(CBS) – A war veteran from Chicago who served two tours in Afghanistan is now facing deportation.
On Thursday, a judge will decide his fate.
CBS 2’s Audrina Bigos reports on the fight for him to stay here — and the criminal record that’s getting in the way.
After 9/11, Miguel Perez embraced the Army’s ideals: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and courage. But because he was born in Mexico and brought to the U.S. as a child, his commitment came with a catch: If ever convicted of a felony, he would be deported.
“He made the mistake of selling some cocaine on one occasion to an undercover officer. He was convicted, served his time,” Perez attorney Chris Bergin says.
Perez self-medicated while suffering from PTSD, he says. Perez served his seven-year sentence, and his advocates say he is rehabilitated and ready to come home.
“This war veteran should not be deported to a country that he knows little about. He is, for all practical purposes, an American who has served with distinction,” Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia says.
This last minute plea to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also comes with a prayer for the Army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan.
“If they deport him,” retired Sgt. Maj. John Adams says, “My valor’s coming off. I’m never putting the uniform on again.”
Perez will face a judge here in Chicago Thursday for a final decision on his deportation to Mexico.
from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2gIf1qQ
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