January 20, 2009

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D. C. 20050

Dear President Obama:

With the election behind us and with your focus now on developing your agenda for leading our nation, we respectfully call your attention to a major humanitarian crisis in our country.

Over three million of our fellow citizens, children largely without a voice, are at risk of being wrenched from their families by a broken immigration system. With one or both of their parents subject to being deported for being here illegally, these innocent victims are subjected to being left behind to fend for themselves or in less than desirable or suitable arrangements. Irreparable physical and emotional harm is being inflicted on these children. We can prevent this anguish by allowing these families to remain intact.

We therefore appeal to you and request your consideration of issuing an executive order in the first 100 days of your administration staying the deportation of any parent of a U.S. citizen who has not committed a felonious crime until the new Congress proposes an overhaul of the current law. While there are many complex immigration issues that need to be addressed, it would seem that the well-being and preservation of families would be paramount.

Very truly yours,

Organization to Help Citizen Children
Jose R. Kennard,
President