Page 12
October
November Crossword Puzzle
October
Crossword
Solution
Deported Veterans Return to US
Continued from Page 10
called an unfair punishment to those who
took up arms in the name of the United
States. Many are still struggling to find
legal help to return, according to the
American Civil Liberties Union.
“After my deportation, yeah, I never
thought this day would come,” said
Hernandez, 41, dressed in a black suit
and tie after being presented his U.S. citi-
zenship certificate. “It’s definitely been a
long road. I’m glad that we were given a
second chance as anybody that is either
American-born or fought for America
should have.”
Leonel Contreras, 63, who joined the U.S.
Army at age of 17 and served for a year in
1976, also was sworn in at the ceremony.
“I feel very blessed,” said Contreras, who
was allowed back into the United States
about four months ago. “I feel very happy
to be back on American soil.”
Both men spent the past decade living in
the border city of Tijuana.
Contreras was whisked away by U.S. im-
migration authorities who detained him at
the barbershop where he worked in Na-
tional City, south of San Diego. His life
forever changed.
He continued to work in Tijuana as a
barber and found work because of his
English at call centers helping answer
questions from customers of U.S. compa-
nies. But it was not easy.
During that time his two sons grew up,
and he now is a grandfather. With his U.S.
citizenship in hand, he said he is not look-
ing back.
“I just want to go to all the places I’ve
Continued on Page 14
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