Petition Tag - deportation

I am in hopes that we can come together and help free Fabricio from detention and let him come home to his family where he deserves to be.

He is a hardwoking father and husband who plead "no contest" to assault charges in 2007 without being fully aware of the immigraton consequences. Had he known he would actually face deportation, he would have fought these charges, which he is currently in the process of doing.

The target in this petition is Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.). It is our goal to seek justic for Fabricio and allow him to keep his legal resident status in the United States of America.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and support...FREE FABRICIO!!!

View petition

Mayra Cabrera died in 2004 because of a hospital blunder during childbirth. An epidural anesthetic was mistakenly injected into her arm rather than her spinal cord.

Mayra was recruited by the NHS to work at Great Western Hospital in Swindon and this is where she wanted to remain and bring up her family. Unfortunately the Home Office have turned down her husband Arnel Cabrera's request to remain in the UK.

You can read more about the case and the verdict at the following website: http://www.accidentspecialistsolicitors.co.uk/mayra_cabrera_Swindon_hospital.html

View petition

Irish political refugee Pol Brennan is once again in prison after being stopped at a Border Patrol check point over 100 miles from the Mexican border. He is currently being held in isolation in a Los Fresnos jail in Texas.

What was a misunderstanding over an out of date work authorization document turned into the resurgence of an old outdated Deportation order against Pol.

Pol was an Irish political activist in a different life and a different time, and has lived here in the US since around 1984 Pol is not undocumented, after his extradition case was dropped in October 2000, he was granted the right to remain in the US where he has been living and working ever since.

Please sign this petition Give Pol and his family a chance of a peaceful life free from persecution Pol poses no national security threat - he is a hard working man who found a new love and a new life here in the US. He is fighting for this life against faceless bureaucracy and needs our help.

View petition

In Canada there are approximately 30,000 to 50,000 undocumented workers, many of whom are waiting for their application to be processed or who have been rejected. For those individuals seeking refuge a request for deportation means returning into an unsafe environment where they are at risk of harm, torture or death; the very reason why they fled. They are victims of human rights abusers and Canada should uphold their universal right to life, liberty, and security.

Up to 15,000 individuals in Ontario and 200,000 nationally have already been deported. For those that remain in Canada, the fear of deportation is constant, during which they are deprived of necessities such as medical access, safety, education, and decent wages for engaging in poor and unsafe work.

View petition

In Canada there are approximately 30,000 to 50,000 undocumented workers, many of whom are waiting for their application to be processed or who have been rejected. For those individuals seeking refuge a request for deportation means returning into an unsafe environment where they are at risk of harm, torture or death; the very reason why they fled.

They are victims of human rights abusers and Canada should uphold their universal right to life, liberty, and security. Up to 15,000 individuals in Ontario and 200,000 nationally have already been deported.

For those that remain in Canada, the fear of deportation is constant, during which they are deprived of necessities such as medical access, safety, education, and decent wages for engaging in poor and unsafe work.

View petition

We are asking for your support to overturn the Home Office decision that Zarine Rentia, a student at South Camden Community School, be deported to India.

Zarine is a wheelchair user as she has Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, causing liver, kidney and intestinal problems together with severely stunted growth and is currently receiving medical treatment from Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Zarine is an extremely popular member of our school and a key, active member of the school council. She is also a conscientious and committed student who is due to take her GCSE’s in June.

If Zarine is deported to India she will not be able to access the same standard of medical care that she is can in the UK. When Zarine lived in India, she did not attend school at all and figures suggest that only 9% of disabled children receive a formal education in India.

Zarine’s deportation would be a huge loss to our school, but would also have an extremely detrimental effect on her, her family and friends.

We appeal to you to show your support, by adding your name to our e-petition and forwarding it to family, friends and colleagues.

View petition

After a bar fight, which Marika did not start, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison (serving 8 months) for opposing discrimination in the army. He and a colleague were discriminated against and verbally abused and an altercation ensued between them and a group of British army soldiers.

