Do not deport my husband

gamboas@ccc.com.net

January 15, 2009

Dear Friend,

I am writing this letter with a heavy heart. My husband Eduardo Gamboa-Chavez was arrested and being detained at this time in the Washoe County Jail until such time as he can see an immigration court in California.

Eduardo, who much rather likes to be called Eddie was brought over here at the age approximately at the age of 6. His father died when he was at the young age of 12. He has 5 siblings with one sister, Jennifer 14 yrs old, the only natural born citizen of the US. Eddie started living on the streets of L.A. at 14 years old. He was deported at the age of 16. He returned and served 3 years in prison as a minor. He lied about his age because he did not want to go to juvenile hall. Just as many young boy’s do, he wanted to prove he was a man. His patriotism to the United States has never changed. He loves this country, he was very frustrated when he could not join the Army.

His heart and life lay in the United States and even after all that has happened his belief and love for the US is unchanging. Mine however is faltering. I feel betrayed as a natural born citizen of this country. We have 4 natural born US citizens and by deporting him it will only tax the system more by having 5 US citizens requiring help from the Welfare Programs.

Why do we spend so much money on special programs to teach these illegal children and then at the end tell them “Sorry you have no future here.” He is being charged of a felony for a crime committed as a minor. If this is so, should we not charge every infant and child of committing a felony because they were not born here? The charge is that he could have gotten his green card years ago, but how could he when he had no sponsor, and is not allowed to work in the United States.

I am begging on behalf of our 4 children and myself to encourage the immigration judge to give my family a chance to stay together. My husband had turned his life around and is a wonder member of society. He has been saved at the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Fallon, NV. He became baptized, and does soul winning. He reads his bible daily and his only desire is that he can continue to lead and support his family in a Godly way. He wishes to work but cannot because it would be breaking the laws of our country.

What can we do to help my our children, Paul 14 yrs, Lilly 12 yrs, Rose7 yrs, and Elbert Rey 2 yrs. Is this fair? Who should be to blame for him being illegal in the United States? I know that if my children commit a crime under the age of 18 I am the one that has to face the guilt, charges or fines. Is it not my responsibility to raise them in the right way.

Just as my children follow me to where ever I move, so does a 6 year old immigrant follow his parents. Eddie has no hope for a future in Mexico, nor does he want one. He deserves a chance at a future with his family just as our children deserve to have is leadership and love so they may have a future too.

Statistics say children have many problems when raised by a single parent home. Eddie is a wonderful father, he gives them advice, loves them, and protects them better than any father I have known.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Darcee Gamboa