Donald Trump uttered those words when pressed on the campaign trail while defending his immigration proposals. The context was immigrants that had jumped the line and were here undocumented, and likely to get deported given his strategies.
–
We have a test case now. A mother of two American born children showed up for her ICE meeting and was dutifully deported. She herself was brought to the USA as a fourteen-year-old — she did not even jump the line of her own volition. Still, there is an issue.
–
Like so many she used a social security number that did not belong to her in order to work. She was charged, convicted and did three months in jail, plus time in detention. Her victim suffered no harm. Her company made a deal and benefitted from her inexpensive labor. Without assistance, that prior conviction will cause her to suffer a line so long — 10 years — her children will be grown when she could apply to return.
–
You can learn about her case here. I especially recommend listening to the Facebook live with her.
–
Can she come back? The only way she could come back soon seems to be with help. On, Twitter originally, I asked people to join in requesting a pardon for her, and the many like her. If you have, THANKS! Sustained attention is however needed, so I hope others will join.
–
Such a pardon would recognize the flawed system that companies desiring cheap labor enticed people with, when the government should have been giving VISAs if what they were doing was acceptable. Such a pardon would go a great way to regaining faith of compassionate citizens. It would help to eventually reunite families — though there would still be a wait.
–
A pardon requires the President’s action. Instructions for writing to the President: Go to whitehouse.gov Hover over the Participate tab, and find the Share Your Thoughts Column, and navigate to the line there that says Contact the White House. Select for Message Type, “Contact the President” or select an agency you believe can help. The exact path seems to change as the web site matures, but has not been eliminated. Search for it and fill out the form.
–
Will immigrants who in good faith show up for ICE meetings/other places their deportation will be initiated be able to come back? Will the timeframe be supportable by parents of children? Let’s encourage him to keep this campaign promise.
I can hear the cynics already. This president so far has an excellent record at keeping his promises in my book. His methods are unique, and only time will tell if his approaches work as intended. It is worth a letter, no?
–
The courts, during the Obama tenure, blocked a proposal to expand DACA and institute DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans). They blocked it because it was an over reach of Presidential power. Can congress propose similar legislation that meets the new administration’s priorities? Will they? Write your Senators and House Representatives as well. With such legislation the trauma of search and deportation could be avoided for those we intend to stay to support existing citizens, whether as parents or workers. DAPA and worker Visas are not amnesty. They provide a Visa where the USA recognizes contribution to American communities and families.
Originally published on Medium in We are all Overcomers. Order historical fiction novel Rekindled with the button below.