While simply defending himself, he injured two fellow soldiers and as a result was imprisoned after, what he considers an unfair trial.

Marika wished to plead not guilty and acted in self defence but was finally convinced by the lawyer to plead guilty in order to stay in the army.

The result was a prison sentence of 16 months (serving 8 months) and dismissal from the army.

This means he will most probably be deported back to Fiji, a country undergoing a military coup.

His life and army career have been destroyed. A trivial bar fight coupled with lies appear to be enough to dismiss a loyal soldier.

Someone who is willing to die for this country should be treated with dignity and respect and not with deportation.

View petition

Jack came to the UK in February 2006 fleeing persecution in Nigeria. He applied for asylum, but was immediately put in immigration detention, even though he was under 18 years old.

At the time Jack was unable to prove his age or his claims that he was gay and his asylum claim was refused. After 11 months in detention, Jack was granted bail on the strength of a report from a medical expert from the Helen Bamber Foundation, which provided evidence that Jack has scars and other injuries consistent with his experience of torture.

When Jack was 16 he had a relationship with another boy of his age in Nigeria. The other boy was the son of a local chief. On learning of this relationship, the family of his lover threatened to have him killed. They also went to the police, who issued a warrant for Jack’s arrest for homosexual activity and widely publicised this in Jack’s home area. The police came to Jack’s house looking for him.

Jack went into hiding, but was discovered by a group of men who recognised him. He was abducted and severely beaten and tortured for several hours. The men left Jack for dead, but having survived this ordeal, he sought to escape Nigeria with the help of other gay friends.

According to the law, religion and culture in Nigeria, homosexuality is strongly criminalised. Homosexuality is outlawed in the Nigerian penal code and Muslim law. However, in northern states under Muslim law the punishment can be death; in the civil penal code homosexuality can carry up to a 14-year prison sentence. The Nigerian authorities have issued a warrant for Jack’s arrest. Re-locating to a different region in Nigeria is not an option.

A new law forbids same-sex marriage and prohibits gay people from assembling and petitioning the government. It also allows prosecution of newspapers that publish information about same-sex relationships and religious groups that allow same-sex unions. Those who violate this law can be sentenced to five years in prison.

Jack's removal to Nigeria would undoubtedly place him at risk of persecution and would lead to the abuse of his human rights and possibly even death.

View petition

BEHNAM AND FAMILY MUST STAY!

Behnam, an outstanding young artist and BA Hons Fine Art student at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, University of the Arts London, his younger brother, a gap year student, both former students at Quintin Kynaston School, and their mother, are in urgent need of asylum in the UK. They have lived in London since 2002.

What Behnam and his mother face is deportation to prison, torture and likely death.

As a former teacher at the boys' school and now a close family friend, I have known Behnam since his arrival at the school in 2003. I vouch for the family's complete integrity and for the authenticity of their asylum claim.

Behnam is a delightful, popular young man, an excellent role model for young people. In recognition of his achievements under adversity he was Highly Commended at the Anne Frank Awards in 2007. In 2008 he was made an Ambassador for Refugees and Arts by the Refugees & the Arts Initiative. In June 2009 Behnam was invited to work alongside an established artist facilitating a day of workshops on Islamic glasspainting at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Much of Behnam's artwork reflects his open-minded approach to politics and religion and his strong opposition to the current theocratic regime in Iran. This, alone, would place him in great danger in today's Iran.

In 2008 Behnam held an exhibition "Visions of Freedom" at the Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford, his fifth solo art exhibition in London. His latest travelling exhibition, "Where is Their Vote?", was inspired by the courage of the protesters following the Presidential Election of June, 2009. He has also exhibited alongside other artists including at venues that include the Human Rights Centre of Amnesty International,St Ethelberga's Church of Reconciliation, Portsmouth University and the Free Word Centre. He and his family are an enormous asset to our society.

