, a 1996 law that made it easier to deport legal U.S. residents if convicted of certain crimes, including some relatively minor offenses.Benson was shocked to learn that military veterans can be deported under that law. “I had no idea,” she said.
Upon his discharge, Warren struggles with problems such as PTSD and addiction. He gets in trouble while moving out of state to live with his mother. He owns guns, which police find in his car — and he’s charged with illegally transporting weapons. Because he’s only a legal resident — not a citizen — he’s deportable.
That’s evident as Liana Aráuz rehearses the ICE visit scene as Melida — whose story, like Warren’s, is real. But many years ago, Melida and her boyfriend had been pulled over. Police found marijuana on him. It was her car, so she was charged, too. And now, years later, she learns from the ICE agent at her door that her citizenship application pulled up a red flag.
She said she also understands what it’s like to flee violence and political upheaval, both of which Nicaragua has experienced over the years. Perkins said while he didn’t grow up in an immigrant family, as a Black actor, the play still feels personal.