They were separated after illegally crossing into the U.S. six weeks ago but last night, a mother and her young daughter were reunited at the Nashville International Airport.
Mother Reunited With Daughter After Being Separated At Border
The two hadn't seen each other since May and for the foreseeable future, middle Tennessee will be their home. After being separated, Albertina was able to make it to Murfreesboro where she has family. However, Yakelyn, 11, was held in a detainment center for weeks. Thursday night her plane from Texas landed in Nashville and the two were finally reunited.
Right now they both are in the removal proceedings and will be transferred to immigration court. Their attorney, Marlee Deck, said both qualify for relief status under fear of prosecution.
Yakelyn will apply for special immigrant juvenile status. Deck said there is a lot of grey area and things could change as this process moves forward. She went on to say Albertina tried to cross into the U.S. in 2012 and was wrongfully turned away. That could impact her status as well. They want to be granted asylum but that could take several years.
