Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth) celebrated the release of Xiuqing You, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents after appearing for a green card interview.
“The ruling to release Xiuqing You is wonderful news. His fight is not finished but I’m very happy for his wife and two young children,” she said.
You, the 39-year-old resident at Flushing, appeared for his interview for a green card after waiting for three years, when suddenly taken into custody and transported to a federal detention facility in New Jersey.
Meng and members of New York’s Congressional delegation sent a letter on behalf of You to the head of ICE. The letter featured other Queens elected officials, such as U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Rep. Nydia Valzquez, U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, and more.
Meng said You’s case represents the latest example of the administration’s immigration policies ruining lives.
“Xiuqing You is a hardworking individual who wants nothing more than to better the lives of his family and have his shot at the American dream. He has no criminal history and poses no threat to our city or nation. His wife and four and six-year-old daughters are distraught by his absence and will suffer financial hardships if they are not reunited with him,” said Meng.
Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan), the Speaker of the New York City Council, also showed support for Xiuqing You’s family and, during You’s detention, described his incarceration as “un-American.”
“[You] has lived and worked here for 18 years. His wife and children are U.S. citizens. This is his home. I want the You family to know that New Yorkers are here for you. We will stand together so that our voices are heard. Our message is simple: Innocent families should never be kept apart by the U.S. government,” said Johnson.
Meng also sent a letter to President Trump asking for further updates on reunifying families who were separated at the border.
“The President failed to include in his executive order any explanation on how and when to reunite the estimated 2,300 children who were taken away from their parents and I’m deeply troubled and dismayed that a day after he signed it, there is still no clear plan to reunite families,” Meng said.
Trump recently issued an executive order to stop policies from separating immigrant families after facing a backlash from the public for his “zero tolerance” immigration policy.
