Happy Father’s Day.
An undocumented worker with a one-way ticket to Mexico after 30 years in the U.S. got a three-week deportation reprieve Tuesday from immigration officials.
Martin Martinez, whose only legal transgressions were a couple of DWIs 20 years ago had his deportation order expedited last year amid the campaign rhetoric surrounding immigration reform.
In compliance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requirements, Martinez’ daughter bought him a one-way ticket to Mexico — dated for Father’s Day — as he awaited his fate
“Thanks to God we’re appreciative that they gave us another chance,” said a relieved Martin Martinez, 50, after a meeting at 26 Federal Plaza with immigration officials. “I had a plane ticket to leave the country June 18. But we’re happy I get to stay for now.”
He said ICE officials asked him to buy a new plane ticket for July 1st when he meets with them next Tuesday.
“As human beings we are exposed at making mistakes,” Martinez said. “But we also have the privilege to reflect on what we did wrong. So we can learn from those mistakes. When this happened, about 20 years ago, I complied with every fine, every punishment. I always went to court. I always tried to do the right thing, so that I wouldn’t owe a debt to society. I haven’t had any problems with the law for a very long time. I’m dedicated to my family, my children, my good children.”
Martinez, a grandfather and father whose two adult children are U.S. citizens, was working, paying taxes and checking in regularly with immigration officials when his deportation order was suddenly accelerated last year.
The Newburgh dad applied for asylum with his wife, Julia Ochoa, who is also undocumented, in 2004, but was denied. In 2013, they were arrested and detained, and in November, Martinez was told his time is up.
His daughter, Maria, 22, who launched a petition drive to raise awareness of her father’s plight, said she was relieved — for now.
“We are going to keep fighting until they say, `You have to go,'” Maria said. “We are hoping to hear that he can stay. For now we want to go celebrate. We’re hungry. We’ve been here all day.”
