HOUSTON — The Honduran consulate says they’ve been overwhelmed with people rushing to get passports and paperwork in order.
Many families aren’t just seeking documents—they’re asking for help to return to Honduras voluntarily, hoping to avoid deportation and family separation.
The consulate says demand is so high, they’re bringing in more staff to handle the growing number of people seeking help.
Overcome with emotion, Clemente is at a loss for words. He came to the U.S. chasing the American Dream. Now, he faces the heartbreak of saying goodbye to his 14-year-old daughter, unsure of what’s next.
“De que yo me agarren y se queden botada,” said Clemente. He fears deportation and leaving his daughter alone in the U.S.
At the Honduran Consulate, he’s asking for help to send her back to family, hoping she’ll be safe. She says she’s even afraid to go to school.
“O que se lo llevaran a el? Si y quedarme sola,” said Yessenia Clemente’s daughter. She feared her dad would be taken away, leaving her alone. And she’s not the only one feeling this anxiety.
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“También nos ha aumentado el número de personas que quiere devolverse de forma voluntaria. Grupos de familias,” said Gilda Silvestrucci the Houston Honduran Consul General. Silvestrucci says more families are choosing to return home voluntarily, including Esmayra and her two children.
“Esa era mi preocupación. Que me separen de mis hijos y me tengan un buen tiempo encerrada,” said Esmayra. Esmayra fears being separated from her children.
She arrived in the U.S. three years ago seeking asylum and next month, she faces her first court hearing.
“Para que voy a esperar mi primer corte? Mejor me regreso,” said Esmayra. She wonders why she should wait for her court date and she should return.
But fear is pushing her to a difficult choice, she won’t risk her children’s future. Meanwhile, Clemente is grateful for the help sending his daughter back but he says he must stay behind.
“Pagos mis deudas por el viaje,” said Clemente. He says he will pay his debts from the journey.
He needs to pay a $6,000 debt, the money he paid the coyotes to bring them to the U.S. for that American Dream.
Both families fly back to Honduras tomorrow. Immigration attorneys recommend hiring a lawyer if you have a court date to inform the court and resolve the issue before leaving. Every case is different, so consult an attorney if you’re unsure.