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ARCHIVES FOUR - Stories posted from May 1999 to December 1999

Honest Voices Speak Out About the IIRAIRA Law:

The following stories and comments are posted from those that were sent to us by way of our Town meeting at the Townhall on this site. If, after listening to these voices, you yourself wish to tell us about how the new immigration law has affected, or perhaps will affect, your life, then join us over at the Townhall to tell us your own story...

Click here to view ARCHIVES ONE, stories posted  from the beginning of our site until June, 1997

Click here to view ARCHIVES TWO, stories posted between June, 1997 and November 1998

Click here to view ARCHIVES THREE, stories posted between December 1998 and April 1999

Received December 31, 1999

Hi I'm writing about the incredible story that happened to a good friends of mine.   My name is Daniel Neeld.  The friends names are Mile and Asel Vukolic.   Mile is a US citizen.  His wife is from Kasachstan. Mile met Asel in California,  USA.  He was and still is a sailor in the US Navy.  Asel was a graduate student on a student visa.  Mile was deployed to Japan for three years.   He returned to California to marry his sweetheart.  They married while she was still a student in California.
As it is in the military,  Asel was sponsored and they received a house to live in and many other benefits.  Of course,  Asel joined her husband in Japan.   They now have a little boy.  Mile has tried to get Asel a visa to return to the USA for over a year now. She was denied a visa! Now that it is time for Mile to be sent back to the USA,  his wife can't accompany him!  She must return to her country of citizenship. This family is forcibly separated because of racist, bigot lawmakers,
and consular officials.  Mile has sworn to defend this country and this country is treating him and his wife like some parasite.
Sincerely,  Daniel

Received December 30, 1999

Please support this new bill by Representative Bob Filner (D-CA), H.R. 3272. It consists of the following  Restore the definition of aggravated felony to what it was before 1996, as well as return some other immigration provisions to their pre 1996 state.   The bill would allow people who have been negatvely impacted by the 1996 change in the definition of aggravated felony to apply for adjustment of status or cancellation of removal.  It would return detention policy to what it was before 1996 and would restore section 212(c) discretionary relief for permanent residents.  Please contact your newspapers and your local representatives to give support to this bill. 

Received December 28, 1999

My husband has been in the US for 7 1/2 years without inspection.  We have researched applying for his green card.  We have found out that when he would normally go and get his greencard and reenter the country legally that he would be deported for 10 years.  The information came from a well regarded immigration attorney in the city we live in.  Given this information we have decided to not apply until, God willing, the law makers change the law and restore section 245i of the US immigration law.  I have written my Congresspeople my State Representatives and Senator asking them to please consider the restoration of 245i.  I am a US citizen.   I have always worked and paid my taxes.  I believe that the US is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  I have two sons from a previous marriage.  My husband has never been married and has no children.  He has never had a driving ticket.  He has never been arrested.  He has never driven without a license or insurance.  He has always been very kind and loving to me and my children.  My 7 year old son was diagnosed with Diabetes in March of 1998.  His birth father was not there with my son for the 5 days he was there.  My husband was.  My husband is the one the boys come to when they are upset and need to talk.  My husband is the one who gets up in the middle of the night when the boys are throwing up all over the place.   My husband is the one who helps our diabetic son into
the shower in the early morning hours when he wakes up when due to high blood sugars in the night.  My husband is such a wonderful man and a very important part of this family.  I hope and pray that Congress will think about the families that the immigration law effects and make the needed changes so we can keep pur families together.   My father in law was killed in a freak accident saving a strangers child.  The child survived my father in law did not.  My husband had to go home to his home country to bury his father in August. Although he was only gone for 3 1/2 weeks it was awful for our boys.  I could not imagine how it would be if he had to be
away from us for an extended amount of time. Until the law changes we hope and wait. the detrimental affect it would have on them if there Daddy had to stay away
for an extended amount of time. 

Received December 26, 1999

To Whom It May Concern:
Subject: Immigration Act 1996


I was unable to chose the color of my skin, where I was born, and that I cannot speak your language well enough for you to understand me but today I ‘d like to make my English clear enough for you to understand me and others like me. What have we created I ask you?   Who have we become? May I ask your permission to explain my questioning today?   The reason I ask this is because have we not learned from our mistakes?  Have you not listened during our history courses throughout school they have beaten into our thick heads?  I have listened and I do have something to say, I am not Hitler and I refuse to be seen with his same morals & values.  Do you feel this is harsh?   Do you feel I do not know what I’m talking about?  I would like you to see through my eyes how you have made me look & act as Hitler.  You have built the wall, you have manipulated the minds of Americans through your words because we will take your jobs, we will suck off your welfare, we will over populate your prisons, and we will bring disease to the great land of freedom & opportunity for all.  Are we really the Jewish population being segregated into our land, no advancement for opportunity, for a chance because of our skin, because of our language, do we not fit into your American culture of greed? Are you Hitler’s perfect society?  What have you created? 
I feel we need to seriously look at this law and make some changes, why because I was brought to the states for opportunity when I was young, my brother has no family left Mexico, his family is here.  I understand he has messed up and he knows this too, but I ask for a chance for him.  He was young & feeble and is in prison now.  He is a little more wise and has new goals & ventures but he is missing that one chance he needs.  I know when he is deported he will not survive.  We are his family in the U.S. & he is never to come back once deported. 
I would seriously like you to take a good look at how the U.S. can change past mistakes and really make the United States the land of opportunity for everyone, even for my brother.
Thank you for your time today.

Received December 23, 1999

My husband passed away 1993. And I later met and married Jorge (a legal resident alien. Jorge had been divorced and seperated from his children for 3 yrs. 1st he was divorced from his wife in a matter of months (in NC you have to be seperated for 1 yr before this can happen(I believe this happened because he didn't know the law) Was restricted from his 2 children at this time also (the only family here in US. Prior to this he became friends with a US drug using citizen who introduce him to this. In 1995 we met and in April of 1996 we married. Together we have 5 children (my youngest child only knows him as her father since she was 3 months old when her natural father passed away)  He had been in & out of jail.  He sought help when he was in jail and he never would get it be cause he was released to soon.  On the outside we sought rehabilitation. Every place had a waiting line to be entered (maybe because my focus was on a christian oriented facility). He was placed on a probation that was very tight.  He had to see them every Tuesday and be in the house by certain times.  When I met his 2 probation officers  one who came to the house and one that he seen in the office, both black.   I told them the things I knew of my husband as bad signs along with asking them for help to keep him out of trouble.  When my husband violated his probation he was later picked up and arrested again. This time he was facing the possibility of deportation.   But the feeling that came from Mr. T was of many that I get when they see me as a black woman involved with a hispanic. I have talked and pleaded with lawyers to help so that he would not be deported to all this, he was deported. The day he was to be released he was detained by immagration. The had no regards to us as a unit. It is as if they are charging all of us for being a family.  I know what he did was wrong and he paid for it.  He later tried to croos the border to come back to us (where he should be).   I strongly believe in the family unit.  And that he is the head and needs to be here to take care of us the right way.  We have all been hurt by his actions.   I did get to visit my husband in FCI La Tuna in NM for the Thanksgiving holiday with my daughter Maria.  We were allowed to visit him the 2 days in Mexico.  We had to travel by bus, we were 3 days of traveling and 2 to visit.  Not to mention that they heve misplaced my husbands belongings a suitcase and his wedding ring and watch that we finally had purchased in Mexico Feb. 1999. My phone bills have been over $300.00 a month trying to stay in contact with him.  He has said that a few of the guys were released and allowed to stay in the US.  He has not sent me copies of this notification he received yet.  But if there is anything that can be done to change this rediculous law that was created by someone who has no regards to family as well noted from the past years news. We are missing him very much and want to be together to continue our lives. It is like they have tried to distroy us.

Received December 17, 1999

A friend of mine named Joe o. LeBlanc has lived in the U.S. Salem Ma. to be exact since1962 .He fought in vietnam as a volenteer was wounded and partialy disabled . he is a good man who since then has lived ,worked and paid taxes Twoweeks ago he was spirited off in the night by the I.N.S. like the brownshirts of NAZI germany. After all this time he is without RIGHTS and being held in prison in tennesee this is wrong it hurts us all

Received December 16, 1999

I have been a citizen of the U.S. for 52 years, spent four years in the military, have paid taxes all of my working life, never been arrested, and now after all of this I am being forced to move to Mexico. I have been working in Mexico for the past 18 months. I met a lady in Mexico approxitmatley 8 months ago, we started dating and then were engaged. We planned to return to the U.S. and be married, we applied for and received an approval from the INS to pursue a fiancee visa. Upon arriving at the U.S. Consulate with all the required paperwork we were informed that the approval was no good and that my fiancee was not elegible for a visa and would never be. It seems that two years ago, before we even met, she tried to cross the border by verbally telling the officials she was a U.S. citizen, after which she quickly recanted the statement and provided them with her real identification. We were told that if we planned on being married and being together I would have to!
move to Mexico. I have a very good job, property, and family in the U.S. but the way it appears now I will soon be giving all of this up and moving to Mexico.

Received November 25, 1999

Hi,
I came to the U.S.A. in 1991,from formal Yugoslavia.I was granted asylee in 1993 with the well found fear for my life if I return home.In 1994.I had my first child but in the sametime I had commited a felony,well I had drag that case untill 1996.and finally I had entered a plea in state court of Georgia for guilty.I was placed on probation and got 5 years and some fines.In january 1997 I had my second child and every thing was fine untill January 1998 then INS picked me up and revoked my asylee and ordered final order of deportation since then I am living in fear of the next day.I don't know what to do about my kids, I am not merried and I have full and sole custody of my kids.That country that I am from is full of crime ,poverty and racisam they don't like each other how they will accept me whit two kids that are biracial?Just fora record I am from Srebia but my home was wiht mixed religion.I believe there is someone that knows what and how can all this be resolved.I am only 24 years old,a single mother and I am doing best I can to give a good life to my children,I am not a mass murderor nor the drug deler I am paying a price for my ignorance.Please help if you can.

