Rep. Lateefah Simon Condemns Deportation of Non-Criminal Immigrants

Betrayal of Trust in Immigration System

• 💔 Representative Lateefah Simon highlights the deep and profound betrayal experienced by immigrants, emphasizing that their stories are not isolated incidents but part of a recurring pattern in the U.S.
• 🌍 Simon states that the courage of those sharing their stories represents millions, asserting that while it may be a "shadow hearing," the world is watching and listening.

The Case of Miss Core

• 👵 A specific case is presented of Miss Core, a 73-year-old Sikh woman from Simon's district, who lived and worked in the U.S. for over three decades as an asylum applicant.
• ⏳ Despite a removal order issued in 2005, the U.S. government did not act on it for 20 years due to a lack of documentation from India, during which time Miss Core paid taxes, worked, and had no criminal record.
• 🚨 During a routine check-in in September, Miss Core was handcuffed, shackled, and detained without warning, and then deported, unable to say goodbye to her family.

Critique of Administration's Policies

• ⚖️ Simon criticizes the administration's claim to only deport criminals, pointing to Miss Core's case as an example of a cruel and arbitrary deportation quota being satisfied.
• 🗽 The representative draws a parallel between the immigrants' experiences and the ideals represented by the Statue of Liberty, stating that their courage embodies the truth of America.
• 🔥 Simon calls for accountability not only from the Republican party and the administration but also from Democrats, emphasizing that justice is owed to these individuals.