Immigrant Waitress from Hong Kong Freed After Deportation Concerns
KENNETT, MO — Ming Li Hui, a 45-year-old waitress from Hong Kong, was released from jail Wednesday after more than a month of detention, highlighting the ongoing immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Known affectionately as "Carol," she has become a cherished member of the Kennett community, where she has worked for years, serving breakfast and spreading warmth among her customers.
Hui entered the U.S. two decades ago on a tourist visa but remained after it expired, building a life that included raising three children. Despite being ordered for deportation over a decade ago, Hui navigated the complexities of U.S. immigration policy with temporary permissions until her recent arrest in late April.
Her release was facilitated by a federal immigration program that offers a “temporary safe haven” for certain immigrants from Hong Kong and other countries facing potential dangers upon return. While this deferred enforced departure offers her a reprieve, it does not guarantee her future status in the United States.
Attorney Raymond Bolourtchi expressed cautious optimism following her release, “By no means are we in the clear,” he said, but described the moment as an “immediate sigh of relief” for Hui and her family.
The circumstances surrounding Hui’s case have galvanized the local community, drawing attention to the human stories behind immigration policies. As she reunites with her family and returns to her job, the future remains uncertain, reflecting broader implications of immigration crackdowns in rural America.
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