Received November 23, 1999

I'm a mexican out of Myan descent, also known as the "people of the Sun".   In 1994, the indigenious farmeres of southern Mexico declared war on an unjust and illegitimate government.  Out of the jungles came a just arms struggle for democracy and liberty for our voices to be heard once again.  When I tried so hard to get into this country to help my decendants, I was shunned on the basis that I didn't have what you Americans call a Green Card.  What is the purpose for that card?  Does it give the Americans some security, knowing that the people that are in "their" country have passed certain tests.  Well, let me tell you one thing:  getting into this country should be the only test needed, because it is such a difficult task.  These are the only thoughts that I have for you right now, because the other things that I have to say are too upsetting at this time.  Just know that I am here illegally, and will continue to be until I'm am thrown out like the trash that you think I am.

Received November 23, 1999

I would to suggest that someone from the legal profession draft a document that can be downloaded and copied.The document should contain language that request a repeal of the law IIRAIRA and the granting of amnesty for undocumented residents to become U.S citerzens, providing they meet all requirements of good citerzenship If there was such a document i would personaly start a grass root movement to collect signatures to present to my state senator

Received November 22, 1999

To be an american has been a lifelong dream. To live,work,and raise a family among a nation that holds this truth to be evident, that all men are created equal,to raise my children to ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country or to live where oneday i will be judged not by the color of my skin but by the contents of my heart. I came to the U.S thirteen years ago on a visitors visa,worked as a janitor,handyman,painter and construction worker all while attending engineering school.I have never been on welfare or asked the goverment for any handouts and never will. I have suffered greatly for my foolishness of not adjusting my status i was not even able to attend my father's funeral because i could not travel and that is my pain and my grief.The purpose of this letter is not to tell of my hardships or of my suffering but rather to bring to the attention of congress the pain,hardship, and suffering of an american family that this new law will devastate if it stands. That family is mine, in november 1997 i married an american citerzen and we have two wonderful children. In march of 98 i asked a lawyer to file for status adjustment only to be told that if i do i would be deported because of this new law. Now should i be deported i will survive i did not pull myself up by my booth straps by feeling sorry for myself,but what will become of my family will they become wards of the state,children of foster care,will they grow to be productive citerzens. I dont think that when this law was drafted its intent was to produce broken american families. My friends i will be the first to admit that there is a growing problem with illegal immigration and the problem should be addressed,but this law is not the answer. It's negative impact on families far outweighs its possible positive impact on illegal immigration.In closeing i would ask that the members of congress who have the power to make wrong right,who are the eyes ears and consience of this great nation to repeal or ammend the law.I would also like to suggest that amnesty be granted for myself and thousands like me not amnesty for U.S residence but U.S citerzenship i would like nothing better than to vote in the next election. set me free for i have become a virtual prisoner in the land of the free.

Received November 11, 1999

I am a 25 year old college student in california. In 1997 I was sharing an apartment with a roomate. He was dealing drugs and sold to a police informant on several occasions. Consequently a search warrant was issued for his person, vehicle, and our apartment. Upon serving the warant, officers found drugs, paraphenalia, and money at out home. We were both arrested. He was convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. I plead no contest to a conspiracy to posses for sales charge. The only reason I acceptet the plea bargain was because I was assured by my lawyer that I could not be deported. I did not profit nor was I involved in dealing drugs. I was sentenced to 135 days in county jail. I served 78 days before being released into INS custody. I was transported to a detention center in Arizona. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare. I immigrated to the U.S.A. when I was only 1 year old. My parents and I are all permanent residents. My two brothers and two sisters are all U.S. citizens. I have been in removal proceedings for the last 3 years. I have had to put my life on hold because of the uncertainty of my situation. I am on the verge of losing everything that I love. I cannot believe that I may have to leave the U.S. for a country that I have never even been to. Except for my detention in Arizona, I have never even left the state of California. I am not a criminal, nor a threat to this country. If I am guilty of anything it is of having poor judgement in selecting a roomate and being ignorant to the law. If I would have known that I would be involved in this ordeal, I would have never accepted the plea bargain and I would taken my case to trail. However, it is now to late and the possibility of deportation haunts me everyday. My trail date is fast approaching and I fear that some of the bills circulating in congress won't be enacted in time to help me.   

Received November 5, 1999

My husband is going to be deported back to El Salvador..he has been in this country since he was 2 years old,,he is now 22.  he is a veterniarian technician and greatly admired in his work field, My husband grew up inlos angeles, san fernando valley raised by a single mother of three . now my husband is not an angel i will admit . he was convicted of a possion of sale charge in 1997 he pleaded no contest as advised by his american born lawyer which did not konow how greatly this was going to affect him.he was sentenced to 6 months in jail..now he did his time and was picked up by ins..he has been a permenant ressident for 10 years...Now i know Alot WHITE Americans Are tired of us commiting crimes in this country ,,my husband grew up the odds against him ..being a first genaration immagrant his roots were not yet established in this country like some of you have.. thank god or what ever you belive in because theres no country like america and to be deported to a 3rd world country which you know almost nothing about is a nightmare ..he made his bed and will lay on it' but our family like many other families will be torn apart..is this justice and do you actually think there wont be an affect on the lives of many..children mothers brothers sisters friends sometimes i wonder if there is a god ..because so far he has'nt ansewerd my prayer.. power to people our voices do matter ,,minorties does'nt mean weakness please contact us if you need support or want to help us out lets get together and demonstrate that this is not right 818 994-6342  perla or eddie  cybereddie42@webtv.net email is always appreciated your not alone as you can tell GOD BLESS=]

Received October 29, 1999

DEAR SIR MADAM,
               I AM AN AMERICAN BORN CITIZEN,AND I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAVE BEEN IN THIS COUNTRY FOR TEN YEARS, A VERY HARD WORKING AND DECENT HUMAN BEING TRYING TO MAKE AN HONEST LIVING ,HE HAVE A WIFE AND ONE CHILD. I KNOW HE CAME HERE LEGALY BUT IS NOW HERE ILLEGALY. MY SELF AND OTHER FRIENDS WANT TO HELP HIM GET LEGAL HERE.THIS PERSON AND HIS FAMILY ARE WARM, LOVING, KIND,COMPASSIONATE HUMAN BEINGS AND WE BELIVE IN "LIVE AND LET LIVE". LET US NOT FORGET THAT GOD GRANT THIS COUNTRY TO BE PROSPEROUS NOT ONLY FOR OURSELFS,WHEN WE BECOME SO INHUMANE WE ARE IN DANGER WITH GOD'S LAW.WHAT HAPPEN TO "IN GOD WE TRUST". I DO NOT BELIVE IN THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM AND IMMIGRANT RESONSIBILITY ACT OF 1996. PLEASE IF YOU CAN ADVICE ME ON WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT,TO HELP MY FRIEND IT WILL BE MUCH APPRICIATED,WE WILL BE WRITING OUR CONGRESSMAN. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INFORMATION ON WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY. SOME OF OUR LEADERS ARE DESTROYING AMERICA FROM WITHIN,NOT THOSE WHO COME HERE FOR A BETTER LIVE,LET US NOT FORGET THAT OUR FOREFATERS CAME HERE FORM ANOTHER COUNTRY. THANKING YOU IN ACVANCE.
                                                   CONCERN CITIZEN.  CAPTCANADA@MSN.COM

Received October 20, 1999

My husband and I are desparately seeking help in returning to the U.S. I am American, as well as our five year old daughter.  My husband is Canadian, 46 years old. In 1976 my husband was arrested for possession and sale of a controlled substance valued at $9.00.   It was a sale to "a friend" and at the time not considered a felony.   He was given probation which was terminated after nine months. In October of 1997 my husband was set up in a sting operation in Miami and charged with "Structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements".  This is considered a "white collar" crime and he was sentenced to 15 months at a Federal Camp, at Eglin Airforce Base. (Minimum security)Had he become a citizen prior to this incident he would have served 7 1/2 months and been allowed to return home under supervised release. After several weeks INS placed a detainer on my husband.  He was immediately transferred to a county jail ( Jackson County Jail Marianna FL. a maximum security facility 85 miles away. Our daughter as well as myself were no longer able to visit with him. This was extremely hard on us as we had already moved once from S. Florida to the Panhandle to be able to visit with him. After 6 weeks he was moved again to a Federal holdover facility ( on route to PA) another maximum security facility at the Atlanta Penitentiary in Atlanta GA ( considered a hellhole) where he remained for several weeks.  He didn't reach his final destination of Allenwood Low Security Prison in Pennsylvania until around March of 1998.  We were never given information by INS to better be able to deal with this.   We never new where he would be going and if he would stay there.  Remember, he was sentenced to 15months in a camp environment.  After all these weeks he had been moved to two man "lock-down" cells, packed up and moved in the middle of the night three times. While in Allenwood he was ordered returned to Miami on a Writ for a reduction hearing and was forced to go thru a humiliating transport process, to Miami FDC yet another mximum security facility and then again on the way back to PA yet another stay in Atlanta.  There was never a ruling on this hearing and my daughter and I waited impatiently for almost four months for his return to Pennsylvania. Ultimately, he served his 15 months and immigration swiftly took him into their custody so they could start proceedings. (remember, this is all for a crime 23 years ago valued at 9$) He was moved to a county maximum security facility and transported on four occasions, 145 miles away to "immigration hearings".  I was present for all of these. Because my husband was not already in proceedings prior to 1996 and because of the new laws of retroactivity my husband was not allowed any form of relief or any bond so that we could fight this together from outisde prison. In fact, these new laws technically made my husband an Aggravated Felon.  For a 9$ sale 23 years ago.  We were financially as well as emotionally drained. I told my husband I was not willing for him to be incarcerated any longer and he was neare his end as well. Quite frankly his state of mind was such that I was not sure how much longer he would have survived and gave him my blessing to waive his right to any further hearing and allow his deportation back to Canada. We miss our families terribly.  Our daughter is learning the Canadian national anthem at school when she should be saying the "Pledge of Allegiance".  We are dishartened, dissillusioned and quite frankly very angry that this could possibly happen.  I won't feel right again until this terrible injustice has been corrected and we can return to America because after all, that is our home. My husband feel the same way even though he is bitter he still considers the U.S his home, after all he spent more than 2/3 of life there. He is as much American as any person born in America.  

