Ewelina Bledniak isn’t the only person with local ties facing deportation issues.
Cumming bakery owner Frank Fernando said there’s a good chance he will have to move back to London in August.
After decades of frequent trips to America, Fernando and his family decided about five years ago to move to the country on an investment visa.
Unfortunately, his investment was in the real estate industry, which has since soured.
“The loss of the bad investment jeopardizes my visa,” he said. “I’ve had a love affair with the U.S. since the 1970s.
“We truly love this country. Without a doubt, it’s the best country in the world. We love the people, we love the lifestyle ... We’re quite distraught about the whole thing right now.”
The family -- Fernando, wife Tracy and the couple's three children ages 7, 12 and 14 -- live just south of Forsyth County. He has a short drive to his business, Creations Bakery, which he opened in January.
Formerly known as Party Art Bakery, the shop was an investment Fernando said could give him an opportunity to reapply to stay in the country.
“But everything is uncertain right now,” he said. “I bought this bakery in January, and created employment for several people, and there’s still a good chance in August, when my visa expires, that my visa may not be renewed.”
Were that to happen, he said, his assistant would run Creations Bakery.
Fernando has sought legal representation to help him navigate the situation, much like he did when he first moved from London.
While he said he supports the legal process behind earning a visa or citizenship, Fernando is frustrated.
“People have said to me that I would have been better off if I was here illegally, because if ever amnesty was approved, I would have a better chance of getting amnesty if I was illegal than if I’m legal,” he said.
“I’m all for the legal process and I wouldn’t consider for one moment doing anything even questionably illegal ... And if I had to do it again, I would do it the right way again.
“It just seems unfair ... and it’s kind of hit a raw spot when you don’t know in the next couple of months where you will be.”
E-mail Jennifer Sami at jennifersami@forsythnews.com.
Cumming bakery owner Frank Fernando said there’s a good chance he will have to move back to London in August.
After decades of frequent trips to America, Fernando and his family decided about five years ago to move to the country on an investment visa.
Unfortunately, his investment was in the real estate industry, which has since soured.
“The loss of the bad investment jeopardizes my visa,” he said. “I’ve had a love affair with the U.S. since the 1970s.
“We truly love this country. Without a doubt, it’s the best country in the world. We love the people, we love the lifestyle ... We’re quite distraught about the whole thing right now.”
The family -- Fernando, wife Tracy and the couple's three children ages 7, 12 and 14 -- live just south of Forsyth County. He has a short drive to his business, Creations Bakery, which he opened in January.
Formerly known as Party Art Bakery, the shop was an investment Fernando said could give him an opportunity to reapply to stay in the country.
“But everything is uncertain right now,” he said. “I bought this bakery in January, and created employment for several people, and there’s still a good chance in August, when my visa expires, that my visa may not be renewed.”
Were that to happen, he said, his assistant would run Creations Bakery.
Fernando has sought legal representation to help him navigate the situation, much like he did when he first moved from London.
While he said he supports the legal process behind earning a visa or citizenship, Fernando is frustrated.
“People have said to me that I would have been better off if I was here illegally, because if ever amnesty was approved, I would have a better chance of getting amnesty if I was illegal than if I’m legal,” he said.
“I’m all for the legal process and I wouldn’t consider for one moment doing anything even questionably illegal ... And if I had to do it again, I would do it the right way again.
“It just seems unfair ... and it’s kind of hit a raw spot when you don’t know in the next couple of months where you will be.”
E-mail Jennifer Sami at jennifersami@forsythnews.com.