The Gulfin family of Tinton Falls, N.J. will not board the flight that will send them back to the Philippines on Sept. 30, as the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) asked U.S. immigration to hold in abeyance the deportation until it decides the fate of the Filipino family in light of a new federal policy ordering authorities to exercise “prosecutorial discretion” on removal proceedings and suspend deportations of those who pose no threat to national security or public safety.
“We’re not defying the U.S. immigration,” declares the Gulfins’ counsel J.T. Mallonga, who heads FALDEF.
GULFINS’ PRAYER WARRIORS: Part of the large crowd at Sunday’s prayer rally in in Eatontown, N.J. to save the Gulfin family from being deported. (Photo by Matty Morallos)
“We’re simply requesting authorities to provide us answer on our request for deferred action status on the basis of the memo of (Immigration and Customs Enforcement chief) John Morton, and endorsed by President Barack Obama.”
Mallonga said the Gulfins — Carmelo and Aurelia and their son Miguel Rodrigo — will report at JFK International Airport for their scheduled departure on Sept. 30.