Firefighter Battles Cancer and U.S. Government to Keep His Son

For 20 years, Luis Martinez fought wildfires as a federal firefighter. Now, he is in the fight of his life. Martinez faces stage 4 cancer. He says it is a result of his long exposure to toxic chemicals on the job. His illness has caused severe financial debt. It also threatens his legal right to remain in the United States with his 11-year-old son. Martinez is a Mexican citizen with a U.S. work permit. His firefighting job allowed him to live in America. But his cancer treatments have made him too sick to work. If he loses his job, he could lose his legal status. This means U.S. officials could order his deportation. His son, however, is a U.S. citizen. Forcing Martinez to leave would separate the father and child. “It’s just us,” Martinez said. He is now battling the government he served to stay with the son he loves.