U.S. Continues to Lock up and Attempt to Deport Iraqi Christians

In 1993, Jony Jarjissentered the United States on a temporary visa for fianc és of U.S. citizens. The relationship fell apart, and in 1994, an immigration judge ordered his removal for overstaying his visa. Iraq refused to accept him back, and so for 23 years, Jarjiss has checked in with immigration authorities. Then, due to a new deal with Iraq, the Trump administrationarrested him in July 2017 and is now attempting to deport him. He is “terrified” of the persecution that he may face as a Christian upon his return and is attempting to reopen his immigration case. The government is trying to remove him before he has that opportunity.During the campaign, President Trumppromised Iraqi and Syrian Christians protection in the United States, and theyrewarded him with their votes. Yet in March, the United States struck a bargain with the government of Iraq: President Trump would leave Iraq offhis travel ban executive order in exchange for Iraq accepting1,400 Iraqis subject to deportation orders.The deal was strange considering the presidentargued letting in any Iraqis could let “dangerous people” enter. But in any case, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)began rounding up Iraqis in June and has arrested279 so far, abouthalf of whom were ordered removed from the United States at least a decade ago. Mostare Chaldean Christians like Jarjiss.As their lawyers scrambled to find them legal representation to challenge their removals in immigration courts, the United States g...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs