1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose any policies that would deport immigrants to third countries rather than their countries of origin. This practice violates fundamental principles of due process and human dignity that our nation should uphold. Recent immigration enforcement actions have raised serious concerns about the treatment of individuals who have deep ties to our communities. An immigration judge recently dismissed the deportation case against a Mexican father of three U.S. Marines who was arrested in California. This case illustrates how current enforcement priorities can tear apart families with strong connections to our country, including those who have children serving in our military. Third-country deportation arrangements are particularly troubling because they send individuals to nations where they have no family connections, no support networks, and often face dangerous conditions. These policies separate parents from their children, disrupt established lives, and create humanitarian crises. The father of three Marines had built a life here and raised children who chose to serve our country. Cases like his demonstrate that enforcement actions often target individuals who pose no threat and contribute to their communities. I ask you to take a clear stand against third-country deportation policies and support legislation that ensures immigrants receive fair hearings and are not sent to countries where they have no ties. Our immigration system should prioritize keeping families together, especially when those families include members serving in our armed forces. Please also support comprehensive immigration reform that creates pathways for long-term residents to gain legal status, particularly those with U.S. citizen family members. Our enforcement priorities should focus on genuine security threats, not on separating families who have demonstrated their commitment to this country through military service and community contributions.