Press Release

Gutierrez to Escort Immigrant Mother in Final Appeal Before Deportation
Wife and mother essential to family's health & ability to prevent home foreclosure

October 20, 2008

Media Contact: Rebecca Dreilinger (202) 225-8203


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Chicago, IL) Today, Monday, October 20, U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) will take a direct stand against a badly broken immigration system, together with Ms. Francisca Lino—the wife of a U.S. citizen and mother of three U.S. citizen children who faces deportation on Tuesday, October 21—by escorting her into the Chicago offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and appealing for a "Stay of the Removal" for one year.

In January of 2005, Lino was scheduled for a green card interview, but was arrested and handcuffed on site. Witnessing this, Lino's husband suffered an immediate stroke, and he has suffered from severe anxiety since. Additionally, their youngest children, 6-year-old twins, cope with developmental problems caused by premature birth, and Lino is the primary caretaker for her Mother-in-Law, who endures treatment in chemotherapy five days a week. Lino is an essential financial provider for her family, which will almost certainly default on their mortgage in her absence.

"Ms. Lino's family fundamentally depends on her, and neither they nor any other family should suffer because of our government's profound failure to pass a law that respects basic family values," said Rep. Gutierrez. "Even my colleagues on the other side of the aisle must understand that, in the midst of a financial crisis, we simply cannot afford to create situations that are doomed to strain our economy. How many times must we demonstrate our immediate need for an immigration system that ensures our security — border security, economic security and family security?"

Rep. Gutierrez and Ms. Lino will address members of the press prior to appealing her case before ICE.

Who:

U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez,

IL State Senator Iris Martinez,

IL State Representative Cynthia Soto,

Cook County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado,

Alderman Danny Solis,

Alderman Billy Ocasio

 

What:

 

Press Conference and Appeal to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

 

When:

 

Monday, October 20, 2008, 11:00 am CT

Where:

Chicago Offices of ICE, 101 W. Congress Parkway

 

 

 

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