Sorry to hear your experience with matters of the heart brought you pain.  Don't give up!

I think you aren't distinguishing "the law" from the punishments associated with it. 

Ortiz admits he is an undocumented alien who came to this country when he was 15.  He is guilty of breaking a law.

The question now is how he should be punished.  It is not about "deferring" or "suspending" a law.  A law was broken, now the decision is about how to punish him. 

You think the punishment should break up his family.  I think something that keeps his family intact would be appropriate.