There is much much more to this story, the heart wrenching letters I got from him, the 3 immigration attorneys we went thru, two of which just took our money and there is still his words yet to be heard. All we want is to be able to return to our home to rebuild our lives

Received October 19, 1999

America,I cried for you,I fought for you!  I even shed my blood for you!
And I did that because you were the mother of my dreams!  But I never though
you would become the killer of my family!!!

                                          A FORGOTTEN SOLDIER

Received October 18, 1999

The recent immigration law (of 1996), I found out from an attorney, is currently in dispute by 9 of the 10 judges who wrote the law.The primary arguments are over the immediacy of the law without carefully looking at the pro's and cons.I am disappointed the President Clinton approved such a non-humanitarian form of law.  I guess he had "other things" on his mind and I am sure, that if he reread the law and analyzed the fine print of this law, he would probably ever wondered why he ok'd it in the first place.The law should not apply to: People who's entire family live in the US or are US citizens And the law should not: Place people in jail who have not committed a crime. Currently that is what the law does.  I believe it's intention was to "prevent non-US citizens who are considered dangerous or are a threat to society from walking on US soil." I do not think people with a past criminal record apply.  If someone is a threat or is dangerous, he/she should not be released from jail in the first place! This law should not endanger families by separating them or creating permanent hardships for them.  This is ridiculous.  I have written a letter to my congressperson and representative. I feel utterly embarrassed and ashamed of the "so-called" free country that I live in.

Lastly, to Richard Gear  (who decries injustices in China because of what is happening in Tibet)  and all those other liberal activist who protest injustices outside of the US (most likely to be in mode with the current fashion of today's entertainment), do us a favor by focusing your attention to the injustices that currently exist in the USA.  Otherwise, we are hyprocrites if we try to tell other countries how to be free.

PLEASE TAKE YOUR HEADS OUT OF THE SAND AND STAND UP FOR FREEDOM IN OUR COUNTRY WHICH IS CURRENTLY BEING DENIED BY INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO PAY TAXES TO THE US BUT HAVE NOT RIGHTS.

Received October 18,1999

Help:

I have been charged with public intoxication and trespass both of which are Class C misdemeanors and I don't know what will happen now I am waiting for my adjustment of status.  I am remoreful for my crimes and sincerely apologetic and there is a little more to the story but I am not going to complain. 
Can I be deported?  Seven years of work and now to go home in shame?

Received October 18, 1999

Would it be suitable for us to join hands in front of the "White house" and demand respect?  Would it be appropriate for us to start rally's in front of the State Capitols, screaming our points across hoping that someone, anyone would hear us and feel our pain?  I am a United States citizen married to man from a different country and he has been here for over 20 years.  We have a child together, married and have been together for over 13 years.  The new law that INS and Congress have in place takes away from family values and shows a lack of morals and respect for humans on a whole.  How could we be the land of the free and the home of brave when people in such high positions such as congress and judges hide behind a law that they make themselves.  Where is the justice.  Because a immigrant commits a crime, he is deported.  Because he gets a speeding ticket, he is deported.  Because he buys stolen property knowing/unknowing, he is deported.  It sounds to me as if we are living in a prejudice world despite the efforts of civil rights movers.  Congress needs to sit back and re-evaluate thier laws.  I hope and pray that one day, a family member from each member of congress marries, has children with and builds a future with an immigrant and then... have that family member ripped away from under them showing them no mercy at all because that is what they are doing to us every day. 

I am a United States citizen and ashamed.  "Liberty and Justice for all"?  NOT!  Just for Congress and those that they chose to like.I am a United States citizen and am overwhelmed with sorrow at this point.  It is totally unfair the way that the United States treats immigrants that migrate to this country.   The United States of all places, who rely almost 90% upon foreign countries for resources to keep "America" going, should be ashamed to have such a bias law with bias opinions toward immigrants.  I am ashamed to be a United States citizen because I thought that our country stood for "Liberty and Justice For All" and this is not the case.  I think that Congress should get together and come up with a law or laws better suited for the individual crimes committed and not base the penalties upon citizenship.  Basically what they are saying is that it is okay to commit a crime if you are United States citizen but if you are not, "how dare you".   Again, based on the crime committed, a person should receive a harsher penalty than others but the treatment such as unsafe holding cells, deportation, etc. that is to the extreme.  We hollar about welfare, theft, murder, etc. in the United States but what do the immigration officer, immigration judges, congress, etc. expect people to do when they are taking away heads of households leaving families no means of survival.  They need to re-think thier bias laws.

Received October 14, 1999

My husband and I have been married for 18 months now.  I never realized that it would be such a difficult task for us to get his papers.  A lot of people think that immigrants get married only for their papers.  I feel very strongly that my husband married be because he loved me.  I really hope that we can figure out a way for him to stay here with me, but if not then I will go to Mexico to be with my husband.  We have tried going to the INS and they told us that he has been in the U.S. to long and they sent our papers to the National visa Center.  Now the problem I have is that I am going to school and will be done in December, but they want my income for last year to show them that I can support my husband.  I only made $5,000.00 last year.  I don't want to have to worry and one day I will come home and my husband will be gone.   I want to beable to start a family and make a good life for both of us.  Can anyone give me any advice as to what I can do next?
Deanna Lopez
dlopez@netins.net

Received Ocotober 13, 1999

Hi All,
  I have a Question.  Can an American couple sponsor some one from another country and what is the process. I have read these stories and am horrified at most of them. I never knew what was going on with the INS. We would be willing to help change the laws if we knew how.  If you can help me with any information please e-mail me.
  Brenda Kelly
  mystery@brightok.net

Received October 12, 1999

I have been married to a U.S. citizan since 1983. two childeren 10 & 8years. visa petition filed 1983. approved and then revocked. it was approved 1985 and then denied again. in 1989 BIA approved. in 1989 INS set me up and convicted me for title 18 sec 1546(misuse of the visa and other documents) punishment was probation. from 1989 to 1993 approved petition sat in the INS office. it was processed in 1994 by the U.S.Consulate abroad. all the court records and. everything hapened in the past 11 years was disclosed and submitted with the immigrant visa application. after all this the status was adjusted. in march,1994. sinse then Several times at the port of entry INS officers pulled me over and did all the inquery thay can do for hours and then let me in. My both boys were terorised couple time that they are going to loose their dad for good.  application for citizenship was filed. two years after the application interview took place and court records were submitted again. now I recieved a notice that INS wants to do the status interview. question is this. Can INS starts working on my status again even though thay knew every thing from the day one. Is any one know that how this new law can effect in this case?. This is the only crime I have in my whole life which some day I may prove that it was set up by the INS. 127 pages from my file were not released after I have asked the court to have the record released. INS wants to start deportation proceeding now because federal court has summoned the INS to make the determination on my citizenship application which is almost three years pending. Does this family have a dark future ahead of us in the United states of america?. Please contact me if there is any help available at amjadchoudhry@hotmail.com Thanks

Received October 11, 1999

My husband was deported Three years ago now our little girl was only two when he left the country voluntrely on his own.  In hopes that he could fix his papers
so we can again be reunited, and go on with our young adult lives.  But it never turned turned out that way.  It'll be four years now in october that we have been seperated. The most we see him is two months out of the year.  The immagration has denied him not once but twice.  They say that they prefferr immagrants to work and my husband was working all the ttime we were married he took care of me and my two children.   My husband has no criminal record or anythhing bad against him.  So I cant understand Why they have giving him such a punishment like this.  My children and I know have to rely on good old Uncle Sam to help me make ends meet. My Life is a every day struggle I pray to god every day to help us becuse I feel that my Children need there father how can they do this to me and my kids,  Every day is such agony for us for who have been forggoten .  All I can asked is to Free My family from this chains becuse I dont know what to do anymore.  I feel that Its better that we stay here to better my childrens future and I feel without my husband to be here for them, Would bring them more emotionnal destess
when there adoleces.  I also feel that I will have to be force to divorce there father becuse we cant live like this for ever.  I can't bring myself to even think this.
I Know I have rights I Just dont know them. I dont wont to belive that no one cares about my situatation I know That somewhere theres someone who can
help me.

Received October 8, 1999

My spouse has been deported we are in the Appeal status at this moment.
We have 2 kids together they are both U.S. citizens and myself. My husband has his own business I work too.  by telling you this is to prove that we are not a problem or that the government does not have to support us. What are we going to do? What kind of future is there for my kids if they deport my husband?

