For 35 years, Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez lived in the United States. They had three daughters, worked hard, and helped their community in Southern California. But in February 2025, the government sent them back to Colombia. Their children, who were born in the U.S., were heartbroken. Their story has started a big discussion about U.S. immigration laws.
A Family Separated
Gladys and Nelson came to the U.S. in 1989. They wanted to escape the drug violence in Bogotá, Colombia. Like many immigrants, they worked hard, paid taxes, and helped others. They led Bible study at church and gave food to people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They tried to become legal residents, but it was very difficult. They also got bad legal advice. In 2000, a court told them to leave, but they stayed because they thought they had options. Over the years, they spent a lot of money on lawyers but never found a way to stay legally.
A Sudden Deportation
For more than 20 years, they followed immigration rules. Every year, they checked in with the authorities. But on February 21, 2025, they went for their check-in and were arrested. They were handcuffed and kept in detention for three weeks. Then, they were sent back to Colombia. Their daughters did not get to say goodbye. They only picked up their parents’ car from the parking lot, which was a painful moment.
Their lawyer, Monica Crooms, said they knew they might have to leave but did not expect to be arrested like this. “This is happening in many places,” she said. She explained that new government rules have increased deportations of people who have lived in the U.S. for a long time.
The Tough U.S. Immigration System
U.S. immigration laws are very strict. A law from 1996 says that people who stay without permission cannot come back for 10 years.
Many people say the system is unfair, especially for families like the Gonzalezes. “My parents loved this country. They tried everything to be legal, but the system failed them,” said their daughter Stephanie. “They should have at least been allowed to leave in a dignified way.”
Trying to Bring Them Back
The Gonzalez daughters are fighting to bring their parents back. They started a GoFundMe campaign and raised over $65,000. This money helps their parents in Colombia and pays for legal fees.
Many people are now paying attention to their story. Immigration groups are asking lawmakers to change the rules. “These laws were made to stop illegal immigration, but they hurt families instead,” said Crooms.
The Future of Immigration
The Gonzalez case shows how immigration laws affect real people. Some leaders in Washington are talking about changing the system. Many want to make a way for people like Gladys and Nelson to stay legally.
For now, the family is apart. Their lives have changed because of strict immigration laws. But their daughters are still fighting. They hope one day their parents can return to the country they called home for nearly 40 years.
Also Read: Rachael Ray’s Bizarre Behavior Sparks Concern – Fans Fear She’s ‘Strung Out’
How You Can Help
- Learn More: Keep up with immigration news and how it affects families.
- Take Action: Support changes in the law for fairer immigration policies.
- Share Their Story: Spreading awareness can help prevent similar situations.
- Donate: Help the Gonzalez family through their GoFundMe to support their legal fight.
The Gonzalez family’s story is not unique. Many families go through the same pain. This case shows why U.S. immigration laws need to change.