The image included is "Hope for Freedom" by Behnam, aged 16, depicting the view of a political prisoner looking out towards freedom. The doves and the Statue of Liberty are outlined in the colours of the Iranian flag. Around the image are representaions of the ancient Persian Human Rights Codes of Cyrus.

In April 2005 two of Behnam's friends were arrested at Behnam's family's home in Tehran for allegedly printing and distributing anti-regime literature.

Three days later Behnam's father was arrested on arrival at Tehran Airport. Beaten and interrogated about the whereabouts of his wife and older son, Behnam's father was released following the payment of money.

He warned his wife in London, that she and Behnam were wanted by the authorities and could not return to Iran. He was subsequently re-arrested and held in the notorious Evin Prison for 15 months until he was conditionally released.

The family claimed asylum in the UK, but their claim was rejected. It again failed on appeal and this was upheld at a reconsideration hearing. Shortly after receiving this news the boys' mother collapsed and was taken to hospital. This has happened on a number of occasions since this situation arose and is clearly related to deep fears.

The family sought to take the case to the Court of Appeal, especially as there is evidence which was not available at the earlier hearing, but their application was rejected.

A fresh asylum claim, based on substantial additional evidence, was submitted in April 2008. This time the family has a highly competent solicitor. For seventeen long months there was no response from the Home Office but there have now been indications that the Home Office is about to consider the fresh application.

Should the fresh application, however, be rejected, their position is one of great danger. Both Behnam and his mother have been tried and sentenced in absentia by a court in Iran on political charges. Behnam has been sentenced prison for 5 years, his mother to 7 years.

Even more shocking is that they have been warned that they will receive lashes, 70 in Behnam's case and 100 in the mother's. Knowing the people concerned we cannot see how they could survive such a brutal ordeal.

The Iranian regime has an appalling, and deteriorating, Human Rights record - including executions of minors, floggings, rape and other forms of torture. The already lamentable state of human rights in Iran has worsened even further following the phoney Presidetial election of June 2009, with groups such as students and artists being targetted.

We are completely dismayed and outraged by the suffering this delightful family are going through. They fell victim of serious malpractice by their previous legal representative.The family has so far been denied justice.

Should the fresh application be refused,the family is at real risk of deportation to Iran. This petition is part of a campaign to stop this.

Please sign the onlne petition if you have not signed the paper one. In all, over 11,200 people have so far signed the petition, demonstrating the enormous concern there is for this much loved, vulnerable family in such danger.

Included in a long list of prominent supporters of the campaign are Isabelle Allende, Michael Palin, Nicole Farhi, Katherine Hammett, Paula Rego, Mark Titchner, Ken Loache, Polly Toynbee, Yasmin Allibhai-Brown, Rory Bremner, Darius Campbell Danesh , Eva Schloss (Anne Frank's step-sister), faith and community leaders, MPs, Peers and MEPs.

THEY MUST NOT BE RETURNED TO IRAN TO BE TORTURED! THEY MUST BE ALLOWED TO STAY IN THE UK!

If you would like to get involved in the campaign please let me know.

On behalf of the family, thanks for your support.

Pauline Levis
Coordinator, Behnam & Family Must Stay Campaign
pauline.levis@btopenworld.com

View petition

January 20, 2006

Startling revelations are surfacing in the "breaks in" news of the TBC radio.
We, a group of failed asylum seekers are living in the UK with fear of arrest and deportation to Sri Lanka at any time.

Mr.Ramraj assured us to obtain visas illegally using his association with the MP for Harrow west, Mr.Garath Thomas and the Councillor, Harrow Mr.Thaya Idaikadar.

In fear of returning to Sri Lanka, three of us barrowed from friends and paid him £5000 each in order to get the visa. However he could not help us in regularising our status as mentioned.

