Rep. Huffman Introduces Legislation to End Deportation Proceedings Against Hugo Mejia

September 15, 2017

Washington, D.C.- New legislation introduced by Rep. Huffman (D-San Rafael) would, if signed into law, end federal immigration proceedings against Hugo Mejia, an upstanding resident of Marin who has been held for over four months by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and kept from his family.

Rep. Huffman’s legislation, known as a private bill, would make Mejia eligible to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, enabling him to apply for a “green card” and stay reunited with his family without fear of a future deportation.  

“The Marin community has come together in support of Hugo Mejia, an exemplary father, neighbor, employee, and tax-paying member of the community,” said Rep. Huffman. “In other words he is exactly the type of person that Donald Trump promised he would not target for a summary deportation. Hugo Mejia is being unfairly kept in detention far from his family, missing his children’s birthdays and first communions, and occupying jail space that should be reserved for real criminals who are threats to public safety. Congress should swiftly act on a bipartisan basis to provide a path to citizenship for everyone in Hugo’s position, and until that day, I will keep fighting to allow Hugo to stay in this country that he and his family call home.”

"Hugo Mejia has been a law-abiding member of our community for over 15 years.  He and his family volunteer regularly at their schools and neighboring institutions,” said Jessica Marker, Director of Partnerships at Venetia Valley School. “He is an honorable and beloved person to all who know him.  Our community is deeply committed to returning Hugo to his family and to supporting a pathway for him to be a permanent resident in our community, and we thank Rep. Huffman for his important leadership on this issue."

"On behalf of Hugo Mejia, his family and the membership of the IUPAT I want to thank Congressman Huffman for his leadership in this fight and the introduction today of this Private Member Bill,” said  Kenneth Rigmaiden, General President International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. “The IUPAT has and will continue to fight hard to return Hugo to his family. It has been too long since Hugo has been back with his family and at work. We call on Congress to swiftly move to pass this bill to ensure a good father and a good craftsman is returned to our community."

If the private bill is approved by the House and Senate, it would rescind any existing removal orders against Hugo Mejia and bar the Homeland Security Department from removing him from the United States while he applies for Lawful Permanent Resident status, a process that includes an application, a fee, and a waiting period.

Rep. Huffman has been leading an effort in Congress to fight for justice for Hugo Mejia, and has long supported comprehensive immigration reform to improve the system nationwide. You can read more about his work here.

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