1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned resident of Arizona regarding the troubling case of Heidy Sánchez, a Cuban mother who was recently deported from the United States without her 17-month-old daughter, who is a U.S. citizen and suffers from a history of seizures. This separation is not only unjust but highlights a broader, deeply concerning trend in our immigration system—one that punishes individuals who are following legal processes and forces families into heartbreaking situations. Arizona has been deeply affected by the consequences of family separation policies, particularly during the Trump administration, when separations reached an all-time high. A recent report details the lasting harm caused by these policies, with thousands of children still unaccounted for and many families struggling to reunite. The trauma inflicted on these children—many of whom remain in Arizona—continues to shape their lives, leaving communities to bear the emotional and social burden of raising them in uncertainty. President Ronald Reagan, in his 1986 speech on immigration reform, emphasized the importance of allowing immigrants to step "into the sunlight" and fully participate in American society. He recognized that those who had lived and contributed to the country deserved the opportunity to remain without fear. The case of Heidy Sánchez stands in stark contrast to this vision, as she was torn from her family despite her efforts to comply with immigration laws. I urge you to advocate for more humane immigration policies that ensure family unity and prevent devastating separations like this from occurring. Whether through legislative action or direct intervention in cases like Sánchez’s, our government must uphold both fairness and compassion in enforcing immigration laws. As President Reagan once said, "Very soon many of these men and women will be able to step into the sunlight and, ultimately, if they choose, they may become Americans." It is time to honor that sentiment and ensure that families are not unjustly torn apart. Thank you for your time and attention to this pressing issue.