Told to “Self-Deport” by Mistake: When the System Gets It Wrong

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By Rodney Feliciano

AI created image








Imagine getting a letter in the mail that says you’re being deported or log into an app. You’ve lived here for years. You work hard, pay your taxes, and your kids go to school down the street. But suddenly, the system tells you, you don’t belong. It sounds like something that shouldn’t happen, but it does. For many in our Hispanic communities, especially those with complicated immigration histories or mixed-status families, the threat of deportation isn’t always about criminal acts or undocumented status. Sometimes, it’s about clerical errors, outdated systems, or agencies not talking to each other. And when the system gets it wrong, people’s lives are flipped upside down.  


When the Paperwork Doesn’t Match the Person 

One of the biggest issues is how immigration enforcement can misinterpret records. Maybe someone was born in the U.S., but their name appears on an outdated list. Or maybe someone applied for citizenship and it’s pending but the system hasn't updated their file. A missed deadline, a lost form, or even a name spelled incorrectly can trigger a “voluntary departure” notice. And in fear or confusion, people sometimes leave voluntarily, not realizing they had the right to stay and fight. This is what we call “self-deportation” by mistake. 

Let’s not forget... these aren’t just headlines or statistics

These are people who are mami, papi,  abuelas, and neighbors. A single mother who’s been here since she was five. A veteran who served in the Army but didn’t know his naturalization wasn’t finalized. A DREAMer who forgot to file one form before a deadline. These stories are real and they’re painful. Families are separated, jobs are lost, and trust in the system erodes. 


What Can We Do? 

First, we have to raise awareness. Talk about these cases and share our stories. This is not to spread fear but to empower each other with knowledge. Second, we need to help each other navigate the system. Encourage family and friends to double-check their status, renew documents early, and seek legal advice when something doesn’t seem right. Community clinics, immigration lawyers, and nonprofit organizations can make all the difference. And lastly, speak up, and stay informed, policies change when we demand better and safer systems for everyone. Remember that your presence, work, and dreams matter. Don't let your raices in this country be erased by a paperwork error. 


We Belong Here 
Photo by Anna Bryukhanova / iStock

We’ve built communities, businesses, churches, and families here. Mistakes in the system can’t erase that. Stay strong. Stay informed. And above all stay together.









Have you or someone you know experienced something like this? Drop your thoughts or stories in the comments. 

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