Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Samantha Hayes ReportingA couple who's lived nearly a quarter of a century in Salt Lake may have to leave their lives and home in this country because of an old paperwork mistake. If you thought immigration and citizenship was a black or white issue, this story may change your mind.
The American dream, white picket fence and all, has been their reality.
"Blissful, then shattered. Someone pulled the rug out from under your feet. We hope to get it back, hopefully."
The proverbial rug was pulled in 2003 when Maziad Alabdulravak applied for U.S. Citizenship.
Maziad Alabdulravak: "I wanted to know how it felt to vote, and that's the number one reason why I applied for citizenship."
Teresa Clark: "Instead of giving him the test, he was arrested and put into deportation proceedings."
Maziad Alabdulravak: "It was a really bad emotional experience. I can't describe it in words."
Alabdulravak came to the U.S. in the early eighties as a student. He applied for residency after his family could no longer afford to support him in school. That was granted in 1993, even though they did not file a form that waives the mandatory five years out of the country before residency is usually granted.
Teresa: "We were not even aware it was a requirement."
They became aware when Alabdulravak applied for citizenship and his file was re-examined, revealing the missing waiver from 13 years ago.
Teresa: "The worst is he's deported back to home country of Syria."
His home on this street in Salt Lake City is home, and the hardest part is looking into the future and knowing they may not be here.
Maziad Alabdulravak: "How would I start my life over again?"
In fact, it's his life and the life of his family he fears would be in danger in Syria. That's why they have applied for residency in Canada.
Teresa: "The thought of it is excruciatingly painful, like a black cloud following us around for three years."
Alabdulravak has been the U.S a total of 23 years. It all gets down to a judge's decision in November. We'll be following the story and let you know what happens.
