17 and wanting to move out, but can my parents be deported?

[Guest]

I am a minor of 17, and I want to move out of my atomic household. I understand that therapy is an option to try to improve the situation, but still feel the need to move out as soon as possible. I understand I need parental consent to move out with a friend, else they'll be harboring a runaway.
However, my parents are unwilling to go through the process out of fear of deportation due to the possible exposure of their illegal immigrant status. They have not been arrested, pay their taxes, and have two other children born in the country after me. Are they at risk of deportation if I were to move out and bring our situation to court?

[ccsmod14]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to the National Runaway Safeline. We understand it takes a great deal of courage to reach out for support and we are glad you did.

It looks like you've done some research on legal ways to leave home. We're not legal experts here but yes, you're right, the easiest way to leave home is with your parent or legal guardian's consent. Otherwise, they could file a runaway report and press charges under "harboring a runaway." If your parents provide you with consent out of the court, it is unlikely their immigrant status would be brought to light. If you were to take them to court for whatever reason, any way they were in contact with law enforcement could put them in jeopardy of having their legal status questioned and possibly raise a flag to deportation officers. For more information, you may want to consider reaching out to an immigration non-profit that offers legal services for a more in depth answer.

It sounds like you might be conflicted about your personal interest to leave home and the possibility they might face grave consequences if law enforcement became involved. Perhaps there is a family member or trusted family friend that might be able to facilitate a conversation between you and your parents to relay your desire to leave home? We also facilitate conference calls here at the National Runaway Safeline if that is an option you are interested in. You could call us at 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are interested in that option, we are available 24/7.

We hope this was helpful and wish you luck in your decision.

Take care,
NRS