Selene Saavedra Roman is a flight attendant for Mesa Airlines, operating for United Express when she was assigned a trip to Mexico on February 12. It was a straight turn-around, she never even got off the plane. But when she returned to the U.S. she was detained at the border and has been in prison now for a month and a half.
The 28 year old woman came to the United States with her parents when she was 3 years old. She is a graduate of Texas A&M, held a valid immigration status and is married to a U.S. citizen. She was in the process of obtaining citizenship. However when she returned on her Peruvian passport she was stopped.
Selene Saavedra Roman is a DREAMer with approved status, no criminal history, and simply doing her job as a certified U.S. Flight Attendant. But she was detained by ICE and has been held for over a month with no end in sight. #FreeSelene
Sign the petition: https://t.co/SDwVnbBAnv pic.twitter.com/D4oqiOmaFF— Sara Nelson (@FlyingWithSara) March 22, 2019
Saavedra Roman’s parents were undocumented, and she’s been in the U.S. in valid DACA status. The federal government wants to deport her to Peru, where she has no ties whatsoever. She hasn’t been to that country – indeed, hadn’t left the United States – in 25 years.
No matter what you think of immigration, this flight attendant isn’t the problem. She was living in the U.S. in valid status and had legal employment authorization. Departing the US and returning would have required Advance Parole, and traveling without that was technically a violation.
She had been assured by her supervisor at Mesa Airlines that her work travel to Mexico in DACA status would be fine. She was still on probation as a new hire at Mesa, and didn’t want to jeopardize her job by refusing the assignment.
I had issues with Marriott content at The Points Guy yesterday, but for those of you trashing that site in the comments consider that they covered this story before I did and they’re cited in the online petition to free Saavedra Roman. They have a platform, and it can be used for good.
“She spent Valentine’s Day in prison, I know that,” [her husband] said in a telephone interview. “They’re only allowed outside once a week, like in a concrete courtyard where I guess they can look at the sky, and maybe they have grass. She wakes up at 6 for chow, and it’s lights out at 10:30pm, and it’s all about the other prisoners trying not to tear each other apart. I can visit her for an hour once a week, but I can’t bring her books or photos, and it’s through two inches of glass. I mean, yeah, it’s a prison.”
Reportedly neither Mesa (nor United) have offered any assistance. Oscar Munoz can do better. She has a hearing April 4.
Here by the way are George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan debating what to do with children of undocumented immigrants growing up in the United States.
Technically, this woman is in violation of our immigration law. Her situation is unfortunate, as are that of many. Yet, situations such as this represent a very small minority of cases where people are detained when trying to enter our country illegally.
Our immigration system is broken and needs comprehensive restoration. Yet, the concept of open borders is absurd as is the idea of a sanctuary city or state. Government officials have created this mess by passing laws that identify who is here legally, who is here illegally, and how to go about obtaining legal status. Politicians and law enforcement personnel should not be allowed to just ignore the law based upon their personal biases. Instead change/fix the law and enforce it.
And….. cue the backlash from the MAGA morons with their far right, racist, low IQ, selfish, entitled, redneck, bigoted ideology. Good luck Gary.
Come to ma purdy country, y’all gotta do it right now. Just like ma parents.. the indigenous people of the good ol US of A did nah. Oh wait… er…USA USA USA.
Just signed the petition. Thanks for putting a link up.
TLDR: Illegal alien was imprisoned, as she should have been. Deport her, move on.
OK Ron, I’ll bite. While you are technically correct that this woman was in violation of our laws when she was brought here, she is now among those protected by the DACA program. We also both recognize the hole in our immigration law that led to her situation.
Thanks for posting this.
To be fair, she violated the law. It was not a “technical” violation — the requirements for DACA recipients to leave the country and return are clear. It was her obligation to know the law and the consequences of violating the law. It was not United’s obligation or Mesa’s obligation or anyone else’s obligation.
The consequences of her violating the law are harsh. They are likely too harsh. Perhaps the law should be changed. But under the governing law, she is being treated the same as anyone else with her status who leaves the US without advance parole.
“Saavedra Roman’s parents were undocumented”??
