PITTSBORO -- An area pastor faces deportation though he has been a legal permanent resident since 1988.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Hector Villanueva, 40, last week in Chatham County. He was jailed in Wake and then Alamance County before being transported to Gainesville, Ga., where he'll face an immigration judge.
Villanueva's wife, Martha, said attorney Jorgelina Araneda put her husband on alert several months ago that a "commercial burglary" conviction in the mid-1990s might put his green card in jeopardy.
"He was trying to cash a check that apparently was not his," she said. "This was before he became a Christian and turned his life around. ... He's not the same man he used to be. ... I really don't understand the law."
Villanueva has no criminal record in North Carolina, according to a check of court records.
Araneda said Villanueva, who is a citizen of Mexico, came to ICE's attention when he applied for citizenship several years ago. The Department of Homeland Security denied that application in October because of his felony record in California, and now ICE aims to revoke his green card.
ICE spokeswoman Barbara Gonzalez said she doesn't know how often a citizenship application or a past felony triggers a removal proceeding.
"You could be here for 20 years and commit a felony, and that could make you amenable for a deportation order," she said.
Araneda said she is waiting for records to arrive from California before filing a motion to grant Villanueva release on bail. That would let him return to his family in North Carolina before a hearing on whether he can retain his green card.
The Villanuevas spent most of their lives in California; they came to North Carolina four years ago. With support from their home church out west, they planned to start a Spanish-speaking congregation in the area.
They struggled to attract worshippers in the first two years in Siler City, and Villanueva started Prestige Home Repairs and Painting to pay the bills and support their four children. They also care for two foster daughters whom they hope to adopt.
In spring 2009, Villanueva took over as pastor of La Iglesia Bautista La Roca in Raleigh. He led that church for a year before starting another church of the same name in Siler City this summer. His wife said there are about 30 church members now.
Martha Villanueva said she is caring for the children with support from family, friends and churches in Pittsboro and Siler City and by collecting debts owed to her husband's contracting business.
