"US immigration policy is separating families of American citizens, report reveals" by Patricia Serrano (January 7, 2026). Enlace Latino NC.
A national report by American Families United finds that one in five mixed-status marriages already live separately due to U.S. immigration policies. The study, based on a 2025 survey of over 200 citizens married to undocumented spouses, shows that long-term marriages with citizen children are impacted by lack of legal pathways, forcing couples to consider leaving the U.S. or facing prolonged separation. The report highlights emotional distress, financial hardship, health issues, and anxiety among children, emphasizing that family separation is no longer hypothetical but an everyday reality.
"Holidays without my husband: What U.S. immigration policy costs families" by Julie Moreno (December 21, 2025). The Hill.
In this opinion essay, Julie Moreno describes her experience as part of a mixed-status marriage after her husband, Neftalí, returned to Mexico due to U.S. immigration policies. Moreno reflects on spending the holidays without her husband, the emotional toll of forced family separation, and the limitations of current immigration law. She argues that Congress should pass the American Families United Act to allow judges greater discretion to keep mixed-status families together.
"Family of Rolesville man who self-deported braces for 'different' Christmas" by Sean Coffey (December 23, 2025). ABC11 WTVD.
This news article features the Rivera family in Rolesville, North Carolina, as they prepare for the holidays following Fidel Rivera’s self-deportation to Mexico. The story highlights the emotional impact of family separation, the challenges faced by his wife and daughters, and their hope that sharing their experience might inspire change in U.S. immigration policy.
"Under One Roof" by Ira Glass & Valerie Kipnis (November 16, 2025). This American Life.
"Act 1: A House Divided" (starts at 18:11) of this podcast episode features Jenni and Fidel Rivera and their family as they debate whether Fidel should self-deport — then cope with the reality of living with family separation.
“Two Women Share What It Was Like to Lose Their Husbands to ‘Self-Deportation’” by Anna Lekas Miller (November 15, 2025).
This article features Julie Moreno, U.S. citizen and AFU member, whose husband Neftalí self-deported to Mexico amid rising fears of detention under federal immigration policies. The piece highlights the emotional and practical hardships that mixed-status families like hers face as they navigate forced separation.
“Trump’s ICE Arrested a Whistleblower Who Exposed Sexual Assault in Detention. Now, He’s Left the Country.” by Francesca D’Annunzio (October 20, 2025). Texas Observer.
Douglas Menjivar is a 50-year-old master mechanic from El Salvador who spent much of the last two decades living in the United States. He endured multiple stints in immigration detention, where he suffered sexual assaults and inadequate protection, and later became an advocate for immigrant rights. Despite marrying a U.S. citizen and seeking legal residency, he faced repeated detention and legal hurdles. Menjivar’s story highlights the trauma, family separation, and challenges faced by immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system, ultimately leading him and his wife to voluntarily relocate to Spain.
“LOCAL Facing possible detention or deportation, NC father leaves on his own terms” by Nathan Collins (October 20, 2025). The News & Observer.
This article highlights Jennifer Rivera, a U.S. citizen and AFU member whose husband, Fidel Rivera, self-deported to Mexico after living undocumented in the U.S. for 30 years. Jenni’s story illustrates the difficult choices mixed-status families face under heightened immigration enforcement.
“Mexican father, reflecting a trend, leaves family of 19 years and self-deports due to threat of arrest” by Laura Romero, Ely Brown, and Matt Rivers (October 19, 2025). ABC News.
This article features Jennifer Rivera, a U.S. citizen and AFU member, whose husband, Fidel Rivera, self-deported after 30 years in the U.S. due to immigration enforcement. Her story emphasizes the emotional and legal challenges mixed-status families face.
“Undocumented father self-deports after living in the US for 30 years” by Matt Rivers (October 19, 2025). ABC News Video.
This video features Jennifer Rivera, U.S. citizen and AFU member, whose husband self-deported to Mexico to protect their family. Her experience shows the human impact of immigration enforcement on mixed-status families.
“Live Discussion: US Citizens Separated from Spouses w/ Julie Moreno” by Austin Kocher and Julie Moreno (October 18, 2025). Substack.
This live discussion features Julie Moreno, a U.S. citizen and AFU member, who supported her husband Nefatlí Juárez in self-deporting to Mexico. Julie’s advocacy highlights the legal gaps that force mixed-status families into difficult choices.
“Self-deportation or detention, the crossroads of 1.4 million couples in the Trump era” by Patricia Caro (October 15, 2025). El País.
This article profiles Julie Moreno, U.S. citizen and AFU member, whose husband Nefatlí Juárez self-deported due to fear of ICE detention. The piece illustrates how federal immigration policies affect millions of mixed-status couples nationwide.
“My Husband Self-Deported So He Could Be Free era” by Pablo Manríquez (October 15, 2025).
This post profiles Julie Moreno, U.S. citizen and AFU member, whose husband Nefatlí Juárez self-deported due to fear of ICE detention. The piece illustrates how federal immigration policies affect millions of mixed-status couples nationwide.
"Texas Woman Sends Message to Trump After Husband Detained by ICE" by Billal Rahman and Dan Gooding (February 6, 2025). Newsweek.
This Newsweek article reports on a Texas mother of three whose undocumented husband was detained by ICE after a traffic stop, placing their mixed-status family at risk of separation. The piece details the emotional and practical toll on the family, including the impact on their young children, and highlights criticisms of intensified deportation policies under President Trump. Attorneys and advocates argue that the husband, who has no criminal record and is married to a U.S. citizen, should be eligible for legal status, underscoring broader concerns about how immigration enforcement affects mixed-status families.