CHESHIRE, Conn. (WTNH) — A vigil was held in Cheshire Sunday night for a mother for three who is fighting to stay in the United States.
Denada Rondos is set to be deported to Albania on Monday.
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Rondos came to the U.S. when she was a teenager. Her attorney says she came with a visa because it wasn’t safe in Albania. Though the name on the visa wasn’t hers, she’s been trying to follow the proper procedures to stay here.
The Cheshire community stood with Rondos at the vigil. Hundreds of people formed a circle around her, singing and holding candles.
“I still have hope,” Rondos said. “Until tomorrow I still have hope, but this will always be my home.”
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Rondos and her husband, Viron, say they’re grateful for the community’s support. Their three young children were born in the United States. Viron Rondos is also a U.S. citizen.
“As the days go we’re collapsing,” said Viron Rondos. “It’s really hard for us. We don’t sleep. We can’t eat at all.”
Leaders of several local churches led the group in prayer. Some people held signs protesting deportation. The family has also had the support of other leaders, including Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty.
“Her family was afraid for her safety and sent her here,” Esty said. “As a parent I think, what would it take to send your child away to another country?”
Denada Rondos has been fighting to stay in the U.S. since 2007 when she was first ordered to return to Albania.
The community is hoping the Rondos family will be able to stay together. The family is hoping for a miracle.
“We’re hoping at the last minute somebody’s going to think about our children and their future,” said
Viron Rondos.
“My hope is for someone to stand for me and give me a chance, for someone to have sympathy for my family,” said Denada Rondos.
Denada and Viron Rondos own a restaurant in Cheshire.
Volunteers handed out flyers at the vigil, urging the community to take a stand against Denada’s deportation.
Other Connecticut politicians have supported Rondos in her fight to remain in the U.S., including Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy.
