Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Alex Cabrero Reporting Travelers spending the night in Green River's Ramada Inn are doing plenty of double takes. That's because the clerk behind the desk is only 12-years old.
His name is Kunal Sah. Three months ago we interviewed his parents, who were about to be deported to India. Well, since then, they have been deported and Kunal went with them. Now though, he is back, helping run the family's hotel in Green River.
There are things in our lives we'll always remember. For Kunal Sah, only 12-years old, that already includes a trip to the national spelling bee, fun times with his family, and the day he had to say goodbye to his mom and dad.
Kunal Sah: "It was very tough. Back at the airport we just all started crying."
Back in June, we told you about his parents, Ken and Sarita, who've been trying for years to become American citizens. They filled out all the paperwork and took all the steps. In July, though, they were deported back to India, after 16 years in America.
Kunal Sah: "It doesn't seem fair. He did the right thing. And all the people who do the wrong thing, they get what they want."
Kunal went with them, but came back to Green River; his father made him for better schooling. He was born in America so he's automatically a citizen.
His father wrote KSL an email, saying, "We are not in good condition here at all. We are wandering around here and there. Just killing our time. We do not know what to do and where else to go. We are jobless and aimless here and suffering with all kind of sickness like cough and fever since we arrived here."
Kunal Sah: "I do cry often, remembering them."
Kunal's uncle is helping run the two hotels, but he's worried about Kunal.
Uncle: "He was separated from his family."
For now, Kunal balances his school work with contacting his government representatives, explaining what's going on, but still, nothing.
Kunal Sah: "I don't know why they don't respond. It's just that they don't want to help us or they don't care. I don't know what'll happen."
Kunal's father says he is still trying to become an American citizen and will move back to Green River with his wife. Right now he says he needs help getting his case heard, but says no one will listen.
