Tijuana, December 19. Nearly 20 years had to pass before Raúl Orlando Calix Pineda, a former member of the United States Marine Corps, was able to return to the United States after being deported and separated from his wife and four daughters .
This Tuesday, Calix Pineda was able to cross into the neighboring country thanks to a humanitarian permit to care for one of his sisters, who suffers from cancer and has trouble breathing and eating.
His wife and one of his daughters were waiting for him at the gate, and they expressed their excitement at having him back just in time for the Christmas holidays.
Calix Pineda arrived in the United States in 1969 from Honduras, brought by his mother along with his four siblings. He served as a Marine in the 1980s , but was deported in 2005 after serving time in prison for insurance fraud.
After being expelled from the United States, he first spent five years in Honduras, then decided to move to Rosarito Beach to be closer to his family so they could visit him.
Although his experience in Mexico was pleasant, he always intended to return to the country he considered home . During his time away, two of his brothers passed away, which was a source of great sadness because he couldn't be present at their funerals.
Regarding his plans, he said his permit is valid for one year, but he hopes to use that time to find a way to legalize his status and remain in the United States.
