SELINSGROVE -- The Servano family's fate depends on whether Sen. Arlen Specter or Sen. Robert Casey sponsor a private bill enabling them to avoid deportation to the Philippines.
But according to a recent Congressional study, such exemptions are few and far between.
In fact, only 451 private immigration bills have been introduced to Congress since 1995, according to a recent Congressional study. And of those, only 36 have been enacted.
"These kinds of a bills are enacted only very rarely," said Ann Ruben, a lawyer working with the Servanos. "There's very little mentioned about them in the public domain."
But without a senator's help, Selinsgrove residents Dr. Pedro and Salvacion Servano could be on a plane back to the Philippines -- a country they haven't lived in since the early 1980s -- as early as the end of the month.
Since the local community got word the respected and well-liked Servanos faced deportation due to a decades-old error in immigration documents, their story has captivated a growing audience. An Internet search of the case on Monday returned links from Newsweek, Time, ABC News, Fox News and dozens of other media outlets.
An online petition protesting the Servanos' pending deportation had more than 2,200 signatures as of Monday afternoon.
Still, Ms. Ruben said publicity doesn't always translate to success.
"There have been other cases that have gotten lots of press attention to no avail," she said.
She added: "But I don't know if they were as meritorious as this."
As for the Servanos' chances of having Sens. Specter or Casey involved, Ms. Ruben said she's "hopeful they are giving this very serious consideration." Neither senator has returned repeated telephone calls.
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