A popular waiter at a Rockville Centre diner was deported, and now patrons are raising money to help him and his family.

Sokol Vokshi was departed back in April. He worked at the Golden Reef Diner for more than 20 years.

Vokshi came to the U.S. in 1993 seeking political asylum from Albania. He was on supervised release until he was sent back to his native country.

His wife and daughters, one of whom has autism, live in Elmont.

Vokshi's customers have set up a GoFundMe page to help him.

"Sal is a guy you want here and not to be deported," says Warren Prosky. "He's a wonderful individual that just wanted to live the American dream."

By Monday, the GoFundMe page had raised more than $11,000 of its $20,000 goal.