LISTEN - Donegal man deported for living illegally in the US says he now fears having to live apart from family

They had planned to spend Christmas in New York, a place they have called home for 15 years. But, a Donegal man faces the prospect of having to live apart from his wife and young children after being deported for breaking immigration law. Hughie O'Donnell first went to live and work in America in 2001 without a work Visa but when he came home to Gweedore in 2008 to visit his dying father he was banned from re-entering the US. However, he admits defying the ban and going back where he got married and had children. He then applied for citizenship but was refused because of his previous ban. He's now back in Donegal where he is appealing to be allowed to return to New York. Hughie and his wife Sarah, who has citizenship, have been speaking to our reporter Anna Quigley. He began by describing the moment immigration officials arrived at their door.