Pastor Molis Augustave Faces Deportation to Haiti Amid Advocacy Efforts

Pastor Molis Augustave is on the verge of deportation to Haiti after U.S. immigration officials rejected his application for lawful permanent residency, according to advocates. Augustave, detained during a traffic stop in Pennsylvania, is currently separated from his wife Omara Nunez and their two children while awaiting deportation, which could happen soon.

In a statement released by We Are CASA, a national immigrant advocacy group, Augustave expressed his desire to return to his family in Pennsylvania. Initially scheduled for deportation on September 17, his removal was delayed at the last moment. Augustave had previously held Temporary Protected Status, which ended for many Haitian nationals in July under the Trump administration.

Community members highlight Augustave’s role as a community leader. American Families United, another advocacy group, questioned the rationale for denying him residency, emphasizing his contributions and the impact on his family.

“He has built his life around service to others,” American Families United noted.

While detained, Augustave continues to offer pastoral support to fellow detainees. He reported meeting individuals grappling with fear and uncertainty about their futures. An emotional campaign led by his wife helped delay his deportation.

Ama Frimpong from We Are CASA criticized the Department of Homeland Security for what they called retaliation against Augustave, accusing the agency of depriving him of a fair process. Frimpong urged the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reconsider their refusal to grant Augustave residency.

A legal motion to reopen Augustave’s removal proceedings is pending, along with a habeas petition in a federal court, yet his deportation could happen soon, as communicated by Jossie Flor Sapunar, We Are CASA’s spokeswoman.

Sapunar questioned the reasons for the denial and mentioned efforts by immigration officials to expedite Augustave’s deportation, which have kept him far from his family in Louisiana.

On September 4, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with the West Manchester Police Department, detained Augustave during a vehicle stop in Pennsylvania. DHS referred to him as an “illegal alien from Haiti.”

DHS reiterated its stance by stating, “Being in detention is a choice,” promoting self-deportation via the CBP Home App. The offer includes $3,000 plus a free flight for those choosing to self-deport.

Advocates from American Families United (AFU) claim that Augustave’s situation is not unique. According to AFU, bureaucratic obstacles frequently affect the families of U.S. citizens, punishing those who contribute positively to communities.

Nunez, a U.S. citizen, voices her struggles as she manages her household alone, facing uncertainty about her husband’s legal fate.

“Every day I wonder what the future holds,” Nunez shared.