Why is Biden DEPORTING a Persecuted Christian Family?
Introduction
As the father of the Romeike family, who sought asylum in the US due to persecution for homeschooling in Germany, it is disheartening to share our current predicament. Immigration officials have ordered us to self-deport back to Germany, despite our efforts to follow the law and be law-abiding citizens during our time in the United States. What makes our situation even more alarming is the fact that the Biden administration seems to be targeting us, while allowing the border to remain open for illegal immigrants. In this article, I will shed light on our story, the challenges we face if we return to Germany, and the importance of standing up for our rights as individuals seeking asylum.
I. Our Journey to the US
- Seeking Asylum
We moved to the United States 15 years ago, driven by our desire to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children. In Germany, homeschooling is illegal, and we faced constant persecution for our decision to educate our children at home. We were denied the freedom to make choices in the best interest of our children’s education and well-being.
- The Persecution We Faced
As a Christian family, we strongly believe in instilling our values and faith in our children’s upbringing. However, the German government viewed our decision to homeschool as a threat to their education system. We were subjected to fines, threats of jail time, and even the possibility of losing custody of our children. Our only option was to seek asylum in the United States, a country that values religious freedom and the right to educate our children according to our beliefs.
II. The Biden Administration’s Actions
- Targeting a Law-Abiding Family
It is perplexing and dismaying that the Biden administration has chosen to target us for deportation, despite the fact that we have been law-abiding citizens during our time in the United States. We have never posed a threat to national security or engaged in any criminal activity. Yet, the government’s focus seems to be on us rather than addressing the issues at the border, where illegal immigrants are entering the country without consequence.
- Inconsistencies in Immigration Policies
The hypocrisy of the Biden administration’s immigration policies is evident. While we face the threat of deportation, illegal immigrants are allowed to cross the border freely and live in the United States without fear of repercussions. This inconsistent approach raises concerns about the priorities and values of the current administration, particularly when it comes to protecting the rights of individuals seeking refuge from persecution.
III. The Consequences of Deportation
- Loss of Freedom and Security
If we are forced to return to Germany, we will once again be subjected to fines, threats of jail time, and the potential loss of custody of our children. Our desire to provide them with a quality education aligned with our beliefs will be stifled. Our fundamental human right to raise our children according to our convictions will be stripped away, leaving us trapped in a system that disregards our values and beliefs.
- Limited Opportunities for Our Children
Not only will our decision to homeschool continue to be met with persecution in Germany, but it will also have severe consequences for our children’s future. Homeschooling is illegal, which means our older children will be denied access to higher education and the opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers. This restriction effectively limits their potential, limiting their chances of finding meaningful employment and contributing positively to society.
IV. Seeking Justice
- Support from HSLDA
We are fortunate to have the support of an attorney, Kevin Boden, from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). He has been instrumental in helping us fight the deportation order and advocating for our right to asylum. The HSLDA recognizes the importance of protecting homeschooling families and ensuring their access to education, regardless of geographic location.
- Exercising Discretion
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has the authority to exercise prosecutorial discretion by choosing not to deport us. We hope and pray that they will recognize our situation and grant us deferred action, allowing us to remain in the United States and continue building our lives as law-abiding individuals. We are more than willing to comply with any lawful requirements while we navigate this challenging period in our lives.
Conclusion
The Biden administration’s decision to target our family for deportation, while turning a blind eye to the border crisis, raises questions about their commitment to justice, religious freedom, and the rights of individuals seeking asylum. We have sought refuge in the United States, hoping to provide our children with a future free from persecution and limitations. Our plea for fairness and the opportunity to continue living in a country that values our right to educate our children according to our beliefs should not go unnoticed. As we wait to see if ICE will exercise their discretion in our case, we remain hopeful that justice will prevail. Our story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for our rights and advocating for the protection of persecuted families like ours.