Received October 9, 1999

I have a friend who is living with a man who constantly drinks and does not take care of her.  She is an illegal immigrant.  She HAS NO CHOICES!  She is told she cannot get her citizenship because of this new law even though she has TWO CHILDREN WHO ARE AMERICAN CITIZENS!  She lives in a little travel trailer with water and electricity only because I am providing it for them.  She is married to an American man and has been married to him since May 17, 1997.  Is she still an illegal alien?   Does she really have no rights?  Can she get a job or a drivers license?   I would like to be able to help her improve her lifestyle (and therefore the lives of her two children) by obtaining the information needed to allow her to go to work.Any information would be appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

Received October 8, 1999

I have a 2 yr old daughter with a Guyanesse, 17 year permanent resident.  Although as a teenager he was arrested on several occasions, he was NEVER convicted.  In June 1997, he plead guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.  A year later, he was picked up by INS for deportation based on that conviction.  Quickly he was moved from Baltimore to Salisbury, Maryland and lastly, Oakdale, Lousiana.  The judge gave him a $15,000 bond and ordered him deported.  Luckily, our family got the money together.   In October of last year, he was in a fight.  He was  charged with misdemeanor assault.  Before the trial date was set, INS revoked his bond and moved him to Salisbury.  His charges were dropped in March.  INS told our family if the charges were dropped, he would be released.  Once the charges were dropped, INS decided to keep him because he had been arrested several times as a youth.  INS has no problem changing the rules in the middle of the game.  They are detaining him and won't release him.  The INS judge has no discretion in his case so our only hope is INS.  My daughter is going on three and still asks for her daddy everyday.   There are times where she becomes sad and cries for her.  Where he is being detained, they are not allowed to see children.  After a whole year, my daughter is still asking for her father.  Please help me do something before my daughter and other immigrant's children are forced to lose their parent because of a cruel and unfair law!
FOR ALL OF YOU OUT THERE WHO HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER INCARCERATED AND FACING DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS, PLEASE CONTACT ME.  I AM TRYING TO BRING MEDIA ATTENTION TO THIS UNJUST AND UNFAIR TREATMENT LAW.  I WOULD LIKE TO PUT TOGETHER A MARCH, SEND LETTERS TO THE SENATORS AND PUT PRESSURE ON CONGRESS TO CHANGE THE LAW.  YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT jazzwhit@aol.com!
PLEASE SEND ME ANY STORIES THAT YOU MAY HAVE SO THAT I CAN PASS THEM ALONG TO THE CONGRESS AND MEDIA - I BELIEVE IF WE WORK TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE.

Recieved October 8, 1999,

To whom it may concern:

My brother is a legal resident who committed a crime back in 1994 served his time and is now being held in INS in Arizona. He is appealing his case at this time and hoping for a miracle that would change these unconstitutional laws. I am very scared that they will deport him and it is unfair. I need to find out how I can help him and others that are unfortunately in this situation. Please give me as much information as possible and help me make a change.

Sincerely,
Yexenia Torres

Received October 7, 1999

My close friend "John Doe" is stuck in Canada because he unknowingly "self-deported" himself while leaving the US on vacation.  I first handedly witnessed the US INS coldly and insensitively separate him from his wife, force him to return to Canada where he would be  locked up in jail.  Did he commit a crime? NO.  So why in God's name was he imprisoned?  Because he had a PAST criminal record and was undergoing a deportation hearing meaning he was a conditional resident, meaning that if he left the US, he basically waived his right to return to his home.I do not see the logic in this.  The sad part is I probably voted for the 1996 immigration laws not realizing that it would give the INS the FASCIST, INHUMANE, AND ABUSIVE power to force an innocent human being from his wife, family, and friends.The only logical way to united him with his family is to force the family to forgo their own citizenship and start a completely new life in Canada.  The sad part is that the US and Canada supposedly have an agreement whereby Canada deport back any US resident with a criminal record.   Therefore, my friend is stuck.  He has no citizenship of any country  and no country will take him in.  Even if a country did take him, where's the justice in that??????  What if Libya accepts him?  What if Iraq accepts him?  What if Russia accepts him?  He can't speak those languages.  Moreover, he wouldn't be allowed to see his family again and he would be left alone in a country where he has no friends.His wife has talked to countless attorneys who have refused to assist in the matter because of his criminal record.  He committed those crimes over 10 years ago!!! HE HAS HAD A CLEAN RECORD SINCE!  HE HAS ALREADY PAID FOR HIS CRIMINAL A CTIONS!  I thought the McCartheyism ended in the 1950's.  Obviously, I was wrong.  I am embarrassed and saddened to know that my country has laws that blacklist human beings for their past actions.If anyone has any advice or web sites to put an end to the nightmare I am going through, please send me an email at aukena@co.alameda.ca.us. I am saddened for my friend, his wife, his family, and the countless number of lifers in jail who will probably be stuck in prisons forever because they have no family.WE MUST SOMEHOW THROUGH THE MEDIA, INTERNET, EMAILS, PROTEST, AND ANY FORM OF EXPRESSION WAKE UP THE PUBLIC WHO ARE IGNORANT OF THE OPPRESSION THAT EXISTS IN THIS GOVERNMENT.
I am not a liberal voter.  I am a conservative republican who is intelligent enough to have an open mind.  This immigration laws are unconstitutional, we must all unite to put an end to this tyranny.

Received October 7, 1999

IM AN AMERICAN BORN CITIZEN, VOTER, TAXPAYER, MARRIED TO A VERY DECENT AND DEDICATED MAN, WHO HAPPENS TO BE AN IMMIGRANT FROM MEXICO.  WE HAVE TWO YOUNG SONS UNDER THE AGE OF 2 YRS OLD, WHO ARE IN DANGER OF BEING SEPARATED FROM THEIR FATHER BECAUSE OF THE IMS 1996 REGULATION, WHICH REQUIRES THAT IMMIGRANTS ADJUST THEIR STATUS IN THEIR COUNTRY AND VIRTUALLY CAN KEEP THEM SEPARATED FOR YEARS- 3-10YRS TO BE EXACT.  I HAVE BEEN WRITING TO SENATORS AND CONGRESSMAN FOR 5 MONTHS AND I RECEIVED ONE RESPONSE FROM ONE OF SECRETARIES OF CONGRESS, WHO TOLD ME IF I DID NOT WANT TO HAVE MY SONS SEPARATED FROM THEIR FATHER, I COULD MOVE TO MEXICO, FOR ABOUT `10 YEARS.  NOW AS I SIT HERE AND REMEMBER ALL THAT WAS TAUGHT TO ME IN SCHOOL ABOUT THE LAND OF FREE, GREAT BIG MELTING POT OF ALL RACES THAT THIS COUNTRY IS MADE OF, BELIEF IN LIFE, LIBERTY, AND PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS- I WONDER HOW MY OWN COUNTRY COULD FORSAKE ME AND MY TWO SMALL SONS, WHO CAN SAY "MY COUNTRY SAYS MY DAD CANT STAY WITH US BECAUSE HE WAS BORN IN MEXICO"   WHEN THESE SENATORS KNOW DAMM WELL THAT THEIR OWN FORFATHERS WERE BORN IN ANOTHER COUNTRY!!!

Received October 4, 1999

     Hello! My name is Mary Lobo I am married to an Immigrant from India whom I married 5 years ago he is now a permanent resident of the US. Together we have 2 children together and another child Due in May.
     My husband is our sole supporter financialy, I have dealt with depression all my life but in the past year my illness has become much much worse, and I contribute this to the Government and it's new law. You see almost 2 years ago my husband comitted a small crime for wich through the county government he recieved two years probation, now his sentence is almost up and the Government wants to deport him. The government is giving no consideration to the fact that this was his only offense and does not even have a traffic ticket. My husband has been employed with the same employer for 4 1/2 years and has worked his way up in his job. He has many people to voch for his credibility but this is not the point. The point is that our children are young and this is going to hurt them very badly for the rest of there lives, and another problem is is that I don't know if I will be able to care for my kids. My mental condition restricts me from working and I am very unstable a lot of the time. We need our family together. He is all we have, I don't have family that would help me. Please if someone can help please contact me A.S.A.P. It is Monday the fourth of October and we go to the Immigration 2nd Master hearing tomorrow, I do know they will tell him he will be Deported, I don't know what happens after that.
We live in Oakland County, MI are Immigration case is in Detroit. PLEASE HELP IF POSSIBLE. Or just to give me some insight!

Received September 22, 1999

To Whom this may concern, 
    I feel that the Family Reunification law (bill #1485) should be passed due the the fact that all humans have the right. I feel that the world should be fighting to get murderers and rapest off the streets instead of a minor drug offendor. God doesn't say in his bible that we have a certain country that we must live in. We are all free to be where we please. FREEDOM!!!
  My fiancee and I  WERE due to be married in May of 2001 and I am not sure that i will ever see him. My fiancee was caught with a small amount of narcotics. His first drug offense. I am almost positive it is his last. We planned on beggining our future soon. Children,ect....
  How can the government just send someone back after being here for 18 years. Lets talk reality. The government doesn't care, WHY? It is not them nor their family!!
  I know that if we all come together we can win this!! Life is to short to let the government run it. If I loose my fiancee, I do not know what I would do. I would be so hurt.

