Separated: Inside an American Tragedy

by Jacob Soboroff

“You thought the only options were be reunited and deported or you be deported and he stays here. So you thought that’s the better option.” It was clear to me that Juan understood some English, because again, he nodded along, and responded with “yes.” “But it turns out,” I said turning to Toczylowski, “you’re his lawyer. Those are not the only two options.” “Those are not his only two options and in fact once he was able to speak with a lawyer we evaluated his case and realized he has a viable claim for asylum, as does his son. And so we were able to make an official request that he get a credible fear interview, which is the first step that allows him to begin the asylum process. He had already been ordered removed by the government,” she said, using the legal term for deported.