Loyola Chicago Medical Student’s Father Faces Imminent Deportation
BY ISN STAFF | March 21, 2018
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the scheduled deportation of Felix Garcia which is April 4, 2018.
This evening, the campus of Loyola University Chicago will buzz with excitement as the school’s basketball team takes on the University of Nevada in the 2018 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. However, one student will not share in her classmates’ enthusiasm, with the athletic success of her school overshadowed by the fact that her father is sitting in a federal detention center awaiting deportation, which has been scheduled for April 4, 2018.
Belsy Garcia Manrique, a DACA recipient, is an aspiring physician studying at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. Upon graduation, her hope is to return to her hometown in Georgia where she can put her medical skills to use with underserved populations.
Belsy Garcia Manrique, a student at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine, with her sisters and father, Felix Garcia, who is facing deportation. [Photo courtesy of Belsy Garcia Manrique]
Garcia was permitted to stay in the U.S. with his family with the agreement that he would annually both check in with ICE and file a Stay of Deportation, which until this year was approved. During a recent routine check-in, Garcia was detained and his Stay of Deportation was denied, despite having no criminal record. He is currently awaiting deportation in Stewart Detention Center in rural Georgia. His deportation, scheduled for April 4, 2018, will separate him both from Belsy and his two other daughters, all living in the U.S.
“My father is not a criminal. He is a hard-working man who aspired to provide for his family, contribute back to his community, and help see his three daughters graduate from college,” shared Belsy Garcia Manrique. “My education and my future in this country will be disrupted if my father is deported in the upcoming weeks. Our story is an example of immigrants being assets to the United States, if given a chance, and contributing to a greater societal good. That is why I implore the federal government to release my father from detention, stop his deportation, and allow my family to continue to pursue the American Dream.”
“At the core of our Catholic faith is the value of family unity,” says Christopher Kerr, executive director of the Ignatian Solidarity Network. “Belsy and her sisters need their father Felix. Our country too is built on the idea that families are the core of society. Our lawmakers and the president need to find long-term solutions to our immigration system that are humane and comprehensive. In the meantime, taking fathers away from their children does not help anyone — we need to stand with Belsy, her sisters, and Felix, and with all family members facing deportation.”
Click HERE Stand in solidarity with Belsy and Felix by signing on to a letter to the director of the Atlanta regional office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
It is sickening to see all of these sob stories of those who disregarded our laws and now expect special treatment. Tell that to those who spent the time and the money to come here legally. Deport the whole illegal family and confiscate their assets
The only sickening story is that of racist and prejudiced people like yourself who has no sympathy for the suffering of others. It’s the luck of the draw. You are no better just because you “came here legally” and have a piece of paper that makes you think you’re more worthy. Try putting yourself in their shoes before you spew your hatred.
He stupid! It isn’t about being prejudice or racist! It is about BEING CRIMINALS in the United States!!!! Has NOTHING to do with being better than anyone else either, or hatred! Millions have come to the US legally!!!! YOU are the sick one! Especially when putting dreamers ahead of veterans and people who are actual citizens of the United States! Not just born here! But legally obtained entry and citizenship! Get a clue! Get a life! He and people like have had over 20 yrs to get their citizenship. THEY chose not too, so STFU!
The sad pay is that people like Linda ate so blind that only a miracle can make them see. There is no understanding due to their ignorance of the unrest on the countries like the ones in Central America. And the lack of empty and charity – two products of love- in people who think they are God living and God fearing. Go figure.
Well with that line of reasoning, aren’t the real criminals the Americans that hire them?
The only sickening thing is hate. Hold your tongue and may God forgive you.
Linda do you know what a refugee is ????not every one has the ability because of lack of resources or ability to get tru the red tape when they come for help……some day the Lord will ask us (whatsoever you did for the least of my brethren you did unto me)(If today you hear His voice harden not your heart)……
They are all Guatamelicans. Should be in Guatemala. Build the wall. Deport them all.
Making Guatemala great again.
Then why in the hell did not take advantage of the multiple opportunities from Reagan, Clinton, Bush, and Obama, to obtain his freakin citizen ship? Go cry to someone who actually cares!
That is a very ignorant comment.
Some day when you leave this life I hope you don’t get your words thrown back at you.
You are in my prayer.
I contacted United We Dream about this, and they said …
“Please tell the family to call our Migrwatch hotline
1 (844) 363-1423. The hotline will help you get in contact with people on the ground or help you get something started!”
Thanks for your comment Bill. The family ha been working with a number of immigrant advocate groups.
God bless the Garcia family.