Read the USA Today story about Kenault and his family. Click here to TAKE ACTION!!
Kenault and his son Devario during one of their few visits together in Jamaica.
USA Today has shared with the world the story of Kenault Lawrence, the husband of a Virginia-born U.S. citizen named Melissa and father to their three year old boy, Devario. Kenault was a lawful permanent resident who has lived in Virginia since he was 11 years old. In 2013, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Kenault to Jamaica because of non-violent marijuana-related criminal convictions, leaving Melissa as a single mother forced to rely for the first time in her life on government subsidies. Devario is constantly asking about his father.
Several months after Kenault was deported, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision strictly limiting the type of marijuana-related offenses that may be considered “aggravated felonies.” We know now that Kenault’s convictions were wrongly classified, denying him the opportunity to ask for a second chance to stay in the United States. We believe an Immigration Judge should be the one to decide if Kenault’s marijuana convictions merit the permanent separation of this loving family.
We believe Devario should have a chance to grow up with the father who loves him. CAIR Coalition represents Kenault in his motion to reopen his removal proceedings, which would give him the limited opportunity to return to the United States and present his case to an Immigration Judge. ICE has vigorously opposed this request. Join us in urging ICE to withdraw its opposition to Kenault's motion to reopen his removal proceedings. Urge ICE to bring Kenault home!
Read the USA Today article about Kenault Lawrence's case here.
