Alfredo Linares and his American wife, Raegan Kline, left Culver City, California, after living in the U.S. for 20 years due to fears of arrest and deportation, opting for self-deportation to Mexico. Linares, who immigrated undocumented as a teenager, built a successful career in the food industry and later co-founded a street vending and catering business with Kline. Despite their marriage aiming to resolve his immigration status, the couple faced challenges, as formalizing his status would require him to stay in Mexico for at least a decade.
After the election of President Trump, their hopes for immigration reform diminished, prompting a decision to leave the chaos of potential deportation behind. Kline expressed her emotional struggle in leaving her home and adjusting to life in a new country, emphasizing her commitment to protecting her husband from the risks posed by U.S. immigration enforcement.
Now residing in Puerto Vallarta, they view this relocation as a chance for safety and freedom. Even as they wrestle with emotions ranging from joy—like reuniting with Linares’ mother after 20 years—to anxiety about starting anew in a country he barely remembers, they focus on building a life together. Linares admits feeling foreign in his own country, while Kline reflects on her sense of betrayal towards the U.S. Despite the challenges ahead, they remain optimistic, cherishing the freedom they hope to find in Mexico. Their journey is marked by a determination to embrace their new life without fear, prioritizing their relationship and dreams for the future.
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