HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The community rallied in Hartford Thursday morning in support of a Guatemalan man facing deportation next month.
Joel Colindres came to the U.S. illegally 13 years ago. He’s been married to his wife, Samantha, a U.S. citizen, for seven years. They have two young children.
“It’s been a nightmare,” said Samantha Colindres. “It doesn’t feel real at times. You have your ups and downs.”
She says her husband has been in contact with immigration officials and has done everything right. His most recent stay request was denied, despite his full time work as a carpenter and his having no criminal record. His family, including his mother and nephew Edwin, attended the rally.
“He’s an amazing guy,” Edwin Colindres said. “He always works hard every day for his kids and his wife.”
Joel Colindres found out last week that he had 28 days to leave the country.
“I was about to cry but I kept myself strong for my wife, but she had a hard time,” Joel Colindres said in an earlier interview. “She almost dropped herself on the ground and she started screaming, crying.”
But the community is standing behind the family and protesting his deportation. Even Nury Chavarria, who has been publicly fighting her own battle against deportation, came to the Hartford rally to show her support. Many of the people in attendance did not even know Joel Colindres, but his family and friends are grateful for their support.
“Joel is a stellar family man,” said Chris Yaroscak. a family friend. “He’s an incredible contributor of his community.”
“It’s hard and I think this is overwhelming because it’s the first time for me I’m putting it all together,” Samantha Colindres said. “It’s a lot to take in right now.”
Colindres is to be deported on August 17.
