Letter to The New York Times
Re “Deportation’s Brief Adios and Prolonged Anguish” (news article, May 9):
Deportation affects all American families — those without documentation as much as those who are legal permanent residents. We’ve witnessed its effect on Southeast Asian Americans who came as refugees decades ago, and are deported back to the countries they once fled in fear of persecution.
Though one community member fled Cambodia as an infant and barely speaks the language, he was deported, because of a minor conviction from his youth, back to a country he didn’t even remember. After serving time, leading an upstanding life for eight years and starting a family, he was detained and deported while applying for citizenship.
He leaves behind a wife, two daughters and his aging mother. His daughters will grow up without their father.
Current laws are unjust, and tear families apart. We ask that judges be given the power to consider case-by-case circumstances before deciding on deportation or a second chance, an authority that was stripped under the 1996 immigration laws.
Doua Thor
Executive Director
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
Washington, May 11, 2010
Deportation affects all American families — those without documentation as much as those who are legal permanent residents. We’ve witnessed its effect on Southeast Asian Americans who came as refugees decades ago, and are deported back to the countries they once fled in fear of persecution.
Though one community member fled Cambodia as an infant and barely speaks the language, he was deported, because of a minor conviction from his youth, back to a country he didn’t even remember. After serving time, leading an upstanding life for eight years and starting a family, he was detained and deported while applying for citizenship.
He leaves behind a wife, two daughters and his aging mother. His daughters will grow up without their father.
Current laws are unjust, and tear families apart. We ask that judges be given the power to consider case-by-case circumstances before deciding on deportation or a second chance, an authority that was stripped under the 1996 immigration laws.
Doua Thor
Executive Director
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
Washington, May 11, 2010
5 comments:
Don't be fooled by the appearance. The US is the most selfish country on Earth.
you are such an idiot 10:51 PM
can you name one democratic country in the world that don't get support from the US ?
4:56 PM, you're right, from 1960 to 1975, USA supports Cambodia with 100 times of bombs more than USA had given to Japan.
Trust no one.
Socheata, thank you for the SEARAC mention.
Post a Comment