University Custodian Granted Stay on Deportation

A long-time custodian at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, was granted a last-minute, 6-month stay, keeping him from being deported to Columbia last week, WTNH news reports. The stay will give Francisco Acosta more time to seek permanent asylum in the United States.

A former math and chemistry teacher, Acosta fled Columbia in 2001 due to threats from communist guerrillas. Although he no longer formally teaches, he often helps students with their math and science homework during his breaks. In 2018, the university awarded him the

Peter Morgenstern-Clarren scholarship for his service and impact on students, the Hardford Courant reports. The scholarship honors Wesleyan employees whose work benefits students.

Acosta was ordered to be deported in 2017 but was granted a stay of removal in 2018 on humanitarian grounds. Acosta’s mother, a U.S. citizen, is battling cancer and he is her primary caregiver.

Acosta is a member of Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 32BJ. Union leaders started a GoFundMe in early January to raise money for Acosta’s legal fees. The funds will help Acosta pay his immediate debts and pay for future legal expenses.