Virginia Key

Father of Teen Hero Arrives in Miami After Being Granted Humanitarian Visa

A father finally arrived in South Florida two weeks after he was granted a humanitarian visa to say his final goodbyes to his son, who lost his life while trying to save others.

Misael Burgos was deported from the U.S. to Nicaragua six months before his son, Christian, died after he pulled a mother and her son out of strong currents in Virginia Key.

After being granted a humanitarian visa on Oct. 31, Misael arrived in Miami on Friday and was greeted by loved ones and city officials at the airport.

"I feel good to be here so I can see how my son left as a hero," Misael said.

Local officials, including Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, pressured the federal government to allow Misael to come back to the U.S.

"It's really an honor to have him here and obviously a very difficult moment for him," Suarez said.

The visa grants Misael five days to stay in the U.S.

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