They thought they were American, then they were deported

(03/12/15) Harry Bielskis thought he was American until the day he was deported.

For the past 2 years, the former bus driver from Portland, Oregon, has been forced to recycle his life in Germany, a country he’d not stepped foot in for almost 60 years. He didn’t even speak the language.

In 1956, when Harry was 4 years old, his mother decided they should leave their German homeland in search of a better life. One week later, America was their new home. In all this time, Harry had never sought U.S. citizenship. He never thought he would need it. But after a brush with the law, on paper and in the eyes of U.S. Immigration, Harry was German and his destiny already set.

Christ the King Episcopal Church in Frankfurt helps people like Harry rebuild their lives through a ministry called Heimkehrer, which means homecomer. Social workers and volunteers offer them support and guidance, and many of the returnees, as they’re known at Christ the King, become valued members of the community. Produced by Matthew Davies

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