NORTHPORT, NY – The Northport community has successfully rallied to support Yader Salgado, the sexton at Trinity Episcopal Church, after he faced imminent deportation. Thanks to swift action from church members, local officials, and immigration advocates, Yader has been granted a temporary reprieve under an official asylum request, allowing him to remain with his family and the church community he has come to call home.
Yader has only been at Trinity since June 2024, yet he has already left a lasting impact. Fr. Andrew Garnett, the church’s priest, described him as a “go-getter” who has learned how to do everything needed to keep the church running smoothly. Yader and his wife, who often sing together while they clean, have brought warmth and dedication to their work. But his ties to Northport stretch further back—he was a foreign exchange student in the area in the 1990s and remained connected to the community through his close friend, Joe Martin. It was Martin who later helped sponsor Yader’s return with his family, giving them an opportunity for a new life in the U.S.
The crisis began when Yader received a letter notifying him that his asylum parole would be terminated, forcing him to leave the country. Fr. Garnett first learned of the situation last Sunday afternoon. The news quickly spread through the congregation via an Instagram post from Fr. Garnett, prompting an outpouring of support. Church members immediately began offering funds for legal assistance and using every contact in their network to find a path forward. One key connection came through Northport’s deputy mayor, who linked Yader with an asylum attorney.
Legally, Yader’s situation is complex. His initial entry into the U.S. was through “asylum parole,” a federal humanitarian measure that allows individuals to enter the country with a sponsor vouching for them. This status granted him a two-year probationary period to apply for official asylum, but it did not guarantee long-term security. Many asylum seekers struggle to meet the next set of legal requirements, but Yader was prepared—his employment at Trinity and deep ties to the community strengthened his case. The Long Island Immigration Clinic in Brentwood had already been assisting him, ensuring that he was on the right track to file his claim properly.
Fr. Garnett emphasized that this moment was a testament to the power of faith and unity. “As people of faith, we are called to stand together, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to seek justice for the oppressed. Yader is not just an employee; he is family.” He noted that people from all sides of the political spectrum came together to support Yader, proving that moments of crisis can foster unity. “We live in a society that’s very divided, but this was an opportunity where we could work together. Unfortunately, Yader’s story will not be everyone’s story. But this is what the church looks like when it functions well—rallying around those in need.”
Though the immediate crisis has been averted, the journey is far from over. Yader’s asylum case is still pending, and it could take up to three years before he gets a formal interview. The community remains committed to standing by him and his family, ensuring they have the resources and legal support they need.
For now, there is relief and gratitude—but also a call to action. “What if we lived in this spirit of unity always?” Fr. Garnett asked. He urged the community to continue supporting immigrants facing similar struggles, reminding them that faith calls for compassion and action.
This victory for Yader is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together. But as Fr. Garnett put it, “Let this not be the end, but the beginning of a renewed commitment to justice, mercy, and radical welcome.”