Monday, April 30,
2022
Dear Honorable Judge
Stephen Mander,
I am writing so you may
become more informed of my case and the circumstances surrounding our
family situation as it relates to my immigration status.
My
name is Donald Lawrence and I have lived here in the U.S. for over 32 years. I never intended to be undocumented but on arrival in the U.S.
I was deceived and robbed by people we trusted, and I became stuck
without funds to correct our situation. I paid my own way through
school and graduated with honors with an AA degree in business. Over
the years my wife and I worked hard, sometimes days and nights, to
provide for our children. I have two sons, Lindon and Anderson, and a
daughter, Emily, all of whom are U.S. citizens. I also have a
grandson, Manny, who is just 5 years old.
I have
never been in trouble of any kind until that day I signed a passport
application at the mall; the biggest mistake of my life. I was
advised by my attorney to plead guilty and was given time served.
After my arrest I knew my wife was having a nervous break-down so I
had to try to get out as soon as possible. Hence, I agreed initially
to speak to authorities without a layer. I cooperated fully, without
reservation, in the hope I could return to my family quickly. My wife
currently takes medicine for anxiety and has always had a delicate
emotional condition.
I have
already served a sentence which included 1 year probation which I
completed without any infractions or incidents. I live my life to
serve my family, my church, my community and God. I raised my
children to be proud law abiding and patriotic Americans. My wish for
them is to love America and serve those around them wherever they
may be. I tell my children to always look for ways to help others
because these are the things that live on. My children are not babies
any more, but I still feel they need my guidance and support.
My removal will result in severe emotional distress for
my wife which will, in turn, negatively impact my children. Our
daughter, Emily has already been through an extended period of
counseling and therapy which became necessary after my detentions in
the Miami Federal Detention Center and in Broward Transitional
Center. It was hard on my children when they came to court and saw me
brought into court wearing shackles. I am begging you, to use the powers of your
good office to terminate the removal proceedings against me and let
me stay. I hate to sound dramatic, but I fear if I am deported, I will
never see my wife alive again. We are not young and we need and
support each other in many ways every day. Please consider my humble
request. You have the power to save us.
Sincerely Donald Lawrence
