Case of Homeless Mexican Delayed for Two Months

by Bernie Grace
Last Updated: 6/1/2005 4:38:00 PM
KARE 11 News

A formerly homeless man who lived undetected in Apple Valley High School for three weeks last winter won another reprieve Wednesday in his fight to avoid deportation to Mexico.

Twenty-one-year-old Francisco Javier Silva Serrano went to Immigration Court on Wednesday where a judge granted another continuance in his case.

Serrano is accused of immigration violations for letting a visitor’s visa expire. On Wednesday his attorney argued that in the name of justice and fairness, his client should be given more time to track down his father.

Serrano’s father may be the key to whether or not the Mexican national can remain in the U.S. The last time Serrano saw his father was last year, in Connecticut. Either as an oversight or possibly on purpose, Serrano’s father — with whom who Serrano doesn't have the best relationship — didn't file the required papers to keep his son in this country.

Serrano's attorney Herbert Igbanugo says it is his understanding that Serrano's father is either a permanent resident or an actual citizen. It that is true and he files the proper paperwork, it would mean his son wouldn't face deportation to Mexico.

Serrano says he's tire by all the legal matters, but encouraged by all the support he's been receiving.

When Serrano was discovered earlier this year hiding out at Apple Valley High School, where he slept nights for nearly a month, Minneapolis developer Basim Sabri came to the 21-year-olds aid.

Sabri has let Serrano live in one of his Lake Street apartments and has filed court papers saying he will pay Serrano's college tuition.

Sabri has problems of his own. He's headed to prison later this month after being convicted in a bribery scandal involving a Minneapolis city councilman.

Serrano says he simply wants to live the American Dream. He's been accepted at Dunwoody College of Technology where he wants to major in engineering. But before Serrano can hold a job or go to college, his immigration status needs to be cleared up.

Serrano's attorney says for now, he'd like to have his client’s visitor status restored and then have him granted student status. But none of that will be decided until the next hearing, scheduled for August 24.

It is always possible that the judge will deport Serrano. On Wednesday, when grudgingly granting another delay in this case, Judge Joseph Dierkes said "It's time to get the show on the road." He added that he’s not "going to allow this case to be dragged on by speculation."

So until August, Serrano says he'll continue his near daily visits to the library where he reads.