, and that's what hurts the most."
The family's plight became public weeks earlier when reports surfaced about Alemán's daughter, a U.S. citizen only two years old, having already undergone two heart surgeries and requiring a third in the coming months. While his wife attends to their child, Alemán has been the family's financial pillar, working as an Uber driver, paying taxes, and maintaining a clean record.
On September 8, during a routine ICE appointment in Orlando, Alemán was informed he must leave the U.S. within a week, delivering a devastating blow to the family. "It's a situation that still leaves us in shock," said his wife, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support on social media and urging the case to reach the ears of congress members or senators.
The family provided medical reports and letters from cardiologists to demonstrate the humanitarian urgency, alongside an approved I-130 petition due to Alemán's marriage to a U.S. citizen. However, these factors were dismissed by immigration authorities.
Attorney Rosaly Chaviano explained that Alemán was under immigration supervision (form I-220B) and highlighted that under current policies, "humanitarian factors are practically being ignored." The case has sparked widespread outrage online, and in response, family and friends initiated a Change.org petition aiming to halt what they see as an inhumane decision.
Time is running out: this Sunday, Deivy Alemán will board a flight back to Cuba, leaving his wife and ailing daughter behind. "My hope is that once I'm in Cuba, my wife's petition will come through, allowing me to return soon," said the heartbroken Cuban, who arrived in the United States seven years ago seeking freedom and opportunities but now departs with a heavy heart.
FAQs on Deivy Alemán's Immigration Situation
Why is Deivy Alemán returning to Cuba voluntarily?
Deivy Alemán is choosing to return voluntarily to avoid detention by ICE while awaiting forced deportation, despite having a young daughter in the U.S. who needs critical medical care.
What are the health concerns regarding Alemán's daughter?
Alemán's daughter, a two-year-old U.S. citizen, has undergone two open-heart surgeries and requires a third, posing a significant humanitarian concern for the family.
How has the community responded to Alemán's situation?
The community has shown strong support through social media, and family and friends have launched a Change.org petition to prevent Alemán's deportation, citing the decision as inhumane.