He coached her through the Cesarean births of two children, became a father to her children and was eagerly awaiting the birth of a third daughter when tragedy hit: An immigration crackdown.
Elizabeth Drummond's husband, Segundo Encalada, who was sent to the United States illegally by his parents from Ecuador when he was 17 was ordered by immigration authorities to take “voluntary departure” back to Ecuador.
Like thousands of others in their situation, the Encalada's thought of hiding, but they opted to follow the rules and do things the right way. That meant they would have to separate, but at least it would lead to Encalada being able to stay in the U.S. with his family, legally. Or so they thought.
Immigration laws affecting those married after April 2001 say that foreign spouses who entered the U.S. without a visa must leave, then seek a visa from the U.S. Consulate in their country.
The lawyer the couple hired told them that the process would take two months to a year. One year turned into three. Things began a slow trickle downhill for Mrs. Encalada after that.
First, she lost their apartment then her son was hospitalized for depression at age 8.
Then she flew to Ecuador for a joint interview at the United States Consulate in Guyaquil. Immigration officials there rejected their application with a form letter saying they had “a marriage of convenience.” Mrs. Encalada, 32, wrote ...... read article here
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