On January 12 at 8 am, Ravi will go for another ICE supervision check-in — his last before his deferred action expires.
Over 50 people have personally attested to why it is so essential that Ravi at last be free from ICE surveillance and able to live and organize with his community.
If you would like to submit a message of support, please do so through this link.
“Ravi has done everything that he has been asked to do. He is an upstanding member of the community and it is cruel and unusual punishment to continue this long after it should have been resolved by letting him stay in the country. Ravi is an asset to our community and this country.” – Marie Studer
“Ravi is a good man of high moral character and a leader for the forgotten and downtrodden. He is a treasure in this country, not a liability. He is beloved by his community and his family and it is cruel to separate him from them forever for a nonviolent offense that happened years ago – and when he has shown again and again since then that he is not a criminal. Our immigration laws are cruel and unforgiving and, in his case, applied vindictively. Please show compassion and kind justice, free Ravi from surveillance, and do not deport him!” – Anonymous
“Ravi Ragbir has helped thousands of immigrants find their footing in New York. At this moment, when New York is challenged to show the world how to greet those fleeing persecution and danger in their home countries, embrace Mr. Ragbir. Empower him to keep doing his generous outreach by granting him a secure home with his family in the U.S.” – Mary Watkins
“Ravi is an example of faithful humanity and warrants just opportunity to live his life fully and freely with loved ones and community in accord with the Universal Human Rights belonging to us all, especially since he exemplifies the meaning of those rights justly lived. May he have every opportunity to live and love in this land with all that he values. May Ravi be an example of justice in America with the full exercise of human freedom to be all we are meant to be for good in our national life. He is a blessing; may he live that fully among us.” – Mark Meeks
[It is essential for Ravi to be free from ICE surveillance] “Because he has been a wonderful support of people seeking asylum and he will continue to do that good work. There is no reason why he should, after all these years, still have to report to ICE. He should be free to remain in the U.S. with his family.” – Donna Gould
“This country we call home was created with the right to be free & speak out as guaranteed by the constitution/amendments. No family should be separated by an error in life, if born here you serve your time & then home, for many immigrants it’s directly the opposite. I pray & hope that he is free from this check in, able to stay & continue to advocate from the heart. When I met him many years ago I was impressed with his persona.” – Norma
“Ravi is not a threat to our community. He is a pacifist and a caring individual that spends his time volunteering to help others. There should be no reason he should have to check in. He follows the law and hasn’t tried to leave the country. It’s time for Ravi to be able to live his life without ICE check ins hanging over him. Ravi is an asset to our community. He spends so much of his time offering help and aid to others in need. There should be more people like Ravi. He is also my sister’s husband and life partner. A very big part of our family. An Uncle to my children and a friend.” – Beth Steinman
[It is essential for Ravi to be free from ICE surveillance] “Because he is a force for good in the community and has made a productive, contributing life here. He is no threat to society. He is the opposite and we need more like him and his family!” – Tammy Pittman
“Ravi is a beloved member of the New York community. He’s respected and has only ever tried to do good for the benefit of others. He is in no way a threat and he should be free from these ICE check-ins. Ravi has been a mentor to younger people; New York is his home and he deserves to stay.” – Thanu Yakupitiyage
“Ravi is an integral and key leader in our communities. The trauma and continued aggression this surveillance adds must end.” – Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner
“His presence in this country has brought an important voice for a more just United States. He is a loving, caring man who has a beautiful family and fostered an enormous community who are with him to secure his right to remain in this country! We need more Ravis among us!” – Anita Altman
“He has done no wrong and contributes greatly to values the U.S. holds dear.” – Jacob POiheny
“Ravi is an amazing human being who has brought so much love and justice to the world!” – Julia
“He provides an essential service to people who are dealing with immigration check-ins as well as with immigration judges. I participated in his accompaniment program. Sometimes we had to stay outside of the courtroom and we did but sometimes the judge allowed us in as in the case of a young woman from Central America who spoke no English, only a dialect. I do believe that Ravi is being targeted because he has helped and tried to help many people.He has taught people to stand up for their rights. He has lived a good and useful life and therefore should be allowed to stay.” – Mary Ann Fastook
“Ravi is an upstanding member of society. He has helped thousands of others who have been detained and/or harassed by ICE. He and his family have been through a lot because of antiquated, outdated and unjust immigration policies. It’s time to put this emotional and psychological torment to an end. Ravi has complied with all legal requirements and should be released from having to do check-ins.” – Reverend Ross Upshaw