Received September 21, 1999

I am a sister who is being greatly affected by this law along with my family. My brother who is now 22 y.o. is about to be deported back to Nicaragua in a couple of days.   I don't know where to go or what to do as far as trying to prevent this from happening. I've tried calling several lawyers but everywhere I go or call, I get the same response "nothing can be done". My brother was charged with aggravated assault and sentenced to 5 y.o. in prison, which he completed. For anyone who is reading this and if you have any advice as to what I can do to help my brother, please let me know. All I can say is that my brother was a teenager who made a mistake that cost him five years of his life. Why should he be sent back to a country he knows nothing about and is in danger of being hurt or killed.
Please help me if you can.  My brother has been a permanent resident since he was a child.
All I'm asking for is for him to get another opportunity to live his life in peace along with his family.

Thank you.

Received September 15, 1999

I am a US citizen.  I was transferred to Japan on a business assignment. While in Japan, I met a Japanese lady and eventually got her preagnant. We now have a beautiful 15 month old baby who is a dual US / Japanese citizen.  My girlfriend also has a daughter from a previous marriage. The four of us have lived together as a family since my girlfriend became preagnant.  We are a happy family, but neither of us is ready to get married.  Marriage to us has deep religous meanings and although we live in all ways like a married family, we are not married.  My assignemnt in Japan came to an end.  My girlfriend and her child could not return to the US with my daughter and I.   I could not stay in Japan without my assignment.  Our family was in trouble. Niehter US nor Japan law afforded us with an option which would allow my family to stay together.  My  Fortune100 Company employer could do nothing either.    Instead of returning to the US without my family, I decided to quit my very lucrative job and we left Japan and emmigrated to New Zealand.  Thankfully, New Zealand recognizes the rights of de facto families.  We have
emmigrated here and now are settling into NZ life.  We however would like to eventually move to the US.  My family is there and my career is there. My girlfriend is also happy to move to the US. I do not envision us getting married in the near future. I feel that my 15 month old daughter, who is a dual US - Japan citizen should have the right to petition for her mother and sister to come to the US on a green card.   Unfortunately current law dictates that minor aged US citizens do not have that right. I also believe that I should be able to petition for my girlfriend, given the fact that we have a child together. I find the US and Japan as being irresponsible in caring for the families of thier countries. I am appalled that I still must pay significant US taxes  even though the US will not allow my daughter and I to return with my daughter's mother and sister.   

Thank God for New Zealand.

Received September 14, 1999

I am a concerned wife, mother of four children. I am a law abiding American Citizen as well as a diligent tax payer. I have been married to my husband for 5 years. We are now facing a difficult situation. He has been forced to move out of the State of California and seperate from us. You see he has an upcoming court date scheduled for Oct. 5, 1999. If the situation were different myself and our children would be able to be by his side. But the problem is that the the two older children are from my first marriage. Therefore they are not to be removed from the State of California, per our custody agreement. I am not able to leave them behind. Please help me.

Received September 14, 1999

     I wrote to you a few weeks ago. I have been without my husband for nearly 5 months now. I have been working with Sen Inhoffe's office here in Oklahoma. Turns out that the woman who was supposed to be helping me wasn't motivated to help because the bottom line was that she doesn't think that my husband deserves a visa. Because after all, he has been in the country illegally for more than nine years, and Sen. Inhoffe did vote for this law. When she told me that, I understood that she really wasn't on my side and had been stringing me along the whole time. She lied about being in contact with the INS every three weeks, when she'd only spoke to them once. I found all this out by myself after I understood that she was no longer pretending to be helpful. I was facing the reality that I would be having our third child by myself, while waiting for a system that has no heart. I finally got fed up with depending on others for help and took matters into my own hands.
     I got a number for the consulate's hotline in Juarez. Then they gave me the number for the INS in Juarez where I was put directly in contact with the Officer In Charge. I got farther in one afternoon than in four months working with people who should have had the power to help. To make a long story short, the INS showed surprising compassion for our situation, his waiver was approved that day, and his appointment was set for the 8th of October. The problem is that I'm due on the 4th of October. I made a few more phone calls and again was pleasantly surprised. The Deputy Chief of the Consulate agreed to see my husband any day from now on to get his visa.
     I was completely shocked and excited. I felt that I needed to share this story because people need to know not to depend on the government to be their advocates. People like Ms. Vincent at Sen. Inhoffe's office think it's their privilage to decide who deserves justice and who just doesn't measure up in her book. If we DESERVED justice, few of us would actually get it. And I sure wouldn't put on my United States Air Force uniform every day if the people I serve and protect had to deserve it!
     I expect my husband to be home by the end of the week. I realize that I've been given special treatment because I am in the military and I'm 9 months pregnant, and that I'm a white citizen who speaks good english. I don't imagine that an immigrant, hispanic wife could get the same treatment, even if she was a citizen. We all should be treated with the same dignity. All of our pleas should be heard. It is our God given duty to help all those who ask us for it.
     God bless you in your efforts to preserve justice.

Received September 14, 1999

My husband and I are immigrants from the caribbean island of Jamaica.  We have been in this country for the past 12 years.  We have both been working ever sinse we got into this country, and also have been paying our taxes to the government.  At times my husband had to do two-three jobs just to make ends meet.  We were falling on hard times, and he made a mistake and choose the easy way out to solve the problem.   He got caught up with the wrong crowd and started doing illegal activities just to make ends meet.  Now I woould never condone what he did, but now that  he has paid his price for his wrongs he is facing immigration proceedings.   Now what I don't understand is this, how can the government be so insensitive to his famil's needs.   My husband has never been in trouble with the law before this incident, he went and served his time upstate NY, has never been into any trouble while incarcerated, and is about to be released on work release now they want to mess with him   I do think that this is so cruel.  Everyone of us are imperfect and we do make the wrong choices at times, but also every situation needs to be judged on it's own merit, and not be clumped together because of a law.  I forgot to mention that the charges against my husband had only to do with the possession of and not sales of a controlled substance.   He was never involved in any weapons.
              The thing that bothers me the most is how the government and the law has double standards.  The case with my husband is very upsetting to me.  I say so because they used another immigrant who was a caught selling narcotics to tell on another person in exchange for that immigrant's freedom.  Now that other immigreant who just got a slap on his wrist so to speak has been set free.  He has to face no prison time, no probation, no deportation hearing nothing.  Now is this wrong or what.   See congress and the justice the have the power, they use it to their advantage.  They will bend when it suits them, but if you can't help them in return then back to your country you go.   
                Now I'm an American citizen, my daughter was born here, my husband became a business owner, provided jobs to innercity youths and has wroked upon his getting arrested.  Now do you want to tell me that a person like that who has helped the country, doesn't have the right to a second chance?.  Not because he is my husband, but I strongly believed that he made a mistake and he more than paid his time for his crime, but that he should be given a chance to prove himself.
                Thanks for letting me share my feelings.(There are a lot of positive things that I could enclose that was said about my husband on the day of sentencing ,by the judge, but maybe that will be done in another letter.

Received September 11, 1999

This case went in front of a Judge again on September 3, 1999 the Judge did not make a dicision.
Please contact me if you could help me fight.

Karlie Richardson 1770 Banyan Creek Circle N.
Boynton Beach, Fl. 33436
561 731-3302
krichar7@bellsouth.net

Dear Honorable Congressmen, Congresswoman State Representatives:

We are writing you this letter on behalf of Ralph Richardson.   Mr. Richardson is among hundreds of thousands of Haitian Americans detainees who have greatly suffered adverse treatment as a result of the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act.  He has been detained at Krome for more than 22 months without any due process or a bond hearing.  Ralph's case will be heard at INS Krome detention Center on Monday, July 19, 1999, and we are asking you to please give your support for a fair and just decision.

To tell you a little bit about Ralph, he came to the U.S. at the age of two years old as a legal resident.  He is now 33 years old.  Despite a 10-year-old conviction for which he had paid his dues, Ralph had become a very productive and contributing member of his community.  He has owned a business.  He has served as a basketball youth coach, and volunteered for his church. This is proof that he learned his lesson at an early age and made conviction to be a model citizen.   Besides his American born children and wife, Ralph has nine other siblings who are all U.S. citizens.  He would not acclimate well of any other lifestyle but the one has known in the U.S.  He cannot go back to Haiti in that regards he poses no threat to anyone. Therefore, should not have to go back to Haiti.  Why would INS refuse to release him after the United States Supreme Court had made a decision to reconsider his case, documented in the Supreme Court of the United States.  Ralph Richardson VS Janet Reno.  For further information, please contact Ira Kurzban's office at (305) 444-0060.  Ralph's family can be reached via Email at krichar7@bellsouth.net or kclavier@hotmail.com. Tel: Guithele Ruiz, (954) 437-3406 or Karlie Richardson, (561) 731-3302.

We are asking you to please give him whatever support you can for the sake of his children, his wife, his family, his little league youth, and basketball league, his church and his community.  We are asking you to do whatever you can for him to be released weather it is a phone call, an e-mail or a statement to the media or to the appropriate official.  They and all immigrants in Ralph's situation will be forever grateful to you.

Respectfully yours,

Concerned family and friends

Received September 11, 1999

My husband had committed a crime 11 years ago, and just now, INS is getting around to sending him a notice to deliver alien (this was sent to his custodian for bond).   Since his crime at the teenage year of 19, he has gotten married to me, we have two beautiful young boys, we have built and owned our home for five years now, he has grown in the ranks of his position at his company, he maintains us.  I am a professional as well, and work part-time to take care of our children.  After reading about the law that was enacted in 1996, an ex post facto law at that, we are extremely concerned about our future.  Not only will he be "punished", but my human and civil rights as a United States citizen will be violated to the extreme. I am prepared to sue the United States government for damages resulting in mine and my children's lives being devastated as a result of his impending deportation. Has anyone ever sued for this reason? I will check the federal court records myself.
Anyway, it's nice to know that I live in a country that would do something like this to three of their own citizens.
Sincerely,
An Extremely Concerned Citizen (maybe soon to be ex citizen)

Received September 10, 1999

HAS anyone been convicted of domestic violence and yet had their deportation proceedings dismissed (or somehow you were NOT deported)??  I need to hear from you, please please please please please!!!!!!

