Seven-year-old Neidy Elizabeth faces deportation back to her native Guatemala. Her adoptive parents, Cuban-born Joseph Collar and Guatemalan Cathy Collar, are trying to drum up interest in this case so that their daughter won’t be taken from them and placed in an orphanage. Abandoned by her mom at age 2, Neidy was informed that her petition for change of status had been “denied. Bet you’re shaking in your OshKosh B’Gosh now, eh? Muahahaha.”

“This is a perfect example of the problem with the immigration system,” said Meaghan Tuohey-Kay, a West Orange, N.J., immigration attorney. “The girl had no say, made no choices. Still, she can’t get a green card because the law doesn’t allow any discretion.”

The article doesn’t go so far as to say why, exactly, Neidy’s petition was denied (Was it written in crayon? Or the delectably sweet tears of a crying child?), but the Collars have not yet given up hope.

The only solution to Neidy’s dilemma would be to get her out of the country and apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate, Tuohey-Kay said. This could take months and would be expensive. It would mean leaving home and work.

“We don’t have the means to do that,” Collar said.

Sad face. So what’s your plan, then?

Yet the Collars believe in the U.S., in the fairness of its laws and the values of its people, and will not give up the fight.

“All we are asking for is that our country shows goodwill to our daughter so she can make the most of her life and contribute to a better tomorrow,” Collar said.

Yes, Joe. You and several thousand other people currently seeking residency.

Adopted girl faces deportation [NY Daily News]