German homeschool family facing deportation by Biden administration receives positive update: Report
A Christian Family’s Fight to Stay in the United States
A remarkable Christian family of nine, who fled persecution in Germany and sought refuge in the United States in 2008, is now facing deportation pressure from the Biden administration. However, there is a glimmer of hope as they have recently been granted a one-year stay of removal.
The Romeike family, currently residing in Tennessee, made the difficult decision to leave Germany after being fined for choosing to homeschool their children. In a shocking turn of events, they were notified in September that they should prepare to self-deport and return to Germany within four weeks, carrying their German passports. The family’s concerns about persecution in Germany, where homeschooling is rarely allowed and only for medical reasons, are very real.
Fortunately, a source revealed that the family has been granted a one-year reprieve from deportation. This decision comes after a public outcry over their case, with GOP lawmakers petitioning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to halt the deportation.
“We are asking you and your office to give this family a chance to continue building their lives in Tennessee,” a letter from numerous Tennessee lawmakers pleaded with ICE Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner. “It is our understanding that a court has ruled they are allowed to stay indefinitely, as long as they fulfill their obligation of checking in as ordered by ICE. To our knowledge, they have been faithful in doing so.”
In an interview with The Daily Wire, Uwe Romeike, the patriarch of the family, expressed his surprise when an immigration agent informed them about the potential deportation. Despite the uncertainty, he remains steadfast in his faith, saying, “We still trust God to make a way for us to stay here. I know it’s kind of impossible, but that’s where we know God can still do the impossible.”
The Romeike family’s struggle began when they decided to homeschool their five children in Germany, resulting in hefty fines and threats of removing their children from their care. After moving to the United States, they were granted permission to live in the country by an immigration judge. However, the Obama administration’s Department of Justice contested the decision, leading the family to fight their case in court. Unfortunately, in 2013, the courts ruled against them, arguing that they had not proven they faced persecution in Germany.
Despite the setback, the family was allowed to remain in the United States indefinitely, as long as they checked in annually with an immigration agent. It was during one of these routine check-ins in September 2023 that they were first threatened with deportation.
What does the recent grant of a one-year stay of removal mean for the Romeike family’s immigration status
Far as anyone can be in supportive of this family,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who has been advocating for the Romeike family. “Their story is the perfect example of why America is great and why we must fight to protect it.”
The Romeike family’s fight for the right to homeschool their children began in Germany, where homeschooling is heavily regulated and penalized. The family decided to homeschool their children due to their Christian beliefs and dissatisfaction with the state-run education system. They believed that homeschooling would not only provide a stronger education for their children but also allow them to instill Christian values and protect them from potential negative influences in the public school system.
After facing hefty fines and threats of losing custody of their children, the Romeikes made the difficult decision to leave their homeland and seek refuge in the United States. They believed that America, with its long-standing tradition of valuing individual freedom and religious liberty, would be the perfect place for them to raise their family.
Upon arriving in the United States, the Romeikes were initially granted asylum by an immigration judge, who recognized the family’s sincere fear of persecution in Germany. However, the Obama administration chose to challenge the decision, arguing that homeschooling is not a fundamental right and that the family’s case did not meet the criteria for asylum.
In 2014, the Romeike family’s case gained widespread attention, sparking a nationwide debate on the right to homeschool and the scope of religious freedom in the United States. Numerous conservative lawmakers and organizations urged the government to grant the family permanent residency and allow them to stay in the country.
After significant public pressure, the Obama administration relented and granted the Romeikes indefinite deferred action status, effectively allowing them to remain in the United States. However, this status, which afforded them temporary protection from deportation, was not permanent and has been subject to review under subsequent administrations.
Fast forward to the present day, and the Romeike family finds themselves facing deportation pressure once again. The Biden administration has been clear about its commitment to enforcing immigration laws, even as it embarks on comprehensive immigration reform. The family received notice from ICE to self-deport within four weeks, sparking fears of separation and potential persecution back in Germany.
However, the recent grant of a one-year stay of removal has brought temporary relief to the Romeikes. It buys them time to continue their legal battle and seek a more permanent solution to their immigration status. The family’s supporters and advocates, including Greene and other GOP lawmakers, are hopeful that this temporary reprieve will lead to a favorable outcome.
The Romeike family’s fight to stay in the United States highlights the complexities and challenges faced by many immigrants seeking refuge and a better life. It exposes the tension between immigration law enforcement and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. While the Romeikes’ case is centered around homeschooling and religious freedom, it touches on broader themes of immigration policy, cultural integration, and the values that the United States stands for.
As the legal battle for the Romeikes continues, their story should serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by countless families seeking asylum and a better future in the United States. It is a call to action for lawmakers, policymakers, and individuals to uphold the principles of religious freedom, individual liberty, and compassion towards those fleeing persecution.
The Romeike family’s fight is far from over, but their determination and the support they have received give hope for a positive resolution. Their story serves as a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life, no matter the challenges.
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