Nashua Man Faces Deportation After Ruling

NASHUA, NH - A Nashua man who has lived in the United States for the last 28 years is facing deportation to Brazil after a U.S. Court determined he must leave the country by Thursday. According to WMUR, 65-year-old Elvecio Viana, of Nashua, New Hampshire came to the U.S. on a visa and stayed, working as a cabinet maker in New Hampshire.

Viana's lawyers filed paperwork for permanent resident status, but he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Mar. 5. and told to leave the country within a month.

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston granted him a temporary stay to review his case. The appeals court has since determined Viana must leave the country by Thursday.

Viana lives with his daughter and two granddaughters, all of whom are U.S. citizens. His daughter said his family, friends and co-workers are heartbroken by the decision.

"My father is not a criminal but they've treated him like one," Cristina Viana said.
She said her father pays taxes, abides by the law, goes to work and helps her raise her 5-year-old and 2-year-old children.

To read the full story, visit WMUR.