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Deported Army Veteran Returns to US in Bid to Become Citizen

Associated Press

   CHICAGO - An Army veteran who was deported to Mexico in 2018 arrived
   back in Chicago Tuesday for a final chance at becoming a U.S. citizen
   and living in the city he has called home since boyhood.

   Federal immigration authorities granted Miguel Perez Jr. a two-week
   parole into the U.S. for an immigration hearing, according to his
   attorney. The 41-year-old Perez has a green card as a permanent U.S.
   resident, but after serving time for a 2008 non-violent drug conviction
   was deported last year. Then last month, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
   issued a pardon , erasing the conviction and reviving Perez's chances
   to become a citizen.

   "I'm speechless. I wish I could say a lot more but it's just, I'm
   choked up," a teary-eyed Perez said outside a church, hours after
   landing in Chicago. "I'm so blessed to be here."

   His immigration hearing was set for Wednesday, but it's unknown when
   immigration officials will decide the case.

   Perez's attorney, Chris Bergin, hoped for a speedy decision so Perez
   wouldn't have to return to Mexico after the 14 days are up.

   Officials with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S.
   Customs and Border Protection declined to comment, citing privacy laws.

   Perez is among several deported military members who have been recently
   pardoned by Democratic governors. His case has received wide support,
   including from including from Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a
   veteran who said Tuesday that Perez should never been deported in the
   first place.

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