Michele Al-Jailani
Enigmatik2@aol.com

Received September 9, 1999

My husband has been in this country since he was 7 years old.  His parents and 8 siblings escaped life-threatening conditions overseas.  As a young adult he was convicted of a felony for credit card fraud.  He was sentenced to 5 years in jail.   He served 10 days and returned everything that he stole.  He has had no further problems with the law.  He works as a computer engineer and is graduating from college in a few months.  We got married almost two years ago and are expecting our first child in 2 weeks.  We are very excited.  There is only one problem, the Immigration and Naturalization Services want to deport him for a crime he committed five years ago.  At the time of his conviction this law did not even exist. He is being affected because the law was put into effect retroactively.  We are currently working our way through a very unfair  court system.  In the mean time we pray.   If my husband is deported his life could be in serious danger.  The courts refuse to believe this.  More than anything they do not care  even if they did care Congress allows for no discretion.  We want to remain in this country were our family resides.  I am an American citizen and I can not believe such an injustice could take place in my country.  America criticizes other countries for their human rights issues, yet we are not much better.

Received September 3, 1999

My name is Juan Wilfredo Rodriguez. I was born in Guantanamo Cuba in 1968. I came to this country when I was two years old. I've been arrested three times in my life. Once for possesion of marijuana under ten grams, and twice for D.W.I. ten years ago. I've been married for almost nine years. I have three young children. We live in Indiana where I work as an aircraft mechanic for United Airlines. I hold two federal licenses. The planes I fix move thousands of people every day. I recently went to an immigration interview were I was denied naturalization for lack of documentation on the arrests and good moral character. I've retained an attorney recently who will hopefully be able to sort my situation out with them. I feel that my biggest crime was that I was not born in this country,"My COUNTRY" I thought. When I went to see the immigration agent she said even though I took her the court papers showing that all the fines were paid, she still wanted to see arrest records detailing what exactly happen. I told her that immigration had my finger prints. They should know if I was telling the truth or not. I also told her this happened a long time ago. I asked her why they were holding it against me. She said that I should get a  lawyer, so I did. I feel that in a way, they do not want me to become a citizen and be able to vote. I recently saw on CSPAN, a so-called expert from the Center for Immigration Studies appealing for policy changes that would only allow immigration of skilled and/or wealthy people. I think there are enough arbitrary immigration laws enacted which have destroyed families. We must stop these injustices.                                                                               

Received September 3, 1999

my husband was deported to el salvador, came back the second time tried to get his papers using another name, he was incarcerated years ago but did his time now that he is incarcerated for coming back to usa the 2nd time he is facing 5 to 20 years I think that is very unfair why they just tried to deport him and let him go to another country because in his country they will kill him but usa is not taking that in consideration

Received August 31, 1999

Raul Morales-Torna-A# 17430018 entered the U.S.A. at the port of Miami, Fla. on Feb. 16, 1967, fleeing communist Cuba. He was fourteen years old.  He and a friend, another boy of sixteen, fled for their lives, spending five days at sea in a 15-foot open boat with no engine, no food and no water.  He was among the very first Cubans to flee that country.  He was picked up by two fishermen off the coast of the Bahamas and taken to Miami.  At his arrival, He was interviewed at Immigration by La Fabulosa Radio Station and it was broadcast over to Cuba.  He stated that he came to the United States because he did not believe in the Communist government or Castro.
   Raul was processed through INS and met all the requirements for entry into the United States.  A residency card was not mandatory at that time.  He was granted permission to enter the United States, issued a green card and Social Security Card. He lived with his uncle in Miami and attended Miami Public schools.
   He has been in the United States ever since. He has been paying taxes to the United States government for thirty-seven years.
   In 1983, Raul became involved with a drug charge and was sentenced to three years in federal prison.  After twelve months and twelve days, he was released due to excellent rehabilitation and good behavior.  He was not deported.
   Raul turned his life around. He became a model citizen.  He established a well-respected, successful seafood company that supplies Charleston, S.C. restaurants and retail markets with fish, shrimp, and supplies the local market with blue crabs he harvests by himself. His wife handles the marketing, sales, and delivery of the seafood to their many clients in the area.
   In May of 1998, He decided to thoroughly establish his U.S. residency so he could obtain a passport to visit Cuba.  His eight brothers and sisters are still living there under deplorable Communist conditions.  He and his wife planned to visit Cuba for humanitariam reasons and buy the family the food and medicine they so desperately needed.
   His residency application cost $400.00, which he paid in May 1998. On Dec. 7, 1998, he was called in for an interview for his "final adjustment of status to be a legal U.S. resident."  His wife of four years was his sponsor.
   At the interview, Raul was placed in handcuffs and told he was being deported from the United States.  He was - and still is - being held in Etowah County Jail, Gadsden, Alabama without bond. 
   Raul obtained an immigration lawyer and had a trial of May 10,1999 in Atlanta, GA.  Seventeen Charleston area business men and women as well as restaurant owners and seafood packers that work with Raul attended the trial.  His family was also present.  All of these people came to Atlanta to vouch for Raul's integrity in the community. In addition , there was also a letter from the sentencing Federal Judge Falcon B. Hawkins, the presiding judge who sentenced Raul, who requested his release.   The witnesses were not allowed to testify.  Mr. Morales was told by the opposing councel that he would have to prove that he was not a Cuban terrorist on a stolen Cuban government boat trying to act out terrorism once he got to the U.S.
   Realizing that the acting immigration judge had no power to rule in Raul's favor  of any outcome, Raul had no choice but to agree to agree to deportation.   Due to the fact that Cuban's are not returned to their country, Raulis being detained as a "lifer."
   Raul had his 90 day review on Aug. 6, 1999 (All time prior to this date did not count because Raul was "fighting the system" and he was considered to be in judicial proceedings).  He had a favorable review and was recommended for release. His wife was present at the review.  He was told it would take approximately 2 weeks to process the paperwork.  Even with the continued requests and efforts of Senator Ernest F. Hollings office of South Carolina, Raul has not yet been released.
   Other Cuban detainees with more serious offenses than Raul have been released.  Some of these detainees are Cuban Mariel detainees who have served more prison time and others who have been there several times, serving time, going thru deportation proceedings, being released and committing more crimes and being released again. 
   The basic human rights of this man and his wife are being grossly abused. At this time, if and when Cuba is released from released from dictatorship, he will be deported.  If this happens Raul will undoubtably be placed in a Cuban prison, for leaving the country and speaking out against Castro.
   His once flourishing seafood business is barely staying alive.  Me, being his wife can do only so much to run the business, travel back and forth to Alabama to keep Raul's spirit and moral up, and deal with the I.N.S. to work for my husbands release.  I love Raul so much and it breaks my heart to see him be locked up and have everything he has worked so hard for all these years taken from him.  If he does not get to come back to me so we can continue our love and marriage of 7 years, at least I know I have been loved and respected more in my life than I could have ever imagined. I gave up a medical career so I could help build Raul's Seafood into the prospering small business that it was.  Hopefully Raul will be released soon and we can recover our loss before we are forced into bankruptcy.
   If there is anyone who can help us, please contact me.  Raul has a brother who has terminal cancer and has been given about 3-6 months to live.  His mother died suddenly over Easter while he was in prison and he was not allowed to attend the funeral even though we offered to pay Federal Marshalls to escort him to the funeral in Key West, Fla.
                                           Sincerely,
                                        Kimberly Morales
                                        fax-(843)849-8311
                                        e-mail 4schuman@msn.com

Received August 29, 1999

MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN INCARCERATED SINCE MARCH OF 1998.  NO ONE - NOT THE COURT OR ANYBODY EVER TOLD US THAT HE WOULD BE SUBJECT OF DEPORTATION BECAUSE OF THE 1996 LAW.   HE HAS BEEN IN THIS COUNTRY FOR 50 YEARS BUT NEVER BECAME A CITIZEN BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN TOLD THAT A PREVIOUS CONVICTION WOULD PREVENT THAT BUT WE HAD BEEN GIVEN INCORRECT INFORMATION.  ANYWAY, DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS HAVE BEEN STARTED AGAINST HIM AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY LEGAL AID OR GROUP TO EVEN HELP US IN THIS MATTER.   THE ONLY ONE WHO IS HELPING HIM PREPARE AN APPEAL IS AN ATTORNEY WHO IS ALSO INCARCERATED.  THIS LAW IS TERRIBLE AND SHOULD BE COMPLETELY REPEALED.  IT IS TEARING FAMILIES APART AND IT IS ABSOLUTELY INCOMPREHENSIVEABLE THAT THIS GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE THE NERVE TO TRY TO DEPORT A "LEGAL RESIDENT".  THIS IS NOT AMERICAN BY ANY MEANS AND THE SO-CALLED "LAWMAKERS" THAT WE HAVE IN WASHINGTON CERTAINLY HAVE NO IDEA OF THE HARDSHIPS THAT THIS IS CAUSING FAMILIES AROUND THIS COUNTRY.  IF ANYONE HAS ANY IDEA OF AN ORGANIZATION OR GROUP THAT COULD ASSIST ME IN MY HUSBANDS CASE, I WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE AND WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.   MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS DM456@AOL.COM.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
DORIS MARTINEZ - WIFE OF JUVENTINO GUTIERREZ MARTINEZ, INCARCRATED IN LOMPOC, CAL. FEDERAL PRISON SINCE 3/9/98.

