Pocono News Section

Family wins 18 year legal battle

Family wins 18 year legal battle - Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:35PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 @ 04:35pm EST
SCIOTA - A family torn apart by government red tape gets its wish to be together, legally in the United States.

Rukie Paputchi was arrested in January. She was jailed for being an illegal immigrant.

Her family argued it was a government mix up and it turns out they were right.

For many, the pizza seemed to taste a little better at Old Mill Pizza in Sciota Tuesday.

"I mean from happiness," smiled owner Zack Paputchi.

It took almost 18 years but the the shop owners Zack and Rukie Paputchi are now legal residents.

"We feel very happy. It's a happy ending," said Zack.

The couple and their two children went to immigration court Monday. They explained they should have become legal years ago.

Zack remarked, "We did everything possible thing right."

But someone messed up their paperwork and the case got tangled in more than a decade of red tape.

"Even the government attorney didn't oppose. That was the best," said Zack.

After the hearing, the judge said the words the family has waited to hear for so long.

"Congratulations you guys are legal permanent residents," recalled Zack.

Rukie said, " "I was so happy my tears was coming - my eyes."

Customers like Lorraine Hansen came by the shop to celebrate.

Hansen said, "I was in tears myself. I just gave her a big fat hug when I saw her."

The family said none of this would have been possible without their customers. About 400 people wrote letters to the government in support of Zack and Rukie's case.

"We are thankful for every individual, all our supporters for our community," Zack said.

The couple will be allowed to apply for citizenship in about five years.