Nice to see Kerry getting involved trying to help a family in MA who may be deported

[beachmom]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/05/09/do_the_right_thing/

Raad is a native of Basra, Iraq's third biggest city. He immigrated to the United States in 1997, and went to work for the Defense Department in 2004. He has served four tours in Iraq, working as a translator for American combat forces, most recently Navy SEALs. The word "dangerous" does not begin to describe his job.

Raad loves his adopted country dearly, which is why he is having a hard time understanding why the government appears intent on deporting his wife, Norma.

...

His wife - let's not mince words - snuck into the country from her native Guatemala. She applied for asylum while she was living in Nevada. She later moved to Virginia, and finally, Massachusetts.

When the couple attempted to check on the status of her asylum application last year, they discovered that a judge in Nevada had issued an order of removal in 2005. The couple is now hoping that the government will exercise its discretion and overturn the ruling, allowing her to seek a green card.

They have won one influential ally: US Senator John F. Kerry.

"This is a real test of how we treat people who answer the call of duty," Kerry said over the phone last week. "We have a shortage of translators. We talk about winning the hearts and minds of people, and the last thing we should be doing is making life harder for the people who are making that effort."

The Globe approves of his involvement in this. That's pretty damned stupid to deport an Iraqi translator willing to risk his life for America, because his wife's papers weren't in order. Good for Kerry to get involved.

[beachmom]

1. And success:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/05/15/kerry_wins_reprieve_for_iraqi_translators_wife/

Kerry wins reprieve for Iraqi translator's wife

By
Globe Staff / May 15, 2008

US Senator John F. Kerry said he has been able to stave off the deportation of the wife of an Iraqi translator who has been decorated for his work during four tours in Iraq with the United States military.

...

Late last month, Kerry contacted the Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. Within days, the immigration agency postponed Norma Hilfy's removal for one year so that her petitions for legal residency can be considered, Kerry's office said.

"A woman whose husband has been wounded in action and awarded a Medal of Freedom should not have to fear being deported," Kerry said in a statement. ". . . It is fair and just that his family should be allowed to stay here with him in his adopted country."

Massachusetts really is lucky to have such an extraordinary man representing them. The media also should be commended for getting the story out there about this situation. Think about it: had there been no publicity and had Sen. Kerry not gotten involved, an Iraqi who is translating for our troops would have been deported with his wife. It really does matter so much who gets elected in affecting people's lives. It is not a game nor is it a personality contest. People's lives are at stake. I wish people would remember this.