That policy has not helped the Crawfords, because they can’t file for the relief while removal proceedings remain against her, and the Department of Homeland Security won’t clear Elia Crawford’s order.

“The government won’t terminate that removal so she can get the PIP,” Bob Crawford said. “So she’s caught between ICE and DHS.”

In recent hearings, the Crawfords have requested the DHS removal proceedings be cleared so they could proceed with the paperwork to be granted PIP. Getting the orders cleared in earlier cases had been fairly procedural, Corona said. That’s changed under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has taken a harder line on immigration and deportation issues.

In late December, DHS declined the Crawfords’ request.

“They provided no reason as to why they came to that decision,” Corona said.

There was no one immediately available at DHS for comment.

Bob Crawford, who was honorably discharged in 2006 after 20 years of service, including in the 75th Ranger Regiment, a deployment during the Gulf War, and then serving in Latin America with 7th Group, said he has watched over the past year as both Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and new Army Secretary Mark Esper have talked about the importance of military families. He said it’s a juxtaposition to what he and other military families facing deportation are going through.

“I know the military takes care of families — because I lived it for 20 years,” Crawford said. “I just feel, right now, we’re caught in this limbo.”

Crawford continues to deploy in his contractor role to support the military. He is worried about Elia’s safety if the government decides she must return to Honduras.

“Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries in the world, especially for a female if they know she’s a military dependent,” he said.

The Crawfords return to an immigration court in Arlington, Virginia, Monday to see if there are other options available to them to get the deportation orders cleared. The family is fearful.

“This is kind of my last hope,” Bob Crawford said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

This story has been edited to clarify that deportation proceedings are now identified as removal proceedings.