Veteran's Wife Who was Deported Reunites with Family
Related Story
WESLACO – A Rio Grande Valley family is reunited. A veteran's wife was deported. She was banned from re-entering the U.S. for five years.
Her husband reached out to CHANNEL 5 NEWS four months ago – his joy is restored.
The woman who was deported says she didn't know she had violated the terms of her visa.
That misunderstanding left this family apart for nearly three years. That all changed Wednesday night and just in time for the holidays.
This is the moment Robert Grandstaff dreamed of. CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke with him back in September.
He told us, "I would just like for them to allow her to come home."
Daniela Grandstaff, his wife, was in Mexico. Robert applied to bring her back. The form he filled out was stalled for over a year and a half. Robert reached out to us.
He said, "If it wasn't for you all's involvement, we'd probably still be waiting on the waiver."
Daniela is grateful to be home.
"I feel super happy, super thankful. We're finally back," she says.
Their children, Robert Maxwell, Jared and Braila were living with Daniela in Mexico. Jared, though only nine years old, knows the value of family.
"He helps us with our mental support. We help him with his physical support," said Jared.
On Wednesday was little Braila's birthday. The family's headed out to celebrate.
Robert says he can’t wait to wake up tomorrow so he can know he's not dreaming.
Thoughtfully, he adds, "You don't know what family means to you until it's taken away."
Robert told us Daniela will soon start working to become a naturalized citizen. She has an immigrant visa that allows her to remain in the U.S.
News
