German Homeschoolers, Romeike Family, Will Not Be Deported, DHS Says
The Department of Homeland Security has granted a special status to the Romeikes, a German homeschooling family that was under threat of being deported after being denied a Supreme Court review Monday, that will allow them to stay in the United States.
DHS has granted them "indefinite deferred status," according to a Home School Legal Defense Association press release.
The Romeikes were initially granted asylum in the United States after they were threatened with jail time and losing custody of their children for choosing to homeschool. The Obama administration, though, appealed that decision and won, arguing that there is no fundamental right to determine the education of one's children.
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HSLDA, which represents the Romeikes, had exhausted its court efforts when the Supreme Court declined to hear its appeal.
"This is an incredible victory that I can only credit to Almighty God. I also want to thank those who spoke up on this issue — including that long ago White House petition. We believe that the public outcry made a huge impact. What an amazing turnaround — in just 24 hours," Michael Farris, chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association, said Tuesday.
According to HSLDA, Fox News recorded the highest number of page views ever for its website, one million in 24 hours, for its article reporting that the Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
"We are happy to have indefinite status even though we won't be able to get American citizenship any time soon," Uwe Romeike, the father, said. "As long as we can live at peace here, we are happy. We have always been ready to go wherever the Lord would lead us — and I know my citizenship isn't really on earth.
"This has always been about our children. I wouldn't have minded staying in Germany if the mistreatment targeted only me — but our whole family was targeted when German authorities would not tolerate our decision to teach our children — that is what brought us here."
Farris added that he was determined that the Romeikes would never have to return to Germany.
"When we lost at the Sixth Circuit, I told Uwe that he would go back to Germany over my dead body," he said. "I'm glad that wasn't necessary! This is a courageous family and one that deserves to stay here. They are modern day Pilgrims."
