Deivy Alemán Oropesa, a Cuban father who felt compelled to "self-deport" and leave his family behind, was reunited with his daughter this weekend. His wife brought their child to Cuba for a visit after more than a month apart.
"Over the weekend, more than a month after voluntarily leaving the U.S., Deivy Alemán was able to see his daughter. His wife brought her for a visit, with a travel agency generously providing the tickets for her and their daughter," reported journalist Javier Díaz on Facebook, who has closely followed the family's situation.
The family's reunion is bittersweet, as the process for their full reunification remains unresolved. Alemán's daughter, who is awaiting an open-heart surgery, continues to be separated from her father, who was the family's breadwinner in the United States.
The Decision to Self-Deport
In early September, Alemán Oropesa chose to return to Cuba voluntarily, avoiding immigration detention in the U.S., even though it meant leaving behind his young daughter who is due for another heart surgery. ICE had given him two stark choices: detention with forced deportation or voluntary departure by September 14.
"Leaving voluntarily seemed the best option, but what worries me most is leaving my daughter and family. She needs surgery, and that pains me deeply," Alemán admitted tearfully.
A Family in Crisis
Alemán's daughter, a two-year-old U.S. citizen, has already undergone two open-heart surgeries and will require another in the coming months. While his wife cares for their child, Alemán worked as an Uber driver, contributing to the household financially and maintaining a clean legal record.
On September 8, during a routine ICE appointment in Orlando, Alemán was informed he had less than a week to leave the U.S. The news was devastating for the family, leaving them in shock.
His wife expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support on social media and hoped the case would reach the attention of Congress members. Despite medical reports and an approved I-130 petition, ICE overlooked the family's humanitarian plight.
Legal and Social Repercussions
According to attorney Rosaly Chaviano, Alemán was under immigration supervision (form I-220B). However, current policies largely disregard humanitarian factors. The case has sparked outrage on social media, prompting family and friends to launch a Change.org petition, challenging what they view as an inhumane decision.
Time remains a critical factor: Deivy Alemán is scheduled to fly back to Cuba this Sunday, leaving behind his wife and ailing daughter. "My hope is that in Cuba, my wife's petition will be processed, allowing me to return soon," he said, heartbroken. Alemán had arrived in the U.S. seven years ago, seeking freedom and opportunities, only to face a reluctant departure.
Understanding the Challenges of Immigration Policies
What led Deivy Alemán to self-deport?
Faced with the choice between detention and a forced deportation or voluntary departure, Deivy Alemán chose to leave the U.S. voluntarily to avoid detention, despite the emotional cost of leaving his daughter behind.
Why is the family's reunification process still pending?
The reunification process is pending due to the current immigration policies that have not considered humanitarian factors, even though Alemán's family has an approved I-130 petition and his daughter requires urgent medical care.
What actions have been taken to support the family?
Family and supporters have launched a petition on Change.org to appeal the decision, and the case has gained attention on social media, urging lawmakers to consider the family's humanitarian needs.