THE TAVERA FAMILY
“I haven’t seen my mother and other family since 2013. My mom was recently diagnosed with cancer. I really want to be with her to help her. ”
Nominating Organization: Immigrant Defense Project
Orlando Fernandez Taveras is a New Yorker, father, and husband who came to the United States as a green card holder when he was just 16 months old and grew up in Long Island. As a youth, Orlando struggled with addiction which led to an arrest and conviction that changed his life forever. He entered a treatment program and began a new chapter in his life - proposing to his partner, who is a U.S. citizen and welcoming his child in 2008 who is now 14 years old. For years, Orlando worked hard to maintain his sobriety, gain steady employment and find stability in his life with his wife and child. However, while planning for his wedding in 2009, ICE arrested him and he was ultimately deported in 2014 to the Dominican Republic. His wife and child relocated with him, committed for the last eight years to fighting to return home as a family. They remain there now. It was a very difficult decision to all go to the DR together and ultimately decided the family unity was the most important thing - they all moved together, including their cat and three dogs
In December of 2021, just a few days before Christmas, Governor Hochul granted Orlando a pardon for his conviction (see announcement here). As a result, Orlando’s immigration case was reopened, which restored his lawful permanent residence.
Separation from their family here in the U.S. has had a huge negative impact on the family. Orlando’s wife, Lisa, had to leave her support system - her father and stepmother, mother and stepfather, as well as her sister, two brothers and nephew. Both Orlando and Lisa were also very close to Orlando’s family here in the U.S. and desperately miss spending time together as a family and celebrating important events. Without the financial means, Lisa has been unable to visit her family often - only three times in the past nine years. Meanwhile, Orlando has not seen his mother and the rest of his family in the US since 2013 when he was briefly released on bond before going back into ICE custody. He was unable to spend time with his grandparents before they passed away and was not able to attend their funerals. Additionally, Orlando’s mother was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment and he desperately wants to be there with her to help. Lastly, the separation has created distress for their daughter who has not met her cousins and she has missed out on important family bonding and holidays.
Additionally, Orlando’s wife, Lisa, has significant medical issues that have worsened the situation. She had shoulder surgery which was not done correctly and now requires an additional surgery, in addition to issues with her liver and colon. Just this week, Lisa was told by doctors that she has a blood clot and needs to see specialists to investigate what she needs to do.
Orlando, his wife and daughter are eager to return home, for Lisa to obtain the medical attention she needs and for both of them to be reunited with their family and support system in the United States. However, in order to obtain a travel document proving the restoration of his status, Orlando must file an application with a filing fee of $575. Once this is raised, they will be able to file an application with their attorney, hopefully obtain the necessary documents quickly, and return home once and for all on three one way flights.
Orlando and Lisa do not wish on anyone what has happened to their family and appreciate any support that can be provided.
Estimated Total Travel Cost: $2,000