PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Ask Gov. Christie to Pardon Legal Immigrant in Deportation for $15 Drug Bust From 16 Years Ago
  1. Signatures
    780 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (+ 5 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ)
      • Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ)
      • Sen. Robert Casey (PA)
      • Gov. Chris Christie (NJ)
      • Sen. Patrick Toomey (PA)
      • New Jersey State Parole Board
  2. Created By
    Prerna Lal
    Washington, DC
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

After an arrest in 1995 over a $15 drug deal, Farhan Ezad completed a sentence of probation, graduated with a double major, launched a career, got married and raised three children. Fifteen years later, Farhan faces deportation to Pakistan, a country his parents left when Farhan was only five years old.

Ezad, now 35 and living in Luzerne County, served five years of probation and went on with his life without another brush with the law. Ezad never heard about the drug case again until last July when Homeland Security officials conducted a 5 a.m. raid at his Poconos home to take him into custody for deportation.

He spent a week in federal custody before being released on $10,000 bail to await his March 28 deportation hearing. Farhan lives in Lake Township with his wife and three kids, and another baby on the way, who may not get to see her/his father if Farhan is deported to Pakistan.

Unfortunately, the law is crystal clear: noncitizens, including legal permanent residents, convicted of an "aggravated felony" like a drug deal must be deported. The only way to save Farhan is to request Governor Christie for a pardon and expunging his 1995 record. Tell DHS and Governor Christie that Farhan is an American for all intents and purposes and he is not the type of "criminal alien" that DHS should be prioritizing for removal.

Please sign the petition to Governor Christie and spread the word: http://j.mp/savefarzan

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Grant Farhan Ezad a Pardon to Prevent His Deportation Over a $15 Drug Deal

Greetings,

I respectfully urge the New Jersey State Parole Board and the Honorable Governor Christie to grant Farhan Ezad a full pardon for the $15 drug deal he committed in 1995. Farhan Ezad completed a sentence of probation, graduated with a double major, launched a career, got married and raised three children. Fifteen years later, Farhan faces deportation to Pakistan, a country his parents left when Farhan was only five years old.

Farhan says his American upbringing clashes mightily with the nation his family fled in 1980 for a better opportunity and more freedom. He also fears for his safety. He doesn't speak the country's languages. He wears earrings, has a tattoo, plays the electric guitar, and listens to heavy metal music. He only privately practices his family's Muslim faith and thinks the religion is too infused in government in Middle Eastern and South Asian countries.

I also request that Secretary Janet Napolitano review this case and that DHS exercise its discretion to grant a stay of removal or deferred action to Farhan while Governor Christie considers his case. Farhan is an American for all intents and purposes and he is not the type of "criminal alien" that DHS should be prioritizing for removal.

I stand with the family of Farhan Ezad in the belief that justice in his case can and must finally be reached. To permanently exile Farhan from his loved ones represents the worst type of wrongful punishment he could face aside from death.

Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,

[Your name]

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