At the February 8th General Meeting VID voted unanimously to support legal status for Ravi Ragbir, as introduced by District Leader Keen Berger. Many VID Members participated in a rally on his behalf on Jan. 25th.
Following is the resolution supporting Ravi Ragbir which can also be downloaded here.
VID RESOLUTION SUPPORTING HR4937
FOR PERMANENT LEGAL STATUS FOR RAVI RAGBIR
February 8, 2018
WHEREAS Ravi Ragbir was convicted of wire fraud 18 years ago, served time, and paid his “debt to society”;
WHEREAS he was a legal immigrant with a green card which was negated because of his conviction,
WHEREAS he has gone to every check-in and otherwise complied with e everything required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as married and become an exemplary member of the community, and
WHEREAS Ravi was without notice detained, jailed and sent to Florida to be deported, without a fair hearing, and without regard for a balance of the equities since he has followed all requirements and, but for the one mistake, has lived without repeating that error, and has become a community leader and a leading force in the New Sanctuary Movement,
WHEREAS District Judge Katherine Forrest has determined that his current detention is unmerited and ordered Ravi Ragbir let out of detention, yet he still faces the possibility of deportation on February 10;
WHEREAS Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez has proposed and submitted a special bill (HR4937) which would give Ravi Ragbir permanent legal status in the United States as a valuable member of our community;
THEREFORE the Village Independent Democrats endorses and supports HR4937 and calls upon the House of Representatives to enact this bill, grant Ravi Ragbir permanent legal status and prevent his deportation now or in the future.
Passed unanimously at VID General Membership Meeting – February 8, 2018