Therefore we asked him to refund the money. He started to threaten us to inform the Enforcement officials of the UK Immigration Service about our status in this country. He further said that we were from the LTTE and will inform to the UK Police that we were threatening him.

Despite this threat, we continued to pressurise him to get the money back. Then recently he asked us to wait in the midnight of 22nd of May 2005 in front of Domino Pizza, in Rayners Lane area. When we went there, he asked us to follow him. We went near a parked car (Metallic Green, R4 JRT) in the Warden Avenue. Then he gave us electronic equipments of possibly radio station and said that get your money from selling those equipments.

The Other day we heard the news that the TBC Radio Station was broken in. Later we got to know that he made a complaint at the Harrow Police Station that the LTTE suspects broke in his radio station.

In another interesting thing that the same Mr.Ramraj, one day had given money to one of another friends of us to buy a pay as you go sim card. Then Mr.Ramraj asked him to call to his Radio Station as well as to his mobile number using a phone with the same sim card frequently. Our friend was not aware as to why Mr.Ramraj asked him to do so.

Now we understand that the purpose of this is to manipulate and complain to the Police about the LTTE threat and to claim insurance falsely. In the recent news in his www.nitharsanam.net, www.vizhippu.net , the same phone number has been mentioned in relation to the "LTTE threat story".

We also learnt that he had a history of cheating the Insurance companies in the year of 2001 and 2003 respectively.

If the UK Immigration Service and the Police can give us guarantee not to remove us from the UK, we are happy to assist the Police or the relevant officials in this regard.

View petition

Please show your support for our friend, Rabia Benhmida, and sign this online petition demanding that the motion for her deportation be rescinded and that she be allowed to be in the U.S., be given permanent resident status, green cards and the right to apply for US citizenship.

Then we ask you to pass this petition on to your family and friends.

View petition

June 2005

Dear Friends,

Please show your support for our friends, Andrew and Blanka Danecek, and sign this online petition demanding that the motion for their deportation be rescinded and that they be allowed to be in the U.S., be given permanent resident status, green cards and the right to apply for US citizenship. Then we ask you to pass this petition on to your family and friends.

Let me tell you their story:

Almost 17 years ago (July 1988), Andrew and Blanka Danecek escaped with their two sons, Andy (age 11) and Christopher (age 9), from their native Czechoslovakia, just hours before Andrew, a lawyer, was to be arrested by the secret police for distributing banned literature. Andrew was tried by the Communist Government in absentia and sentenced to prison, making him a political refugee.

In Vienna, they applied for political asylum at the US Consulate. While the family waited to be interviewed, the U.S. Congress passed the "Lautenberg Amendment" giving priority to Soviet refugees from the USSR. The Danecek's are not from the USSR, they escaped from Czechoslovakia, a country occupied by the USSR. This put their emigration status on low priority.

Waiting in a refugee camp outside Vienna, two things happened. Christopher was diagnosed with leukemia, and the Berlin Wall came down. Immediately, the U.S denied all applications for political asylum except for those covered by the Lautenberg Amendment. Meanwhile, doctors in Austria, anticipating that the family would be granted political asylum in the U.S., made arrangements for Christopher's care in Minneapolis, MN.

One day, Andrew and Blanka were notified by the U.S. Consulate in Vienna that their visas had arrived. In September, 1990, they arrived in New York City as "humanitarian parolees - time indefinite." Since their visas were stamped with the words "time indefinite," they believed they would soon obtain their permanent residency status. They were affirmed in that belief when their work permits were renewed routinely every fall.

Andrew and Blanka started in Minneapolis with only their hopes and dreams. They each worked two jobs to make ends meet; every day grateful for the opportunity to come to the U.S. and start anew in the land of freedom. Christopher was treated at Minneapolis Children's Hospital, and his leukemia remains in remission today. Both boys were excellent students. The Danecek family dream seemed to be fulfilled.

In 1995, tragedy struck. Eighteen-yr-old Andy fell to his death as a result of a climbing accident. Incredibly, the Danecek's pulled together and survived this new crisis. In 1996 a healthy baby girl, Blanche was born. Christopher finished high school in Minnesota and in May, 2001, graduated from Boston University. Blanche will begin 4th grade this Fall. Andrew and Blanka saved enough to buy a home in Minnesota. Their work ethic and the desire to be good citizens propelled them to excel. They both have good jobs with excellent work history. They love America.

After September 11, 2001, the immigrant status for the Danecek family changed for the worse. Appearing for the annual interview to have their work permits renewed, an immigration officer from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service told Andrew and Blanka that they were not humanitarian parolees, but "arriving aliens," allowed to be here physically, but with no legal status because they were not "admitted." Those covered by the Lautenberg Amendment can change their "arriving alien" status to permanent residency, but since Andrew and Blanka are from the Czech Republic, they cannot.

In 2002, the Office of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) began deportation proceedings against Andrew and Blanka Danecek.

In May after two and ½ years of legal battles and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the INS told Andrew and Blanka Danecek that they have until June 13, 2005 to leave their adopted country, the United States of America.

Blanche, as an American citizen is welcome to return to the U.S. at age 18. Christopher, married to an American Citizen in 2001, has a permanent residency status and his application for US citizenship is about to be granted. But their parents have been told that they are not welcome here.

As Americans and as friends who value this family for all the talent and perseverance they bring to this country, we take exception to this irrational and inhumane decision. Deporting Andrew and Blanka Danecek is an act of grave injustice. We hope you agree.

Please show your support for Andrew and Blanka Danecek and sign this online petition demanding that the motion for deportation be rescinded; that Andrew and Blanka Danecek be allowed in the U.S., be given permanent status, green cards and the right to apply for US citizenship.

Carol J Just
Katharina E. Halverson
Anne L. Halverson
Minneapolis, Minnesota

UPDATE....JUNE 2005......

On June 13, 2005, Blanka and Andrew Danecek accompanied by their son, Christopher Danecek, and their lawyer, Herbert Igbanugo, met with Scott R. Baniecke, Field Office Director of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS). They were armed with 444 signatures on this petition and a letter requesting special consideration from Minnesota Senator Mark Dayton.

Mr. Baniecke was not swayed in his endeavor to expedite their departure. Their passports were confiscated and they were told they are now under threat of detention at any time. They were told to be at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport on July 14, 2005, tickets in hand for a destination outside of this county. They were told that they will be met at the airport by an employee of the US Department of Homeland Security, given their passports and ushered on to their departing flight.

Their son, Christopher Danecek, is scheduled for his Naturalization Interview in Boston, on July 13, the day before Andrew and Blanka have been ordered to depart. Once naturalized, Christopher will petition for green card status for his parents, opening the door for their ultimate naturalization. Mr Baniecke has this information, yet remains firm in his mandate.

This cruel and unreasonable demand on the part of Mr. Beniecke and the US Department of Homeland Security will create unnecessary hardship for this family. There is no reason to deport them. They have done nothing illegal. They pose no threat to this nation. They are important contributors to the fabric of this society.

If they leave, there is no guarantee when/if they can get back. They risk losing their jobs and their home. Blanche could lose the only home and culture she has ever known. They will be separated from their son, Christopher.

If you believe in justice and mercy, please sign this petition and share it with everyone you know.
Thank You,

Carol J. Just,
Katharina E. Halverson
Anne L. Halverson

Update.....July 10, 2005

Barring a last minute change of heart by Mr. Scott R Beniecke, Director of Minnesota's Department of Homeland Security, Andrew, Blanka and Blanche Danecek will be leaving the United States on Wednesday, July 13, to await a petition for their return by their son, Christopher Danecek, when he receives his naturalization approval. Christoper's naturalization interview was cancelled for July 13. He is awaiting word of a rescheduled appointment.

