1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention an urgent matter concerning humanitarian parole recipients, specifically Kevenson and Sherlie Jean, who have been living in the Texas Panhandle since July 2023. As you may be aware, these individuals were granted parole under a specific program for residents of countries facing dire circumstances, requiring them to have financial sponsors—which they had here in Texas . Two wonderful Texans, Jered and Kimberly Snelgrooes, chose to bear the financial burden in order to help their friends. From the moment Kevenson and Sherlie arrived in the United States with only their life savings, they have shown remarkable resilience and a strong desire to contribute to their community. The Snelgrooes took on the responsibility of sponsoring them, covering their costs for immigration and acclimation. This has not been a burden to taxpayers; instead, our friends have actively contributed to the local economy by paying social security, Medicare, and federal income taxes since receiving their work permits. Recently, however, they received a notice stating that their parole has been terminated, giving them until April 25th to self-deport. This decision is not only alarming but also misjudged. Kevenson and Sherlie are not criminals, nor are they a burden on society. They are hardworking individuals who have integrated into our community, taking jobs and contributing positively to our local economy. It is essential to consider the implications of their deportation—not only for them but for the local economy that depends on their labor. With a significant number of individuals in similar situations, I urge you to recognize that the removal of these hardworking community members will leave voids in various industries and create more challenges for local employers. Moreover, sending Kevenson and Sherlie back to Port-au-Prince, Haiti—the city recently deemed the most dangerous in the world—poses severe risks to their safety and wellbeing. The current situations there, exacerbated by the reduction of U.S. aid, has left individuals returning to an environment of extreme danger and uncertainty. I implore you to reconsider the rules surrounding humanitarian parole and to advocate for a more humane approach to immigration. It is time for our representatives to differentiate between law-abiding individuals seeking a better life and actual criminals. Please take a moment to connect with your colleagues to address this issue. I encourage you to reach out to me if you require additional information about Kevenson and Sherlie’s situation or the valuable contributions they have made since arriving in our community. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I trust you will act in the best interest of all those affected, including hardworking families like Kevenson and Sherlie who strive to make a positive impact in our society.