News & Media

One of the three people seeking sanctuary to avoid deportation in western Massachusetts has been granted a reprieve.

The Peruvian woman who has been living in a Springfield church walked out the doors on Monday.

Gisella Collazo has lived at the South Congregational Church since March 26.  Today, she returned home to her husband, who is an American citizen, and her two children after receiving what is called a stay of removal.

However, Collazo’s lawyer told us there is still work to be done to change her immigration status.

Overwhelmed with tears, Collazo said that she is looking forward to seeing her house and taking her two children to the park after living in the South Congregational Church for the last three months.

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