Migrant's story involves threats from local gangs

Eddie Canales took a call late last week regarding a 19-year-old migrant who crossed the border at Reynosa and was picked up shortly thereafter in McAllen. The good news was that he was alive. With some phone calls, Eddie was able to determine that the young man was being held in detention somewhere in Georgia.

The good news was that he was still on U.S. soil. Eddie called an immigration judge who was able to recommend a lawyer in Georgia for him. The lawyer was not able to take the case. The good news was that Eddie was able to find a lawyer in Georgia for him by the end of the day.

So many migrants are apprehended at the border and deported?no story heard, no questions asked?despite Constitutional law stating that each person has the right to due process no matter their status.

This migrant, named Nelson, had a story to tell, and he was somehow convincing. He somehow knew the right words to say as an asylum seeker. Someone actually listened to enough of his story, and believed him enough, not to send him straight back over the border to El Salvador.

I happen to be reading "Rescuing Regina: The Battle to Save a Friend from Deportation and Death" by Josephe Marie Flynn, SSND. In the story the following words regarding asylum seekers appear:

• The asylum seeker?s story is pivotal (82).
• Asylum seekers are on their own in our system (85).
• He spent seven grueling hours on the stand at his asylum hearing (101).
• You have to prove 100% that this particular person will be harmed if sent back now (175).

Nelson?s story involves threats from local gangs. Nelson?s older brother had crossed the border last year because of gang threats. His brother, however, once apprehended was put on the fast track for deportation though he sought asylum. He never got to tell his story. The gang killed him when he stepped back home.

Nelson needs a lawyer, an immigration lawyer, to follow the lengthy and convoluted process of seeking asylum in order to save his life.

Unfortunately, it is likely that Nelson will remain in detention or in a prison facility throughout the process, which may take two years to complete. There must be another way.