Looking for Justice

This was written prior to court in 2018

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