“Ravi is a devoted family man who has been a strong supporter of immigrant rights along with providing a legal path to citizenship. Ravi is a man of integrity who, in the past had some legal issues (unjust) but dealt with them and paid his debt. The time is long past that he have this unfair burden removed and let him continue to show his strength of conviction and his love for his adopted country.” – Sidney Gottlieb
“Ravi has shown again and again that he is not a danger. Rather he contributes to his community and is an excellent example of someone who aims to help his community. He has already paid an excessively high price and his record should be cleared NOW.” – JoAnne Hadden
“Ravi is an asset to be in our community. We want him ‘free.’ We are grateful for Ravi’s contributions to our community now – and in the future.” – Mary Smith
“Ravi has proven himself to be a positive community member and he lives here with his family! It makes no sense to continue this surveillance as he has done nothing that merits such. Frankly, this surveillance seems punitive and designed to cause humiliation for no reason. I have heard Ravi speak and I have seen him and his wife as they work together to raise awareness of the cruelty of our immigration system. I see him as a force for good!” – Gabrielle Shatan
“Ravi has proven his American commitment to constitutional justice, civil mercy, and soulful hospitality. He is a key, kind, leader. We are a better people because of Ravi. His courage, spirit, faith, soul force resemble the best of what we aspire as humans and as Americans. Enough is enough. Stop this madness and release his bonds.” – Rev. David H. Rommereim
“Ravi is an invaluable leader and member of his community here in NYC, and the way he has been treated is a clear attempt at retaliation against an outspoken immigrant rights’ champion. The only justifiable path forward is to allow him the status of permanent resident, so that he can remain with his family and loved ones here in the US.” – Dr. Max Osborn
“Ravi is an asset to our community and has done everything possible to support those in need. Ravi is an honest, sincere and dedicated individual who loves America and its values.” – Judith Goldberg
“Surveillance by ICE or any agency is an infringement on the right to privacy. Ravi has lived in the US for decades and should be permitted to enjoy the right to privacy. Ravi’s work on behalf of undocumented people shows him to be a community leader and activist. We need more people like Ravi in this country.” – Rabbi Barat Ellman
“His story is an example of why we should welcome newcomers to this country; he takes community building as his human responsibility, is an educator, and acts on behalf of others. It’s way over due: let Ravi be free of surveillance and allow him to live a productive, active, peaceful life here.” – Linny Stovall
“I value Ravi as a United States resident after all this time. He is settled with his family and has done so much good for New Yorkers. Why is this not enough for you?! With the immigration backlog as it is and with the cost of reviewing his case year in and year out, I protest my tax money being used in this wasteful and cruel way.” – Sigrid Meinel
“Ravi has been a critical part of the immigrant rights and representation community in New York City and beyond. To allow him to continue that important work (and for many other reasons), he should not be forced to live under the threat of constant surveillance. Moreover, the fact that he is under such surveillance is a troubling sign of the personal risks that exercising the right to speak out created during the Trump administration and creates the risk of chilling other speech now.” – Lindsay Nash
“He’s a wonderful New Yorker!.” – Anonymous
“Immigration needs to stop harassing Ravi and grant him permanent status. ICE is targeting him because of his political activities supporting migrants who have been detained or who are threatened with deportation. Enough is enough!” – Stephan Russo
“He has done his time and moved towards helping others and has made a life here with his wife and family and community” – Anonymous
“Ravi has worked tirelessly for the rights of immigrants and has conducted himself with exemplary courage. What is the point of these continual check-ins? I believe Ravi is the kind of person we should welcome to our country. He has the gift of bringing people together – – a quality which is greatly needed nowadays.” – Sima szaluta
“Ravi is an exemplary human being who deserves to live free from ICE surveillance. He poses neither a flight risk nor a danger to public safety. Ravi Ragbir spoke as a guest lecturer to my students at Berkeley Law in 2021 alongside Alina Das. My students were enormously grateful that Ravi shared his wealth of experience and found the class deeply moving. One described hearing from Ravi to me as the most impactful experience of their law school education. I hope countless others are allowed the opportunity to interact with and learn from Ravi Ragbir.” – Leti Volpp
“Selective enforcement is unconstitutional. It seems clear that Ravi is being watched and harassed because of his political speech, and citizen or not, standards must be the same for all—free speech is absolute, barring only directly inciting violence or making specific threats. I urge you to resolve this quickly in Ravi’s favor so that he and Amy can finally relax and focus on their productive lives with family and friends.” – Sally Jane Gellert
“It is such a waste of time and resources to continue to monitor Ravi when he has paid his debt to society many times over. He is a valuable member of our community, has a loving family, and deserves to be able to live his life here in the United States out from under the threat of deportation.” – Patti I
