New Jersey Immigration Policy Network

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Honorable Janet Napolitano

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, D.C., 20528

202-282-8504

Janelle Perez, Office of Policy

Dear Secretary Janet Napolitano,

I am writing this letter to request that you personally review the appeal by the United States government from a prior decision not to deport Imam Mohammed Qatanani, spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, New Jersey.

Many leaders from local and federal enforcement agencies testified on behalf of Imam Qatanani as a federal immigration judge in Newark ruled that Qatanani could remain in the U.S. We are deeply concerned that the appeal may not be based on sound public policy and judicial principles. The extensive testimony by law enforcement and community leaders supporting Imam Qatanani, combined with the pro forma tendency to appeal these cases without due deference to standards for appeal, forms the foundation for our request.

Due to the long-term policy implications of this case it would be greatly appreciated if you could review the matter directly.

Sincerely,

Charles “Shai” Goldstein

Executive Director

sgoldstein@njipn.org

CC: Eric Holder, Attorney General of the United States