Soto Renews Effort to Help Military Families Facing Deportation, Reunite Juarez Family

Press Release

Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) announced the introduction of the Protect Patriot Spouses Act, H.R. 163, in support of the Juarez family and military spouses facing deportation, as well as a private bill, H.R. 495, for the relief of Alejandra Juarez.

In August 2018, Alejandra Juarez, a Polk County resident of over 20 years, was deported from the United States to Mexico. Alejandra's husband, Sgt. Temo Juarez, is an Iraq combat veteran who served in the Marines and the Infantry Regiment of the Army National Guard. Together, they raised their two U.S.-born daughters Pamela, 19, and Estela, 11, in Davenport, Florida.

"I remember joining the Juarez family at the airport on the day of the deportation and witnessing the devastating impact of President Trump's harsh immigration policies," said Congressman Soto. "Since that day, I made a promise to the Juarez family to never give up fighting to reunite them. Now, with a Democratic House, Senate and White House, we are optimistic this legislation will move forward, giving Alejandra hope to soon reunite with her family in her home, the United States. "

"I'm deeply grateful for the support of Congressman Soto for fighting to reunite our family," said Alejandra Juarez. "My husband served his country in the Marines and the Army, believing that his family would be protected by his sacrifice. There are many other veterans whose families, like ours, have been cruelly split apart. I pray this needless suffering can be stopped."

The Protect Patriot Spouses Act includes new language to allow eligible veteran spouses who have been removed or left the United States to apply for an immigrant visa and return home.

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