Maria Castro de Mercado and her husband Ildefonso Mercado Moran (the Mercados) were natives and citizens of Mexico. They both entered the U.S. without inspection. They were never lawfully admitted to the country.

The Mercados were married, with four minor children, all of whom were born in the U.S. They shared their home with Mr. Mercado’s elderly parents. The children were citizens. The parents were lawful permanent residents.