Let me fix it for you… “Saavedra Roman’s parents were illegals”.
Rules are rules.
She was in the USA with an illegal status and was in a program that had rules that are not hard to understand. The final responsibility to understand the rules was on her.
Hopefully there will be a reasonable resolution.
This reminds me of cases where the program requires a crime free background and the whining begins…, it was just a small gun, he was a really good kid….
United won’t help. She’s fired.
In a civilised society, the punishment should fit the crime. Yes, she was in the USA under a particular status. All she did wrong, however, was to travel to another country – a close ally – and return. That is not a crime but a misdemeanor – it may be something she is not allowed to do but is much more akin to parking illegally than to stealing or hurting someone.
There is absolutely no justification for imprisoning someone who has committed such a trivial offence. In fact, it’s an outrageous abuse of power to do so. I fully understand that rules are rules and that they need to be followed. But, at the same time, justice is justice and it needs to be seen as fair and proportionate. This case is neither. The law needs urgently to be changed but, far more urgently, this lady needs rescuing.
And @Jose, whether her parents were in the USA illegally is completely irrelevant. A child cannot be held responsible for the crimes of its parents.
Terrible situation but I have friends who haven’t traveled internationally for two years now as they work on getting her US citizenship via marriage to a US citizen. Her family lives abroad and they come to visit her. They do this because if she leaves the country it could jeapordize the process. Hence she follows the rules and hasn’t left.
@”Jose”, it’s undocumented… but regardless, I wonder how you and your ancestors came to this country… typical hispanic who can’t stand his own..
@NB
The issue of parents may be as you state, however she should not be rewarded with citizenship. It sounds as if you are advocating free citizenship in the USA to anyone if their parents were in the USA illegally.
Sorry but a simple internet search tells DACA people about the risks of leaving the country. Not sure why the laws shouldn’t apply to her.
This is an unfortunate situation, but it’s akin to someone attempting to travel without a valid visa when one is required. If she does not have the proper paperwork to return to the US, she should not have put herself in the situation. Perhaps she is in the process of applying for an advance parole, and perhaps it has not been approved before she traveled. She should know better, as it is clearly stated on the USCIS FAQ:
CAUTION: If you travel outside the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without first receiving advance parole, your departure automatically terminates your deferred action under DACA.
Wow, many of your readers are pretty harsh and heartless!
Gary you get s lot of crap from all sides, but you warm my heart so much today! You get it! Thank you kindly my friend for posting and sharing this story! Complete BS!
Being an immigrant myself, I feel bad for this lady. And I get it that she should have done her own research. But why does ICE has to keep her in prison for months? Why can’t she get a hearing right away? It costs taxpayers a lot of money to keep her in jail, it leaves a deep emotional scar on a person who appears to be a good member of society, etc.
To be clear, I am for tough immigration laws. At the same time, I feel bad for children who arrive here at a young age. For them, this is the only country they know. What we need is an immigration reform that would clearly communicate that USA will not tolarate illegal immigration. We also need to simplify the process for those who are seeking a legal status by reducing wait times, simplifying procedures, etc. To be clear, I am not saying that we should make it easier to come here legally. I am only saying that bureaucracy should be simplified for those who are eligible to live here.
Why would she expect that passengers follow the rules and obey FA orders if she is unable herself to follow clear guidelines for DACA people?
I LOVE all the comments that talk about deporting her, “rules are rules”, etc.
These are the SAME a*holes that refuse to put their seat upright for landing, stow their bag under their seat, put their phone in airplane mode, try to sneak into an open seat in first class….I’ve got a million more…
Rules are rules until they don’t want to comply! Give me a f*ing break. When you start following rules, I’ll listen to your “alleged” arguement, until then, grow up!
College degree. Gainfully employed. Married to a US Citizen. Didn’t have anything to do with her parents’ decision to come to the United States. Doesn’t sound like the sort of person we want here. Let’s deport her to a country she hasn’t lived in since she was three. Makes sense to me.
Thanks for bringing these gestapo-like tactics to our attention.
