1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

As a member of congregation Beth El, I am writing today to remind you of the power you have to grant pardons to people, particularly those in our immigrant communities where families have suffered so much trauma from fleeing violence. Please show compassion and clemency to the members of these families who have often been excessively punished for crimes committed in their youth because of discrimination. They have struggled to regain themselves, and once released have served and supported their families and the wider communities in outstanding generous ways. Because of the current federal administration’s cruel actions, fueling hatred of immigrants, many people will be deported to countries they have never lived in. Governor Newsom, you can pardon these valued community members. Your record of pardons is poor at best. You claim to support immigrants, in the face of this President’s vitriolic attacks. You can do better by granting pardons, keeping people safe from the clutches of ICE and keep families together. Don’t continue the cycle of trauma. Be that Governor who is strong enough to allow people who have embodied their better selves in their current contributions to our society and give them the second chance they deserve. Do you have the courage to overcome your own prejudices to grant these pardons? You want to be President of this country, then act accordingly, rising above your own self interest and show your support for the immigrant communities who are bearing the brunt of the malicious actions being meted out by ICE at the behest of this administration. As the governor of California your actions of compassion could pave the way for this nation to heal from the violence we are all experiencing at the hands of the federal government. Thank you