A man living in the United States, undocumented for 15 years, was deported to Guatemala Thursday. He spent most of those years in Syracuse raising a family with his wife, who is working to get him a visa.

Lorenzo Ramos was the father and step-father of two boys and ran a landscaping business.

He entered the U.S. illegally 15 years ago but immigration became aware of his status in 2010.

Ramos petitioned the government several times to stop his deportation and was checking in with immigration several times a year.

His lawyer was even able to get him a work permit and a social security number.

Ramos' had another check-in scheduled for November but was called and told to come in June.

Jose Perez, Ramos’ lawyer, advised him to seek sanctuary but Ramos checked-in anyway and was detained on June 8th before being deported Thursday.

"There is no gain by that,” said Perez. “Who gains by someone who has been here, who has a company, who has a united citizen spouse, who has been working legally, who employees other people who are also United States citizens, who gains by deporting this individual?"

Because Ramos entered the country illegally he couldn't apply for citizenship, only a VISA. Now deported, he will need to wait for a special waiver to be approved before getting a VISA, which could take years.