Thread: Marriage dispute may cost immigrant dearly

http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S21065.html?cat=1

Updated: 01/05/2007 07:51:34 AM

For the past two years, Joseph Loutfallah has worked day night and day at his Italian restaurant, Mama Donatos, in Crystal. Loutfallah could be deported in a matter of days leaving behind his family business and what he now considers his homeland.

Loutfallah immigrated to the United States in 2001, after he had separated from his Lebanese wife. Once here, he married an American woman and the two of them bought their restaurant. But problems arose with the Lebanese marriage, immigration officials said there was no record it had ended.

Loutfallah hired an attorney spending more than $60,000 to correct the confusion, but his expensive attempt has failed.

"We've done everything the law asked for and now we end up being deported, and I'm losing everything, even my dream," Loutfallah told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Because of the religious tensions in Lebanon, Loutfallah fears if he's sent back to Lebanon he'll be killed possibly for something as simple as the Virgin Mary tattoo on his arm.

"I'm not going be safe, I'm going to be in danger," he said.

Loutfallah admits he may have been a bit naive, confused with all the immigration paperwork, but he says if he could just have more time everything would work itself out.

"I still believe for the last seven days, I still believe I deserve the United States," Loutfallah said.

The Loutfallah's have e-mailed Senator Norm Coleman's about his immigration debacle. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS contacted Coleman's office Thursday as well to see if the could help. We were told they've done all that they can do.

Local immigration officials said they're mandated to deport Loutfallah after a federal judge ruled on the case.

They will deport this guy, but not Elvira Arellano!!??? Why would Congressmen fight for Arellano and not for this man? Maybe he doesn't have the "pity factor."

This is only part of the story! I'm sure the judge heard way more than we did. Sounds like he tried to pull a fast one. I keep copies of important legal documents. He doesn't have a relative that can pick up a copy of his divorce papers?

The tatoo is a new excuse.

I wonder if the tatoo is made from henna?