Additional Coverage:
- American toddler deported with her undocumented parents as her future hangs in the balance (irishstar.com)
Two-Year-Old American Citizen in Legal Limbo After Deportation to Brazil
A toddler’s future hangs in the balance after she was deported to Brazil with her undocumented parents. Two-year-old Emanuelly “Manu” Borges Santos, a US citizen by birth, faces a complicated legal predicament. Born in Florida in September 2022, Manu was deported alongside her parents in February as part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
The family’s deportation has created a complex legal situation. Manu, while an American citizen, is not recognized as a Brazilian citizen or resident.
She entered Brazil on a tourist visa, which is set to expire soon. This precarious status prevents her from accessing essential services like healthcare and education.
Her parents, originally from Brazil, had overstayed their visas in the US after seeking asylum. Their application was denied, leading to their deportation.
The family’s lawyer contends that they were not given the option to separate, which would have allowed Manu to remain in the US. ICE officials, however, claim that parents are routinely given this choice. The family’s interpreter was reportedly barred from assisting them during their processing, raising concerns about due process.
Brazilian authorities expressed surprise at Manu’s arrival, noting her unique situation. They are now working to find a legal solution, potentially creating a temporary citizenship status for Manu until she reaches adulthood. This process, however, is expected to be lengthy.
Meanwhile, Manu’s mother, Elioni Gonçalves, struggles with the uncertainty surrounding her daughter’s future. She worries about Manu’s access to basic necessities and the impact of this experience on her young daughter. The family’s case highlights the challenges faced by mixed-status families, where children born in the US to undocumented parents can face potential separation and legal complexities.