For Immediate Release
Friday, Jan. 10, 2025

***PRESS ADVISORY***

On Friday, January 10, immigrant rights leader Ravi Ragbir received news that ICE has decided to postpone his supervision appointment, previously scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025, until March 13, 2025, and has extended his deferred action until that time. The vigil scheduled to take place outside his check in has been canceled. Supporters of Ragbir, canon for immigration justice with the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, will be gathering separately to express their support for Ragbir and his family, and to continue to advocate for his pardon. They urge the public to add their voices to Ragbir’s pardon campaign through this petition: https://bit.ly/raviragbir.  

“We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who was willing to stand in solidarity with Ravi early on Monday morning. With the check-in now postponed, we are so thankful that we can focus on our efforts on calling upon President Biden to grant Ravi a pardon,” said Rev. Cece Jones-Davis, on behalf of Ragbir’s Defense Committee. “Ravi has spoken out for so many others, and we are proud to be able to speak out for him and for all immigrants facing uncertainty in the days ahead.”

Background: Ragbir is a 60-year-old husband and a father who came to the U.S. as a greencard holder but now faces the double punishment of deportation based on a single fraud conviction he received almost twenty years ago. He was given a final order of deportation in 2007 but was placed on an order of supervision in 2008, allowing him to live and work in the U.S. During that time, he became active in the immigrant rights movement, organizing faith communities to support immigrant families. He paid the price for that activism when he was detained and almost deported in 2018. An outpouring of community support and legal intervention provided him with temporary protection from deportation which is set to expire in March 2025. Now, only a presidential pardon will ensure that Ragbir is permitted to remain here in the U.S. without fear of deportation. Ragbir filed an application for a presidential pardon eight years ago and has followed the full, official process for consideration. His application has widespread support and faith and community leaders are calling upon President Biden to ensure that Ragbir can continue his service and remain with his family in the years to come.