Help Us Keep Our Dad, Rene, Home With His Family

Hello everyone,

This is our dad, Rene. He has lived in the United States for over 45 years and is a proud father and loving husband. Through all the hardships our family has faced, keeping our small family together has always been the most important thing to him — and to us.

Yesterday, our lives were turned upside down when Dad was taken into immigration custody during his routine annual visit to their facilities. He’s currently being held in Miramar, with no certainty about what comes next — possibly a transfer to what’s known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

He now faces a long and difficult legal process that could end in our family being separated and him being sent away from the only home he’s known since he was nine years old.

We want to fight for him to stay in the U.S. legally, but the costs of immigration lawyers and court fees are overwhelming. The most highly recommended lawyer for his complex case requires a $25,000 retainer fee just to get started.

At the same time, we are trying to prepare for the worst — the possibility of deportation.

Our dad is a wonderful man — quiet, humble, and absolutely hilarious once you get to know him. He’s a hard worker with a heart of gold. He loves his family more than anything and gives selflessly to others every single day. The local homeless community depends on him for food, books, financial help, and sometimes even shelter.

He has always been there for others — now it’s our turn to be there for him.

We are raising funds to help cover:

• Immigration lawyer fees

• Court and filing costs

• Travel expenses related to his case

• Work loss

Any amount — big or small — will make a huge difference for our family during this incredibly difficult time. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this page will help us reach more people who may be able to help.

Our dad has always given from his heart without ever asking for anything in return. We now pray that all the love, kindness, and good he’s put into the world will come back to him tenfold.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and helping us keep our family together.

With love and gratitude,

Kassy, Chris and Elieth