A Wichita man who has lived illegally in the United States for 22 years is fighting what his lawyer says would be a lifetime expulsion from the country.

Manuel Amparan-Mendoza faces sentencing January 18 for using fraudulent documents. Federal guidelines call for a maximum six-month sentence.

But prosecutors are seeking a sentence of a year and a day, which would make his conviction an aggravated felony resulting in automatic deportation and a lifetime ban from the U.S.

In a court filing Wednesday, Amparan-Mendoza’s lawyer says the result would be inconsistent with President Barack Obama’s immigration policy. He calls the Mexican immigrant a simple man who’s worked hard to support his family.

The government argues Amaparan-Mendoza used the identities of real citizens to work, open bank accounts and buy a home.