Husband missing in Iraq; Wife facing potential deportation at home...

This is a story that comes close to home. The Latino community in my neighboring city of Lawrence have been trying to cope with the news that one of their own, Alex Mimenez, is one of the two missing soldiers in Iraq. Now comes the news that his wife is facing deportation.

Yaderlin Jimenez's husband, Army Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, a Purple Heart recipient, disappeared when his unit was ambushed by insurgents May 12. Mrs. Jimenez status hangs in limbo.

At a dramatic hearing in immigrant court April 29, 2006, where Jimenez appeared in full-dress uniform alongside his wife, Judge Philip J. Montante granted the couple a temporary reprieve — putting a stop to the proceedings until Jimenez returned from what would be his second tour of duty.

Why wouldn't our government want to treat this woman in a decent manner since it seems most likely that her husband gave his life fighting for the United States government?

Update:
A local television station is reporting this morning that Homeland Security has backed off on the effort to deport Yaderlin Jimenez. Both Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy had intervened on her behalf.