Received August 26, 1999

Hello!

My husband is from England and i am from Puerto Rico. My husband and i have been together for 11 years. we love eachother very much. we do not have any children, however we have 2 dogs and a cat. We have been through many trials and turbulances. However, dealing with our government is not as as nice as athe United States makes it to be. The U.S.A is our only home. My husband does not know his country (ENGLAND) due to wrong disitions my husband is facing deportation. I was also notified I was not able to enter the country nor my pets could enter the country. This has broken my heart. My husband was detained for importing unclaimed goods the goods was MArihuana and he is completing a 21 month FEDERAL SENTENCE. We are not drug attics and my husband has never been in trouble with the law. he just made a stupid mistake. wea re willing to make amends. However, Immigration could care less about our marriage and my husband could be deported and this government can seperate us. my mother in law and sister in law live in the United States for almost 18 years. my husband has a strong family support. in over all he is a good man and we live with regrets. I often loose sleep questioning how am I going to win  this. the more I think and research the worst it is for me emotionally. my husband faces deportation and i can't find a law that will pardon his wrong doing. I love my husband and I know he is sorry. We were trying to get money to open a business and this was not the way. we have been through so much. employers never wanting to pay him from contracted work and he was tired. The devil introduced us to a man in MEXICO and he was no good. We were so NAIVE we tusted him with our hearts. Someone we did not know. We have learned avaluable lesson. I just wish he got a second chance.  For 11 years IMmIGRATION has been a night mare, they have accused us of having a set paid marriage. Which was not true. my husband and I have a real relationship. Every three months we visited Immigration and at not avail. We kept paying and paying and received nothing but work authorizations. Immigration agents are bullies, they get away withg murder and can tell you and call you what ever they want. they are paid to judge and distroy.

I only search for hope. I search for a way to salvage our 11 year relationship.

Received August 26, 1999

I am writing regarding my fiancee Jose Reverdes.  He has recently been deported to Cape Verde.  When he had just turned 18, he and I got into an argument which resulted in the police being called.  At no time during the argument did he strike me, but because of misinterpretations in the police report, he was arrested for domestic assault.   Upon the advice of his lawyer, and because he wanted to put the issue behind him, he pleaded no contest and received a 12 month sentence, 3 mo. in prison and 9 mo. suspended sentence.  Jose was never told that by pleading to this, he would face mandatory deportation, because of the new immigration laws which state that if an immigrant is found guilty or pleads no contest to a charge receiving a 12 mo. sentence, he/she would have to be deported.  If he had known this, he never would have pleaded no contest.  INS eventually picked him up, and he served time in prison in Rhode Island and Louisiana, where he was let out on bail.  In April 1999, at age 21, upon getting on a bus on his way to work, he was picked up by the police and taken to Wyatt Detention Center, where he served four months and has recently been deported.  In the midst of this, Jose had graduated from a trade school, and he and I had a baby girl together.  We never believed he would actually have to leave.  Jose was only 6 months old when he came to the U.S., and to him this is home.  He cannot even speak the Cape Verdian language.  At 21 years old, he has been taken from his 8-month-old daughter, his mother, his fiancee, his sisters, his brothers.  For a mistake as a teenager, he has received a life sentence, something most dangerous criminals don't even receive.  He has never been a danger to me or to anyone else.  The living conditions where he is in Cape Verde are barely tolerable.  Nothing is familiar to him, and he feels very isolated, bordering on suicidal.  For Jose and for me, it feels like we have experienced a death.  We have been together for eight years and planned on getting married.  My daughter is only 8 months old, and although I am trying my hardest to be strong for her, I know she can sense my emotions, and I am afraid of what it is doing to her.  What will I tell her when she asks where her father is?   Because it is very difficult to raise her alone, I am forced to be on public assistance.  We have been through too many lawyers to count, and it just leads us to more dead ends.  I am in the process of filling out petitions for his return, but I am not hopeful this will work.  I can't believe how narrow these immigration laws are.  American citizens who commit rape, child abuse, and murder will never experience a punishment such as this.  I have written to my Congressmen and practically all of the representatives in the U.S. asking for support of legislation H.R. 1485.  I pray that these laws be revised, and I also pray they are retroactive, so Jose can return.  My hope and faith in America and its government has deteriorated, but I am trying not to give up for the sake of my daughter and for Jose. 

Received August 25, 1999

To Whom It May Concern:

I have a friend in this Country who has been in the United States for almost 20 years.   Her Sister brought her here as a 12 year old kid and now she is 25 yrs old.  A 12 yrs old kid does not know anything abount Immigration.  She lived in the street because her sister was deported, no family she could go to.  She has been in this country, committed no crimes except living from place to place getting odd jobs to send herself to school, eating whatever people gives her.  She went to High School with me.  But as you can guess, 13 years has gone by in the girl'l life and for nothing.   But what can she do in a country that threw her to the street because she was not born here.  I give her food sometimes when she comes around.  I dont know what she can do to be legal with this new law.  When this country got started, it was started with people like her, who did not have a place to go.

Sincerely yours,
concern citizen

Received August 24, 1999

My name is Efrain Garcia Ortiz
I was prepairing for saturday's walkaton, for my church fun race my older son Nicholas and i were looking forword for that, and the new basketboll program in hes school, of witch i volunteer for the last 2years for school, scouts and y.m.c.a.  a was thursday morning when i araived form work by the way i'm a master electritian and machinery of production especialist. when i pull up on the side walk in to the garage a brand new suburvan rush in front of me a guy and a gril run thurs me with samething in there hand that a looks like a I.D. they ask me if i was efrain and i answer vrey surprice yes sr, i didn't have anything to fear so i was more sorprice then anything, they took me to down town and ask me if i have ever been in jail if so to say so becouse i was going to be worst, so i smille and say yes, but a as ben so long i even forgot about it and they took me to a emnty room with a cold stone bench and i begthem to allwo me to make a phone call the lagh at me and later the lady comeback and let me make the phone call, my wife was cryng she was sayng but you are merried to me they can't do this can they? and i told her not to worry and defanitly not to say any thing to the kid's that all of this was just a miss understanding and you will see saturday we will be walking in church and laghing about it ,
but the week end whent and nothing,! monday came along and they took me to the immigation biulding and i call my wife to bring the kid's and to go to cort with me so the judge can see you and will have more compassion and let me go! so my wife whent in side to see me in the holding thank! and my kid's too, thru a mirror i sow my wife tears coming down her face and my kid's didn't know wether to kry or to stik ther fingers thru the small opening of the glass my hall life was fowling and i cuold do anything about it. my wife storm in to the next door with the jodge and ask hem why and the joudge just say to her he is a excon and hes ben deported! and my wife ask hem when can he conback he sed  never!   my wife face was all full of paint from her make up and ask what are we goin to do!? i told her for now get me same clothes we are going to mexico! she return to chicago were she is from, and been living in same basemont! in the midle of the city, what a contrast my mather inlaw used to work for the federal biulding in chicago, last week my wife send me a email sayng to me she didn't have money for groceries inti'l pay day and that she whant it to kill her self she is a beatifull all american (white lady) of whom with me she never have to worry about the bills or rent or anything ealse! i took a very good care of her and my kid's ! i'm very respectfull man, that drugs possesion was my (first and only ever offence), i don't drink, smoke, and mutch less do any caine of drugs, i ask my wife repidely to move to monterrey mexico with me but she feels bad becouse she don't speek spanish at all neither dos my kid's! is very diferent type of life over here! and i don't whant to force her or my kid's i relly do feel very worth lessi whant to tell you all, i don't care so mutch about the green card is my kid's i care and my wife they are a very good human beens i didn't browthem to this world to be like this if i have know i probably dane it deferently! i can be very ,mean if i whant to, but i can't not wish my problem to my worst enemy! this is the worst becouse i'm missing the first day in school of my litle baby :-( hes 4 years old i'm missing taking my older son (he is 10 years old) to the park to play one on one , i'm missing to kiss my wife ( she is 28years old) good bye to go to work! they took my hole life a way i have ben very hard worker very high tax payer with avreage 5 to 7 thousand per year that's not counting the rest of the taxes i pay i'm the wrong person to be deported! at lest" gave me a chance to defend my self i think i DESERVED IT !!!!!!
THANK YOU you may do what you wish with my story!
EFRAIN GARCIA ORTIZ of MONTERREY NUEVO LEON MEXICO
EMAIL- smart_sonic@infosel,net.mx

