News Summary
Carlos Zurita, a DACA recipient from Mexico, has finally returned to his family in San Antonio after being stranded due to a prolonged visa processing delay. His absence lasted over a month, causing emotional and financial strain on his family. After multiple background checks, Carlos was cleared to return, coinciding with the July Fourth holiday, marking a significant reunion for the family. This situation highlights the complexities faced by DACA recipients in navigating immigration procedures.
San Antonio, Texas – Carlos Zurita, a DACA recipient originally from Mexico, has been reunited with his family after facing a prolonged visa processing delay that kept him stranded in Mexico for over a month. Carlos had traveled to Mexico for a visa interview on May 22, but was placed in “administrative processing” without any explanation, which delayed his return to the United States.
This unexpected turn of events left Carlos’s family distressed and financially strained. His wife, Kendall Zurita, expressed frustration over the situation, indicating that Carlos’s case should have been straightforward, especially considering his clean record and compliance with DACA requirements. During Carlos’s absence, the family incurred approximately $600 weekly in hotel accommodations while managing the logistics of his return.
After more than a month of uncertainty, Carlos was finally approved to return home, arriving back in San Antonio on a Saturday morning. Immigration officials later apologized for the delay, confirming that there were no issues related to Carlos’s DACA status or background checks. With a history of compliance, Carlos had never been convicted of a crime and had passed multiple background checks necessary for his DACA status.
Carlos’s immigration journey spans back to childhood. He was brought to the United States at the age of 2 and has since been working towards obtaining a green card and U.S. citizenship, a process he began after marrying Kendall in 2018. The couple, along with their citizen children, faced difficult times during Carlos’s absence, particularly notable during family gatherings like Father’s Day, which highlighted the emotional toll of their separation.
In addition to the emotional and financial challenges, Kendall took on significant responsibilities during Carlos’s time away. She managed their family landscaping business alongside her own job while also attending to household duties. The family’s struggle was exacerbated by the financial strain of Carlos’s extended absence.
Carlos’s homecoming coincided with the July Fourth holiday, making the reunion all the more poignant. The family’s relief was palpable as they came together to celebrate their first holiday as a family since Carlos’s return. Community support was evident throughout the ordeal, as U.S. Representative Greg Casar submitted an inquiry on Carlos’s behalf, underlining the importance of family reunification and the impact of immigration policies on individuals and families alike.
This experience highlights the complexities faced by DACA recipients as they navigate the immigration system. Carlos’s case underscores the necessity for timely processing and clarity in immigration procedures, reflecting broader issues affecting many families across the United States. As the family looks forward to rebuilding and progressing with their lives, Carlos remains committed to securing his status and ensuring stability for his loved ones.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kens5: Texas DACA Recipient
- Wikipedia: DACA
- KSAT: Citizenship Struggle
- Google Search: Texas immigration policies
- News4SA: Federal Agents
- Google Scholar: Non violent immigrant arrests
- Fox San Antonio: Town Hall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: US immigration concerns
- Kens5: Carlos Zurita
- Google News: DACA recipient challenges
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