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Our immigration system is broken. Ravi has experienced the worst of our deportation system because of a single criminal conviction for fraud in 2006. He has been incarcerated and has spent every year since meeting the requirements of our immigration system. Ravi is my son-in-law and over the years I have gotten to know a kind, thoughtful, considerate person and at times funny. I cannot imagine him being deported. In addition, Ravi is needed by those many other immigrants who need advice and education regarding their stay in the US. He is an advocate and always working on different ways to work in his community.” - Gale Gottlieb
“Ravi has more than proven his honesty and reliability. The continued surveillance is simply harassment and is a waste of time and tax payer money. Ravi is the sort of person we should be welcoming to the US. No one of us can afford to be judged by a single mistake. He has more than redeemed himself through his love and friendships and service to so many. We need him here.” – Mary Meyer
“Ravi has proven productive in America and continue to show up in his community. Please free Ravi from ICE check-ins.” – Melissa Springs-Mozumder
“In our community and family, Ravi plays a pivotal role, contributing significantly to our collective growth and well-being. His freedom from surveillance is crucial not only for respecting his personal dignity and privacy but also for allowing him to continue his positive and active participation in our lives. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to our community’s values, fostering relationships built on trust and respect. Surveillance would not only impede his ability to contribute meaningfully but also cause undue stress and anxiety, which could hinder his personal growth and the valuable support he provides to our family. Keeping him free from undue scrutiny is not only a matter of personal liberty but also essential for nurturing his continued positive influence in our community and family.” – Jeremy Steinman
[It is essential for Ravi to be free from ICE surveillance] “So he and his family may live in peace as they continue to help and give to others.” – Melissa Stoner
“His family needs him, our community needs him, also, immigrants need him” – Rosalinda Martinez
“The check-ins that ICE has forced Ravi to endure over the years are unnecessary and cruel. Ravi has never missed a check-in and has complied with the years and years rigorous limits in his life and freedom. ICE should eliminate the one-size-fits-all approach and take a careful look at Ravi (and millions of others) cases to stop these traumatizing check-ins. 2024 is your year Ravi!!!! Sending love.” – Jessica Beaumont
“As Ravi has demonstrated over and over again, our immigration system refuses to treat noncitizens in this country with humanity and dignity. No one should be subjected to the sort of treatment and surveillance Ravi has endured over so many years.” – Antonia House
“It is essential for Ravi be free of ICE surveillance so that he can more effectively and substantially do the organizing work and accompaniment for immigrants and their families. Without the time consuming ( as well as the demoralizing) aspects of ICE surveillance, Ravi Ragbir would be able to provide more focused and creative energy to the spiritual justice work he is called to do on behalf of the larger communities in New York City and beyond. Ravi has done this work for many years on behalf of us all while having to be concerned about his own immigration status and concerns about deportation. He has done more good throughout the United States and deserves to be removed from surveillance by ICE or any other organization. I have worked with Ravi for decades now. He is an accomplished organizer with so many gifts. Yet he has had this painful weight he carries, never knowing what may come next. He has served selflessly, giving to his community and the nation in countless ways. Please remove this burden from him and his family– indeed removing this barrier from him will enable justice to move forward for all those who are impacted by the gracious work he does.” – Rev. Susan Karlson
“I am writing as a citizen concerned for Ravi Ragbir, a colleague I admire both professionally and personally. He should be permitted to live in this country, free from ICE surveillance and harassment. Ravi strengthens the United States through his advocacy work with immigrants and the faith community and also by his commitment to his wife and daughter, both US citizens. I am continually impressed by the hard work and practical attitudes in advocating for social justice shown by Ravi and his wife. Ravi should be free of the worry and pressure of ICE surveillance to carry on these efforts. Thank you. He inspires us all — his friends, his family, his church and the immigrant community.” – Kathleen Ferris Heim
“Ravi Ragbir is a good man who spends his energy in service to the well-being of others. He is also an essential presence to his family. Deporting Ravi would be a loss to all those people and to the country as a whole. Certainly, Ravi’s presence in the US is not in any way a danger to our country. On the contrary. It is an asset. Please remove the constant threat of deportation and grant Ravi Ragvir permanent residence. Thank you.” – Jane Treuhold
“We have known Ravi for more than eleven years. We have never met an individual who works so hard helping others and for his beliefs. We have been at numerous meetings with various organizations that work in behalf of the needy in the city and very frequently found that many people knew Ravi either personally or were aware of the work he does on behalf of the immigrants. We know that he is a tireless and selfless worker for the men and women of this city and an important leader of his community. The time has come for an end to the ICE surveillance of this outstanding individual who does so much for our society.
As Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City Ravi has facilitated the efforts of many faith communities and community organizations to aid immigrants and support their rights in several ways. He helps individual immigrants navigate the legal system, such as by teaching them their rights and assisting them in filling out the various forms they need. He has also trained many volunteers to perform these kinds of tasks. Ravi inspires people to act on their desire to help immigrants and has great skill in organization. These attributes allow him to excel at coordinating the activities of many churches, temples, mosques, and other community groups in our city. He always makes the people who come to him for help feel welcome and makes them realize that someone cares for them. Beyond this, his ‘people skills’ have connected him with citizens throughout the city and metropolitan region, including politicians, business leaders, the police, and other groups. Few people in the New York area are widely known by just a first name; Ravi is one of them. Continued ICE surveillance on Mr. Ragbir is not necessary and indeed tears at the fabric of the institutions that hold our society together and keep it free. It must end now.
Mr. Ragbir is a committed family man. We have also known his wife, Amy Gottlieb, an immigrant rights leader with American Friends Service Committee, for many years. We have always been impressed by the love that was palpable between Amy and Ravi. Amy, like Ravi is passionate about the ideals on which this nation is based and a pillar of the community. Both Amy and his daughter, Deborah, are U.S. citizens. His deportation would be a severe disruption to this family. Two U.S. citizens would be deprived of the care of a husband and father. His surveillance by ICE is a true shame and does not reflect the values of the country we all are living in.” – Marisa and David Lohse
“I am personally acquainted with Ravi Ragbir and feel he is doing important work advocating for the immigrant community, which should continue. He is an asset to his community and the United States, compassionate, intelligent, rational and committed. Ravi should be permitted to remain in the United States without needing to go through the periodic check-in procedures he has been subjected to for many years. He has a wife and daughter, both of whom are citizens. They need him here and the country needs him here. Thank you.” – Jeffrey Heim
“It is essential for Ravi to be free from ICE surveillance. Ravi is a thoughtful, hardworking and caring man who has provided important support the a range of individuals in his community.” – Peggy McNamara
“Ravi paid whatever debt society required of him and should be free to live his life as a law-abiding person in this country. He has stood up for others and been a source of support to many who are going through similar troubles” – Maxine Phillips
“Ravi has helped many immigrants, and his wife Amy, does all kinds of work for justice. These are good people who shouldn’t have to live in fear of his deportation for speaking up.” – Anonymous
“Yes he’s an upstanding citizen. Ravi has helped so many immigrants find their way, given endless hours to help those in need.” – Kim Kelly
“Ravi is a dedicated immigration activist fighting for others. He also has a family here. It seems the targeting of Mr. Ragbir is mostly because he is an outspoken activist.” – Suresh Dianand
“Ravi has proven himself to be a faithful friend and supporter of positive causes in this country and is needed by his friends and family. His absence would be painfully felt by many.” – Daniel Shenk
“I’ve known Ravi for a decade and have watched his work and care for people. He participates in creating a better society. He is what American is at its best. I’ve heard Ravi speak publicly many times. I am always impressed with his passion, wisdom, and knowledge. I admire him.” – Matthew Nelson
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