Pastor Faces Deportation to Haiti Amid Advocacy Efforts

A pastor named Molis Augustave is at risk of deportation to Haiti following the denial of his application for lawful permanent residence. Immigration officials arrested him during a vehicle stop in Pennsylvania earlier this month. While he awaits potential deportation, Augustave remains apart from his wife, Omara Nunez, and their two young children.

“I am still in immigration detention,” Augustave stated through We Are CASA, an immigrant advocacy group. “I want to go home to my wife and children in Pennsylvania.” Initially scheduled for deportation on September 17, he was removed from the flight at the last minute. However, with ongoing detention, concerns over imminent deportation persist.

Augustave, who had Temporary Protected Status before the program’s termination for around 350,000 Haitian nationals in July, was previously a respected community member. American Families United, another advocacy group, expressed concern over his deportation, stating it provides no benefit to the U.S., depriving his family and community.

In detention, Augustave reports providing pastoral support to other detainees. He said, “There are more than 100 people where I am. Some men are scared, cry, and remain unsure of their fate.” Advocacy efforts stalled his deportation temporarily. “People power stopped Molis’ deportation,” said Ama Frimpong of We Are CASA. Still, Frimpong criticized the Department of Homeland Security for its tactics, alleging reprisals leading to denied fair processes.

Efforts to reopen Augustave’s removal proceedings continue, with motions pending before federal officials. Jossie Flor Sapunar of We Are CASA noted aggressive efforts to expedite Augustave’s deportation while keeping him detained far from his family.

A DHS statement revealed his arrest resulted from a local police partnership during a vehicle stop. Originally detained by U.S. Border Patrol in July 2016 near San Ysidro, California, he was later released. Despite an immigration judge’s 2018 removal order, advocates question the denial’s basis.

DHS offers $3,000 incentives for voluntary self-deportation while maintaining enforcement collaborations. A spokesperson emphasized inevitabilities for illegal residents refusing this option.

Proponents at American Families United highlight systemic barriers against immigrant family members of U.S. citizens. “This situation isn’t isolated,” officials said, criticizing an immigration system adversely affecting community contributors.

Omara Nunez, a U.S. citizen, grapples with the separation’s impact on family stability. “Every day I wonder what the future holds,” she shared with Newsweek, considering contingencies amid her husband’s prolonged detention.