Friends and supporters of Andrew and Blanka Danecek gathered today (Sunday, 7/10) at Louisiana Oaks Park in St. Louis Park. MN. Among them were former St. Louis Park and St. Paul Academy classmates of their sons, Andy and Christopher, along with co-workers, friends, neighbors and concerned citizens.

Update.....July 17, 2005

Andrew, Blanka and Blanche Danecek departed willingly from Mpls/St. Paul International Airport at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13. arriving in Prague, Czech Republic after a 19 hr. journey.

Media reports(7/11/05 and 7/14/05)of their story can be accessed at startribune.com and fox9news.com.

The one room apartment they were planning to use is in dire disrepair. They have found other temporary lodging. Unable to be working in Minnesota and no employment in Prague means no income. Savings will go quickly. Their future is at great risk right now.

We thank Shubha Harris, 612-727-5231, in MN Senator Mark Dayton's office for her effort in clearing the way for a new date for Chris Danecek's Naturalization Interview.

We also thank Emily Kluver in MN Senator Norm Coleman's office, 651-645-3809, emily_kluver @ coleman.senate.gov for her ongoing effort to waive any delays in the Danecek family's return to MN.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), The Minnesota Department of Homeland Security, the US Senate offices, print and radio and television media are very aware of this petition. PETITION SIGNERS ARE ALSO VOTERS. PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO OTHERS. THE SUPPORT IS CRITICAL.

This petition serves as a vehicle to maintain awareness of this injustice and to demonstrate to the Minnesota Department of Homeland Secuity and the US Embassy in Prague that the Danecek family belongs in Minnesota, USA.

Thank You,

Carol J. Just
Katharina E.Halverson
Anne L. Halverson

Update....August 14, 2005

Andrew, Blanka and Blanche Danecek have been staying with friends and family for one month in Prague. A story about their journey has been covered by an English language newspaper, "The Prague Post," and an interview with Andrew on a Prague based English language radio station has brought this story to Europe.

Christopher Danecek's Naturalization interview is scheduled in Boston, MA on Monday, August 22. Herbert Igbanugo, lawyer for the family, will be present and is requesting immediate approval. Upon approval, the Immigration Visa Petition for Andrew and Blanka Danecek can be filed. There are more twists and turns from the USCIS to the National Visa Center (NVC), to the lawyer, back to the NVC and finally to the US Embassy in Prague where interviews with Andrew and Blanka will take place before visas are issued for their return. At every turn, the legal team will be ready and the Senate offices of Minnesota's Senators Dayton and Coleman are on-call for extra help. How wonderful to report the collaboration of these two senate offices.

We continue to seek signatures for this petition to show to the authorities at every juncture of this process that we believe that Andrew and Blanka Danecek deserve American citizenship and belong in this country.

Thank You,
Carol J. Just
Katharina E. Halverson
Anne L. Halverson

Update....January 12, 2006

I am happy to announce that after 6 months of waiting, this week we were informed that the National Visa Center (NVC) has approved the Immigration Visa Petitions submitted by Christopher Danecek requesting his parents be allowed to return to the US, be issued green cards and begin the process of US citizenship. Today we were notifed that the Citizen and Immigration Service (CIS) in Minnesota has signed the I 212 Waiver, the final hurdle that will allow Blanka and Andrew Danecek to return to Minnesota and resume their life here.

NVC will be sending all the paperwork to the US Embassy in Prague on 1/13/05.
The approved and signed waiver will arrive in Prague within days. Upon arrival and with a request from the office of Minnesota Senator Mark Dayton that this case be expedited, Blanka and Andrew will be invited for their interview at the US Embassy in Prague. All documents are in order and ready to present to officials there. Soon after their interview they should be approved to return to Minnesota.

We owe a debt of thanks to the legal team, the many friends, elected officials, co-workers and concerned citizens who have remained steadfast in their intention to bring this family back to America. To all who signed this petition...many, many thanks for believing in justice and mercy and for believing in the American Dream. We have now witnessed that our voice does count.

