A heartbreaking immigration case has shocked many, as Ma Yang, a mother from Milwaukee, was deported to Laos—a country she has never visited and where she cannot speak the language. Despite living in the United States since infancy, Yang was forced to leave behind her five children and a life she built over nearly four decades.

Her story sheds light on the complexities and harsh realities of the immigration system, where long-term residents with legal permanent status can still face deportation due to past convictions. Now stranded in an unfamiliar land, Yang faces an uncertain future while her family struggles to cope with her absence.

A Life Built in America, Now Shattered

Yang’s journey to the United States began when she was just a baby.

• She was born in a Thai refugee camp to Hmong parents fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
• At eight months old, she was brought to the U.S., where her family settled in Milwaukee.
• For nearly her entire life, she called America her home—attending school, working, and raising her children in Wisconsin.

Despite her deep ties to the country, her legal status made her vulnerable to deportation, something she never imagined would happen.

The Sudden Deportation That Left Her Stranded

On March 6, Yang’s life changed forever when she was unexpectedly deported.

• She was put on a flight from Chicago to Atlanta, then transferred to South Korea, and finally landed in Laos—a nation she had never set foot in before.
• Her deportation stemmed from a past marijuana-related conviction, for which she had already served 30 months in prison.

When she arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, she was immediately confronted with harsh conditions.

• Laotian military authorities detained her, placing her in a rooming house for five days without allowing her to leave or contact anyone.
• With no local connections, no resources, and no way to communicate, she was left feeling completely lost and alone.
• Speaking about her experience, she said: “The United States sent me back to die. I don’t even know where to go. I don’t even know what to do.”

Video: Milwaukee Mother Deported to Laos, A Country She’s Never Visited and Can’t Speak the Language

Struggling Without Legal Documents in a Foreign Land

Even after managing to get access to a phone and some cash, Yang’s struggles were far from over.

• The Laotian military still holds her documents, making it impossible for her to rent a home, get a job, or establish stability.
• Frustrated and unsure how to move forward, she said: “How do I rent, or buy, or anything with no papers?”

Her situation highlights a major issue faced by deported individuals—many are sent to countries where they have no support system, no identification, and no realistic way to rebuild their lives.

A Family Left Behind in Emotional and Financial Turmoil

Back in Milwaukee, Yang’s deportation has left her family in crisis.

• Her partner, Michael Bub, is struggling to care for their children alone.
• Michael, who has undergone two brain surgeries and is partially paralyzed, now faces immense challenges as the sole caregiver.
• Their oldest daughter, Azia, has been forced to take on adult responsibilities, caring for her younger siblings while trying to keep the family afloat.

The emotional toll has been overwhelming. Michael described the pain he felt after Yang’s deportation:

“I think I screamed in the car for like half an hour.”

Yang, too, is devastated:

“I would love to come back. I have five children. I’m praying every day to come back.”

Her story underscores the ripple effect of deportation, which not only affects the individual but also leaves families torn apart and struggling to survive.

Legal Missteps That Led to an Unexpected Deportation

Yang believes that misleading legal advice played a significant role in her deportation.

• When she accepted a plea deal for her marijuana charge, she was under the impression that her legal residency would remain intact.
• However, her green card was revoked as a result of her conviction.
• After completing her sentence, she was transferred to an ICE detention center, where she signed a deportation order, believing her attorney would help reopen her case later—something that never happened.

Her case highlights a common issue in immigration law, where many non-citizens are not fully informed about how criminal charges affect their residency status.

Social Media Reactions: A Divided Public Opinion

As news of Yang’s deportation spread, social media erupted with mixed reactions.

Support for Yang and Her Family

Many sympathized with her situation, calling the deportation unfair and cruel.

• “She was a baby when she came here. This is all she’s ever known. This is heartbreaking.”
• “Tearing a mother away from her kids is NOT justice.”
• “This is what’s wrong with the system. She served her time and should’ve been allowed to stay.”

Criticism of Yang’s Immigration Status

Others, however, argued that she had decades to apply for citizenship and should have taken responsibility for her legal status.

• “She should have become a U.S. citizen. She had plenty of time.”
• “Sad situation, but she made her choices. That’s on her.”
• “This happens all the time. It’s not new. Deal with it.”

The division in opinions reflects a broader debate about immigration laws, personal responsibility, and the consequences of past criminal records.

Video: A Milwaukee mother has been deported to Laos

A Broken Immigration System That Needs Reform

Yang’s story is one of thousands that highlight the harsh realities of U.S. immigration policies.

• Many long-term U.S. residents with legal permanent residency (green cards) falsely assume they are safe from deportation.
• Non-citizens convicted of crimes—even minor ones—often face deportation, regardless of how long they’ve lived in the country.
• Many lack proper legal representation, leading to misinformed decisions that have devastating consequences.

While some believe that laws should be enforced without exception, others argue that cases like Yang’s deserve consideration, especially when children and families are involved.

Conclusion: A Mother’s Fight for Her Family

Ma Yang’s deportation is a heartbreaking example of how immigration laws can uproot lives.

• Despite living in the U.S. for nearly four decades, she was sent to a country she’s never known.
• She cannot speak the language, has no documentation, and is struggling to survive.
• Meanwhile, her five children in Milwaukee are left without their mother, facing an uncertain future.

Her story raises critical questions about justice, legal protections, and the human impact of deportation policies.