The fate of three young boys will soon be determined by a family court proceeding in North Carolina. The children's father was recently deported to Mexico, after living illegally in the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina for seven years.
The father's American-born wife, who has a history of drug abuse, petty crime and mental health issues, was found to be an unfit parent. The boys are currently living with foster parents who are hoping to adopt the three of them. The North Carolina social services department is in favor of this option.
The boys' father, however, is not giving up. He misses his sons who are ages four and two; and he longs to meet his third son who was born shortly after the deportation. "I don't want my kids to be with somebody else's family," he explained, "They're my babies."
North Carolina social workers are concerned about the living conditions the children would face in Mexico. Their father now lives in a home without running water with five other family members. Social workers also point out that the father has neglected to attempt to secure a temporary U.S. visa to see his children.
Although this type of child custody case is relatively rare in North Carolina, such cases are more common in states like California. Foreign-born parents have frequently been favored in decisions by California authorities. Generally, they want a parent to show they have an income to support the children and a stable home. Housing in foreign countries is not held to U.S. standards.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Deported to Mexico, a father hopes for custody," Richard Fausset, Mar. 31, 2012.
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