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May 12, 2014
Local Mother Saved from Deportation through Activism
CASA de Virginia Member Catia Paz granted a stay of deportation after Weeks of Public Outcry
(Woodbridge, Virginia) — CASA de Virginia members celebrated the news that Catia Paz, a woman whose story of family separation had ignited indignation across the region, would be spared from a deportation later this month. This Friday, Ms. Paz’s attorney received word that ICE had reversed its decision to deport her and on Saturday, Catia was able to greet more than 100 joyous supporters at CASA’s office in Arlington where community members had gathered for legal consults and other services.
Catia’s case, featured on local and national press, underscores the deeply problematic nature of the Obama administration’s continuing work to deport hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Catia, now 29, arrived from El Salvador in 2002 at the age of 17. She was the last of a large extended family whose members all came to the U.S. fleeing a war that devastated their country. Immediately upon her arrival, Catia began seeking legal status in the US. She applied for political asylum and a Temporary Protective Status (TPS) but those applications were denied and Catia was ordered deported. Catia applied for a Stay of Deportation based on President Obama’s prosecutorial discretion policy. After two stays of her deportation for one year each were granted, her third application was denied on March 24 by ICE Field Office Director Yvonne Evans, stating: “I find no compelling reason to warrant a favorable exercise of my discretion at this time.”
Catia’s family and advocates argued, though, that is was “compelling” that during her twelve years here, Catia graduated from high school and bought a home with her husband German. They became activists in their church; all of the congregants signing a petition to support her. But, activists argued that the most “compelling” reasons for Catia to stay were Genesis Reyes, age five, and two year old Alison. Thanks to the reversal of ICE’s decision, these young daughters will continue to live with their mother for one more year.
“Catia Paz is a hero to many immigrants throughout our region that are daily devastated by deportation,” said Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA de Virginia. “Thanks to Catia, people have learned that fighting against injustice is worth the commitment.”
More work remains to be done. Ms. Paz is just one of the many immigrants that ICE is working to deport at every moment. But for the thousands that gathered on May 1st in front of the White House, her victory is very sweet.
“This weekend I celebrated the very best Mother’s Day possible thanks to so many people in the community that struggled for me and my family,” said Catia Paz. “My family is committed to continue to struggle for everyone else until this immigration crisis is resolved.”