The Biden administration, which has been criticized for its inability to halt the influx of illegal immigrants across the southern border, is now focusing its attention on a family that has called America home for over a decade.
The Romeike family, originally from Germany, sought refuge in the United States in 2008 after facing a $9,000 fine for homeschooling their children. They established their lives in Morristown, Tennessee, and despite threats of deportation during the Obama administration, they managed to stay.
However, a decade after their last asylum claim was denied, the federal government is once again pushing for their return to Germany. As reported by WBIR, the Romeikes sought asylum on the grounds that Germany's prohibition on homeschooling constituted persecution. While an immigration judge initially approved their claim, the Department of Justice appealed and successfully overturned the decision.
The Romeikes, with the support of the US Home School Defense Association, took their case to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2013. However, their claim was rejected as they could not demonstrate that "Germany's enforcement of its general school-attendance law amounts to persecution against them."
Despite lacking permanent resident or citizenship status, the Romeikes have complied with immigration regulations, regularly checking in with officials. Yet, the Biden administration has now requested their departure. In a conversation with Fox News, Uwe and Hannelore Romeike revealed that they were served with a removal order on September 6, with no further explanation.
Their attorney, Kevin Boden, stated that the Romeikes have diligently followed the law since 2013 and are committed to exploring all legal options to remain in the US. Over the past 15 years, two of the Romeike's seven children have married American citizens, and the family has fully integrated into American life.
"Everything is here in America," said Mr. Romeike, who works as a piano accompanist at Carson-Newman University. "We don't have any place to live [in Germany]. I don't have any work to provide for my family over there."
Given that Germany's homeschooling laws remain unchanged, the Romeikes could face persecution if they attempt to homeschool their children upon their return.
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