I REMEMBER WHEN I USED TO SAY YES! DEPORT THOSE GUY'S THEY ARE DESTROYNG OUR CONTRY! I WAS TALKING ABOUT THE REAL CRIMINALS! THE ONES OF WHOM MALICESLY! KEEP ON COMITING CRIMES! THE ONES THAT DON'T WHANT HELP OR CHANGES IN THER LIFE. THOSE ARE THE ONES OF WHOM CAN BE DEPORTED THE ONES WHO DONT FEED THER KID'S AND JUST LOOKING TO SAMEONE TO ROB, KILL, STEAL THER CAR AND SO ON,  YOU'RE DEPORTING THE WRONG PEAPLE! YOU MUST OPEND YOU'RE EYES! IF YOU DEPORT A GOOD CITIZEN YOU'RE HURTING 50 OR MORE US CITIZENS DIRECTLY! NOT COUNTING ALL THE MONEY THEY STOP PAYNG TO THER CREDIT CARD! AND ALL ATHER BILLS, YOU'RE HURTING MORE PEAPLE THAT YOU CAN COUNT BY JUST DEPORTING ME!, AND WHAT ITBOUT MY THREE MOST INPORTANT! U.S. CITIZENS! MY WIFE AND TWO KID'S
I DONT THINK I'M A VERY HIGH I.Q. TYPE OF PERSON BUT A TAKE A VERY CLOSE MIND TO PROPOSSE THIS LAW!!!!!!!! (96 & 97 )
IF YOU WHANT THE BAD GUY'S GO AND GET THEM! YOU! KNOW WHO THEY ARE!!
AND LIVE THE GOOD AMERICANS ALONE! AND NEXT TIME YOU WHANT A GOOD LAW TO WORK JUST ASK ME!! IF YOU WHANT ILEGAL PEAPLE TO STOP COMING TO OUR CONTRY!! JUST DONT HIRE THEM !!!!! DUH!!DUH!! DUH!! JUST COVER THE WATER SPRING! AND THE ANIMALS WONT COME BACK TO DRINK DUH!!!
BUT GESS WHAT A WONT STOP I KNOW YOU NEED SLAVE'S SO SIT! DOWN BACK IN YOU'RE CHAIR AND GO BACK TO SLEEP!!
EFRIN GARCIA O. smart_sonic@infosel.net.com or efra56@hotmail.com

Last week i talk to my wife and got me soo worry becouse she told me all the creditors whant to gurnish her wages and that she didn't know what to do and to tap it al up she didn't have enogh money for groceries inti'l pay day and that she whant it to just take some pills and forget about it, when i read this in my commpiuter i felt soo worth less i whant it to just get in the phone and talk to mr bill Klinton and like majic gave me my pappers back and go and help my family but gess what the realaty is anather ther is no majic call and my wife just have to do with 50 dollars i manage to get, but this is not wright i'm talking we had it nice! a nice uper medle class type of life i use to couche basketball in the schools by the subuvrs and most likly couche same polititician kid's,
i wake up in the morning wishing this is just a drem but is not! is realaty! but i not only whant to go back to the states but i whant to faind a wife when i get back!
PLEASE MR CONGRESSMAN CHANGE THE LAWS (96&97) THIS IS NOT WRIGHT!
GAVE ME A CHANCE TO RACE MY KID'S IN A GOOD CHRISTIAN HOME AND MAKE THEM GOOD MEMBERS OF SOCIETY!!!  WITH A GOOD EDUCATION I HAVE A GOOD PROFESSION AND I CAN DO VERY GOOD TO THE AMERICAN ECONOMY!!
YOU'RE DEPORTING THE WRONG PEAPLE!!!!!
OR IF YOU THINK YOU'RE NOT, WELL GAVE US A CHANCE TO DEFFEND OUR SELFS! I THNIK WE DESERVE IT JUST HEAR OUR SIDE, AS A HUMANS WE DESERVE THE WRIGHT TO DEFEND OUR FAMILY! AND BY YOU GAVING US THE CHANCE YOU WILL BE IN PEASE WITH YOU'RE SELF!
AND NEXT TIME YOU WHANT A CHANGE, IN IMMIGRATIONS IS THE MOST EASY!!
JUST DONT HIRE THEM AND THEY WILL STOP COMING!!!!!!! I GAVE YOU MY WORD!!!
VERY SINCIRLY ing. EFRAIN GARCIA O. EMAIL smart_sonic@infosel.net.mx
or efra56@hotmail.com 

Received August 19, 1999

     I am an american citizen born of an immigrant mother. I love my country so much so that I have vowed to die for it. I am serving my sixth year in the U.S. Air Force as an airborne communications technition on the AWACS. Recently I have become very disappointed in my country. Colin Powell said that "Near the top of any listing of the most important people of the 20th century must stand, in singular honor, the American G.I.". I married an illegal immigrant from mexico.We have two beautiful little girls and I'm 8 months pregnant. My husband is very active in our church and community. Since we've been married, Martin has been a stay at home Papa because of my frequent deployments and odd hours at work. We struggle with money, but we feel it's the best for our children. The G.I.'s spouse should be equally honored as the most important people of the 20th century because without them, we can't do our jobs.  In Jan. 1998 we began the process of getting Martin's visa. Finally in Jan 1999 we got our appointment at the consulate in Juarez. We worked with a notary instead of an attorney and she was unfamiliar with the new laws. I was totally un aware that I would not be able to return to the U.S. with my husband until his waiver (for being in the country illegally for more than ten years) was approved. He's been there for more than three months, even though I was assured that INS would expedite because of the extreme hardship our separation would cause. I initially received support form Sen. Nickles' office when the conuslate promised the process should take "two to three months." But now that it's been over three months, noone wants to bother with making a simple phone call for the comfort of a pregnant U.S. soldier.  I am all alone here. My family live in California and are financially unable to take time from work to help me. I am working and taking care of two small children by myself! I can't afford child care for my kids, but have been blessed with a friend who watches them for practically nothing while I go to work. I am facing the possibility that I'll be having this baby without my husband.
     I am ashamed of my country's government for being such hypocrites! Politicians are always spewing their "family Values" garbage, meanwhile my family is in crisis! Anything illegal is deplorable, I know, but this law is destroying a hard working citizen's life. If he doesn't return home soon, I will not be able to continue to serve my country, I will be financially devastated, and my three girls fatherless. Is this how one of "America's most important people" should be treated?

Received August 17, 1999

My father has lived in the US for 40 years. He is a successful real estate developer who had the misfortune of loosing everything he's worked for in the 1980's.  Because he could not pay taxes he is now in federal prison for tax evasion.  He never became a US citizen, all the years of paying millions in taxes never really meant a thing because the country he calls home now says he faces deportation.  his trial began in the year 1996, he was found quilty in 1998- he was sentenced to 46 months. To the government my father is a convicted alien, to his family he is a father of 5 grown children, grandfather of ten and husband- we miss him terribly and he is heartsick for us as well. PLEASE- the deportation law is unfair, unjust and cruel, it has to change.

Received August 16, 1999

I have a very big problem, my husband of 14 years will be deported from the US in a few weeks.  He has been in this country since he was 13.  He was waiting to get his documents in order through a relative, but the wait turned into more years then he thought.  He started working at 16 legally with a real social security that he applied for. (apparently the laws were different back then) Well to make a long story short, when he turned 21 he was informed by immigration that he could no longer be on the waiting.  I met him when he was 15 years ago and we got married in 1986.  I am a us citizen I was born in this country.  We have two children two boys an 11 and a 10 year old.  I applied for him to get his permanent residence in 1989.  My husband became a permanent resident in 1990.  In 1991, he committed a felony, which was a nonviolant act, he is a good man a good father, he made one mistake, he was convicted and sentenced to two years probation, when he was reporting to his probation officer he was picked up by immigration at the probation officer's office.  he was told he was going to be deported and we hired an attorney who appealed his deportation in 1992.  After all these years we got an order dismissing his appeal.  The order is dated July 28, 1999.  He has 30 days to appeal from that date.  I called a lawyer but he said he was going to charge me $6,000 to $10,000 to represent us just for starters.  I cannot afford an attorney.  I don't know what to do.  We have a mortgage, he has been employed by the same company for 20 years.  This is so unfair.  he made one mistake, he has paid for it.  Please is there anyway, he can stay, i was told that if he does not leave there will be a warrant for his arrest and he can face a jail term of 20 years.  I can't live in Mexico, my children can speak only limited Spanish.   What can I do.  Can he apply again to come back?  I think I'm having a nervous breakdown.  I cannot cope with this.  My husband has never been in trouble with the law except for one time.  this is not fair he is hardworking and a great father to his sons, as well as a great husband.  My family wants to help but doen't know how.

Received August 14, 1999

In September 1997 my son pleaded no contest to a charge of drug possession for sale on the advice of his court appointed attorney who promised to get him a "light" sentence.  Little did he know that by doing so he was sentencing himself to a what now amounts to a "life" sentence. He is an alien holding a green card for 22 years.  At the end of his sentence he was taken by the INS and is now being held without bail to be deported to a country which he left at age 12 where he has no family or friends,does not speak the language, and what is worse, is very likely to be picked up by the authorities and tortured, or forced to join  the terrorist group that is waging war against the government. The 1996 law is harsh and discriminates against immigrants.   My son has never left the country for the 22 years he has been in the US.  His whole family and extended family is here and he will never try to leave if he is granted bail.  He deserves an equal chance as any American born young person to rehabilitate himself with the help and support of those who love and care for him, namely, his family. I will support any efforts to change the law to give another chance to non-violent offenders who have made one mistake and want to be given a second chance.

Received August 13, 1999

Although I am being devastated by this law, I have found a bit of comfort, knowing that I'm not alone.  Now I know that there are people out there who are fighting to get the law reformed.  Here is my sad story: My husband is a Canadian, living in Windsor, Ontario. He worked from 1997 to 1999 in Michigan as a Systems Analyst under NAFTA's TN Visa status. Recently, he left his job and was hired at a company in Minnesota.  He was literally on his way when he stopped at the border to apply for his new TN Visa. The officer there ran a criminal check, and found two prior offenses. One was a juvenile record for possession of a small amount of marijuana (no jail), and one was from his early 20's, bouncing a few checks (no jail, no fine). The officer not only refused to grant him a Visa and turned him back, but told him that if he tried to enter into the U.S. again he would be thrown in jail and have his car impounded. My husband came back home, completely devastated.  We started doing research, and soon found out about this new law.   We also found out that even if he is able to obtain a waiver to get into the U.S. (which could take up to a year), he will NEVER be able to get permanent resident status or citizenship. The situation is a bit more complicated than all this.  I am an American Citizen and our three young boys are American as well. WE WANT TO LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES O