Deported Real Housewives Star begs Donald Trump for 'second chance'

A former reality TV personality is pleading with Donald Trump to grant him a presidential pardon so he can reunite with his family stateside.

Joe Giudice, 53, found himself behind bars in 2014 after being found guilty of multiple bankruptcy fraud charges and one count of tax evasion. Released in 2019, he was sent back to Italy, his birth country, as he never secured US citizenship despite having lived there since childhood.

Now residing in the Bahamas since 2021, Joe has seen occasional visits from family and friends while seeking ways to legally enter the US to see his loved ones. Joe, who rose to fame alongside his now ex-wife Teresa Giudice on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, turned to Instagram in a direct appeal to Trump, sharing snapshots with his daughters Gia, 23, Gabriella, 20, Milania, 19, and Audriana, 15, through time, and asking the President for "a second chance" at family reunification.

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"I'm Joe Giudice. I served my time, and I've been deported from the US for nearly a decade," he wrote in his heartfelt plea.

He continued: "I was raised in Jersey, I'm a father of four amazing daughters, and I just want to be allowed to visit them again. President Trump, I respect you and I'm asking for a second chance."

Showing support, Teresa responded to the post with emojis of praying hands and a red heart, while daughter Gia expressed her love with a comment: "I love you."

Joe's immigration lawyer, Jessica Cadavid, spoke to TMZ about how he has already missed significant events like Gia's graduation from Rutgers University in 2023. She emphasized that Joe wants to be present for his daughters' milestones.

Cadavid mentioned that while Joe doesn't think he'll regain US citizenship, he believes he should be granted visitation rights since he served his sentence and wasn't convicted of a violent crime. The attorney also noted they haven't approached the White House due to its stance on immigration, but they're contemplating reaching out to the State Department.

Both Joe and Teresa filed for bankruptcy in 2009, declaring an $11 million debt. However, five years later, they were indicted on fraud charges and pled guilty. Teresa served 11 months of a 15-month sentence from January to December 2015, while Joe served a 41-month sentence before being deported to Italy.

Teresa initiated divorce proceedings at the end of 2019, which were finalized in September 2020. Despite their split, the couple maintains a good relationship and co-parents their children.