I will update this petition again when we have firm dates for Andrew, Blanka and Blanche Danecek's arrival at Mpls/St. Paul Airport.

Carol J Just
Katharina Halverson
Anne L. Halverson

Update: Feb 22, 2006

Dear Friends of Andrew and Blanka Danecek,

I am happy to announce that Andrew, Blanka and Blanche Danecek will be returning to Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, on Friday, February 24, 2006, 4:20 p.m.

They are arriving on KLM via Prague/Amsterdam/Mpls. After going through US customs they can be welcomed at the MSP Airport Lindbergh terminal, at the far west end of the lower level (baggage claim) area. All of you are encouraged to be a part of this celebration.

This is a clear victory for Andrew and Blanka, son Christopher and daughter Blanche, for the legal team at Blackwell Igbanugo and for all of you who have diligently offered your support, concern and prayers over these seven months.

Special thanks to Herbert Igbanugo and his legal team at Blackwell-Igbanugo P.A., Shubha Harris of Senator Mark Dayton's Minnesota office, Hennepin County 7th District Commissioner, Penny Steel, Emily Kluver of Senator Norm Coleman's Minnesota office, Jeff and Dawn Matuza, next door neighbors who have diligently kept an eye on the family home, Drea Garrison, foster mom to "Charlie," the beloved family dachshund and Dee Lenadee, Charlie's back-up foster mom.

And....to the many friends and co-workers who never lost their focus, kept this case on the radar, wrote personal testimonials of support during the waiver process and joined 1063 individuals in signeing a petition to rescind the deportation of Andrew and Blanka Danecek, YOUR voice rang loud and clear, making a statement that, above all, democracy provides the most powerful voice.

Attached find the official press release from the office of Blackwell-Igbanugo

Now we can ALL celebrate!

Carol J. Just
Anne L. Halverson
Katharina E. Halverson

View petition

Rosalba M. is a Mexican citizen who has been living and working as a housekeeper in the SF Bay Area for approximately the past thirteen years. Her two sons, G.(13) and L.(11) are U.S. citizens who have lived here their entire lives and attend public school in the Bay Area. Rosalba divorced their father some years ago due to his repeated physical abuse. Rosalba was awarded custody of the children and they live with her most of the time. She has sole responsibility for their up bringing. Rosalba is a law-abiding, hard-working, loving mother who is a tremendous role model for her children. She has invested all of her spare time and scarce resources in giving them a better opportunity than she has had in life, including a quality education. G. and L. are good, well-behaved children who are deeply attached to their mother. G. is an honor student. L. has some learning disabilities that require special attention from the school and his mother. Their father takes little interest in the children and has shown little concern for their welfare. He is unemployed, has a criminal record and he and his current wife have refused to pay court-ordered child support for two years.

Following a bureaucratic process, Rosalba has been notified by Homeland Security that she will be deported as an illegal alien on May 3, and that she may not re-enter the country for at least five years. She has consistently cooperated with the immigration authorities and has repeatedly appealed to them to consider the impact of their proposed actions on her children. Section 240A of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides eligibility for relief in cases of hardship to children such as this one. However, her appeals to the immigration service and the courts have been rejected, and the children are now facing the terrifying prospect of having their mother permanently taken away from them by their own Government.

They face an impossible choice:
· Stay in the United States without their mother, dependent on a violent father who has shown little concern for their education or general welfare, or
· Go with their mother to live in one of the poorest regions of Mexico, a country whose language they do not speak, without access to education or financial support
In either case, the impact on their lives will be devastating.

View petition

My husband of 6 years is being deported to his native country of El Salvador. He left El Salvador 21 years ago, has no family there, no home, nothing. We have 2 small children, ages 4 and 2 and we are petitioning our government as a whole to keep my husband here in the USA with his family who needs him HERE!!

View petition