Pastor Faces Deportation Amid Immigration Battle

A pastor named Molis Augustave is being deported to Haiti after his application for lawful permanent residence was denied. He was apprehended in Pennsylvania and is currently separated from his wife, Omara Nunez, and their two children. Deportation could occur soon, causing significant distress to his family and community.

Augustave, who was slated for deportation on September 17, was removed from the flight at the last moment. He previously had Temporary Protected Status, but this was terminated, leaving him in legal trouble. Advocates highlight his community service as a reason he should remain in the U.S.

He has built his life around service to others, said American Families United.

While in detention, Augustave continues to support fellow detainees. He speaks of meeting people who fear the future, including one man expressing a desire to die. Advocates managed to delay his deportation temporarily, but new challenges arose, suggesting a push for mass deportation policies.

Ama Frimpong of We Are CASA criticized United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for denying Augustave’s application. Efforts are ongoing to reopen removal proceedings, involving a habeas petition in federal court.

According to Jossie Flor Sapunar from We Are CASA, immigration officials expedited Augustave’s deportation while detaining him far from his family. They question the basis of the denial.

In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labeled Augustave as an illegal alien and noted his arrest following a vehicle stop in Pennsylvania. They detailed his past illegal entry and subsequent detention by U.S. Border Patrol in 2016. DHS encourages self-deportation options via incentives but warns that law violations will result in deportation.

DHS emphasized cooperation with local law enforcement, citing successes in states like Florida and West Virginia. Proponents assert that such cases punish those who strengthen communities, leaving family members to face dire situations.

Omara Nunez, a U.S. citizen, is struggling with the uncertainty of her husband’s situation. She is concerned about the future and maintaining stability for her children.