The ugly debate over immigration reform sometimes overshadows the heartwrenching decisions which Immigration Judges and the Appellate Courts  address on a daily basis. Judge Pregerson's dissenting opinion in a recent unpublished Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision highlights the harsh consequences that follow when Courts apply an inflexible approach to interpreting complex immigration laws. US citizen children and spouses are left without the emotional and financial protection of the primary care giver and families are broken up with little chance of reunification unless Congress implements new immigration legislation.  A comprehensive immigration reform program  should and could address both the need for strict enforcement measures to address illegal immigration and a core value of maintaining the integrity of the family unit.