To all the folks commenting that “the law is the law” so let’s deport her – have you no empathy whatsoever for this woman? Do you really think her current situation is appropriate to the circumstances? Would you feel the same way of it was your brother or your son married to this woman?
Thanks so much for posting this, Gary. I’ve signed the petition. As for some of the comments here: How sad that so many in our nation of immigrants are so hard-hearted against an immigrant who knows only America as her country and whose status here is not at all her fault. I thought we were better than that. As the great clip of Reagan and Bush reminds us, we used to be.
@Several well meaning people who support breaking the immigration law and @anti-American Pukes like Andy. This is on the Democrats and the Rinos in Congress who have been refusing to fix the immigration system for 40 years. Steps: (1) Shut down illegal immigration and immigration abuses. (2) Rationalize the immigration system. (3) Work toward a path for legal status for the people who are here. Trump has signaled that he is willing to do all three. Since the Democrats and Rinos (read Ryan and McConnell, the shrubs {aka the Bush Presidents}, and the usual suspects) will not do (1), there are a bunch of people are that are being worked by (2) and (3). Selene Saavedra Roman is one of the people being worked. Irresponsibility of the political leaders has its costs.
Rahm Emanuel said “You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it’s an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.” The problem with support of the Saavedra Roman and the petition are that they are both political in nature. There worldwide open borders crowd (see UN and Angela Merkel, Rinos, increasingly globalist anti-American anti-Semitic Democratic party) are using this the young attractive Saavedra Roman woman as a lever to pry apart USA immigration laws.
Gary, you have a child. You should think long and hard what kind of USA your child will grow up in if all the whole world has squatters’ rights on living in the USA. There are 320+ million people in the USA. I am guessing there are billions of people that are perfectly deserving of coming to the USA. In the near term, over 3 million have fled socialism in Venezuela, do you think, say 50% of them should come here and never leave. It is a difficult issues. But repeat the Venezuelan problem every time there are problems other countries worldwide. How is your compassion going to prevent 100s of millions of people from coming to the USA?
While I am sympathetic, a violation is a violation. There are rules of law and everyone should pay attention. I am surprised she did not learn about her situation when in a job that requires travel. I went through the process of becoming a permanent resident myself and I had to apply for advance parole, like following the rule when I had to travel to Japan on business at a similar age. If an exception is made for her, where does it end? The proper procedure now is for Selene to leave and reapply back to the United States. With proper documentation, she would be readmitted.
JJ -WELL SAID
This is what happens when you have unsound policies and lax enforcement from way back. Situations fester until someone decides to endorse the law. Then they have no choice. Either enforce the law or change the law. I feel bad for this lady and it is heartlesss. She is a victim of many years of stupid policy and no enforcement. This is why I hate politics.
A criminal in prison! Quick, bring my fainting couch!
I wish people would stop using the word “technically” when it comes to law. There is either a violation or not.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen people saying the 4th Amendment requirements were a technicality that permitted a criminal to walk free.
I’m not expressing an opinion on this case.
If you are looking for justice or fairness that’s not what courts do. That big statute of Lady Justice blindfolded and holding scales outside your local courthouse is just trying to foo you. She’s peeking through the blindfold if you look closely
Information about DACA participants having issues if they leave the country is WIDELY available on the internet. Clearly she can’t be bothered to read the rules and I am not sure why there needs to be some sort of outcry over this. This information was not hidden and can be found within ten seconds of searching on the internet. Or should we make exceptions for everybody who can’t follow basic rules now?
@Bill
Gotcha. So, next time someone gets a parking ticket, we throw them into a super-max prison.
Seriously, anyone who thinks the current punishment is fitting of the violation in this situation is messed in the head. At worst, she should have been placed under house arrest and monitored there, while waiting for a proper hearing. Yes, there was a violation. But it was the most innocuous violation she could have committed. She’s been locked up like she killed someone.
Piggybacking on Bill’s point, I think it is a scofflaw situation or she turns out to be an open borders activist.
Why is she here to begin with all those years if she’s not a US citizen?
