KVBC TV, NV
Jan 28 2005
Sisters Could be Separated From Family in America
Maria Silva Reporting
They’re not a threat to national security, but federal immigration
authorities have two teenage sisters in custody and want to send them
back to their home country of Armenia . But their family is here, and
now thanks to the media and Senator Harry Reid, their struggle is
attracting national attention.
The Sarkisian sisters are used to helping around their father’s pizza
shop, but for the past couple weeks work has been especially
difficult. “My dad, he’s just going crazy. He doesn’t eat, sleep. He
can’t do anything anymore.” For the past 12-days, the girl’s two
older sisters, Emma and Miriam have been in custody — locked up,
waiting possible deportation to their home country of Armenia .
“I love my sisters. And I really miss them. And I want them to come
back.”
The younger girls were born here in the U.S. , but Emma and Miriam
were not. Their father has become a legal resident, but while trying
to comply with American laws, he says the teenagers were arrested by
federal authorities. The youngest sister, Patricia doesn’t quite
understand the details, but knows her family is at risk of being torn
apart.
“Cause how would the immigration people feel if they took their kids
— and put them in the holding cell.”
While we were conducting our interview, Emma called from her jail
cell. It was a brief conversation that consisted of mostly tears.
“Okay. Bye I love you.”
Now, the girl’s only hope may lie with high power politicians. Like
Nevada senator, Harry Reid who is pleading with the Department of
Homeland Security.
“I think secretary Ridge will find a way to keep these two young
women in Nevada .” Meantime, the family is doing what they can to
stay busy, praying the ordeal will end soon. So the family can be a
family, once again.
I did get to speak to Emma — the oldest sister on the phone. She was
calling from her jail cell. She was crying and scared. She says the
hardest part is not knowing when they’ll be able to come home — if
at all. Right now they are waiting for a decision from a federal
magistrate.