And the Trumptards sharpen their claws and slice open another American to devour while watching Faux News. Clearly, none of you has ever read the Holy Bible. Your Jesus weeps for your sins. You are each a foul, evil disgrace to your religion of love and peace.
Sorry to see so many harsh and/or ignorant comments on Gary’s blog. I signed the petition.
How many people are ignorant in regards to selective prosecution?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_prosecution
Either we open up to everyone in this situation (effectively killing this immigration rule) or follow the law and deport Selene, who would then apply to be readmitted to the United States. I understand why some of us would consider it appropriate to (1) move her to lesser confinement; (2) give her proper consultation so she can reduce her anxiety and complication when returning (she may even have the paper work being prepared at the moment); (3) rescind the rule altogether so every DACA person is citizenship eligible. To prosecute or non-prosecute selectively while the immigration rule is explicitly in place is not making a good case for rule of law in the United States. [If we make an exception, why do we stop at this law and why not every other law in the US?]
What happens if one of us as Americans breaks an immigration law in another country?
Fix the immigration laws through the do nothing Congress. Laws are there to be enforced as unpopular as they may be. One more reason for us to demand term limits so we can get these career politicians out and get some actual real world legislation passed.
Also, why had she not taken the steps to become a naturalized citizen after being in the US for so long?
Brian the Demon is doing the Devil’s work. I think I will look up how demons are spawned now.
Actually, I think Brian is more likely Demon Spawn. Like a demon living together with a man or woman and loving it then having a baby, Brian. Brian, a personal question, did your mother or father feel hot to the touch or have bat wings. No I am serious. I think an exorcism could rid yourself of your demon blood.
It is so sad to see so much hatred directed at a decent hard working young girl who is most likely terrified. If the tables were turned I am sure those sponsoring hate and rigid ideology would be signing a different tune and screaming for compassion.
Really disappointing to see so much pent-up hatred in the comments.
Actually, it is United’s responsibility as well to know the laws. If you know you have employees who opted not to fly to certain places why still make them go? They’re trying to be all progressive with the whole mx thing but it’s still a shitty airline.
She violated the law, but I guess she thought being a flight attendant meant she would just do her job and go home? Especially after her job insisted and said it was fine. Have they fired her? It wouldn’t surprise me. Took away her paddles and left her up shit creek. But the racists don’t see that part of the story.
I was wrong about scofflaw above. Apparently, Mesa told her that she could go, based on her DACA status. It is Mesa’s bad.
She has been released until her hearing on April 4th. In my opinion, she will not be deported.
I would never trust my company or boss on my own immigration status. If what they say does not pan out, they just say oops, sorry and all the consequences would be on me. When I had to apply for my own reentry visa to the US, I researched the exact procedures and asked my boss to write a company letter confirming the business nature of my travel, and that’s what I showed the visa officer as part of my application that I duly completed.
@Eric. I agree with you. Selene Roman should take responsibility for her own actions. Trusting an email is stupid. That being said, I do not think it was “scofflaw.”
Well, they sure don’t get very bright graduates at Texas A&M, Don’t they?
A recent Yale study estimated 22MM illegals, not 11MM as is often cited. I think if we do not get control over our border, the USA is headed for one party democratic rule, like in California. Our politics will end up socialist, like Mexico. Soon to be followed by bankruptcy like Venezuela. Look at the platforms of the Democrats running for President. If they do what they say, the destruction will be quick.
In other words, all of you condescending moral preeners, you will destroy the country if you have your way. But of course, since you have shined your halos with virtue signalling, you won’t be to blame, when the country is brought down to size. It is never the fault of the drama queen when everyone else’s lives are destroyed. She had good intentions. She always innocent as a new born baby and lily white as snow. But when you see the drama queen walk in the door….Run like it is the plague, because she is expert at involving everyone.
LOL. Brian the Demonspawn is likely behind this.
Look at all the nasty comments from people who push the limits or break the rules while travel hacking, I hope you end up in jail next time you get a speeding ticket…And for those who don’t know its actually quite difficult for DACA kids to get a green card.
Lying on your SF-86 security clearance is “technically” a felony. Jared Kushner filed incorrect SF-86s on multiple occasions.