I am writing this touching message with an acute feeling of despair and urgency. My brother in law, a skilled IT professional, and his wife, also an IT specialist, fled their home in Ukraine in the face of imminent danger. The destructive forces of war had claimed their neighborhood, turning a safe haven into a death trap. His escape, although necessary for survival, was carried out without official sanction, implying certain death should he return to Ukraine. They sought solace and safety in the United States, the land of freedom and opportunities, only to be met with further tribulation.

Upon requesting asylum at the border, their hopes of finding security evaporated. In line with the President's new orders, their plea for safety was met with hostility, forcibly detaining them in ICE detention centers, separated by over 3000 miles. My brother-in-law, detained in Georgia, and his wife in Arizona, were woefully split apart. His credible fear interview was denied, putting them on a fast track to deportation and imminent danger.

This is not justice. The Fair Immigration Reform Movement reports that over 66% of asylum seekers are denied protection in the United States, discouraging the ideals of liberty and asylum the country was built on. It is time to stand against this trend, for my family, and for thousands of others in similarly terrifying situations.

Change starts with a single signature. Let's send a strong, unified message to our government that the unjust treatment and detention of Ukrainian asylum seekers must come to an end. Recommit the United States to being the beacon of hope for those fleeing war and persecution. Please, sign this petition today.

My mother, 75 years old went with Alex and Svieta to help them request asylum. Their Sister was also there, and had prepared our home to receive them.  ICE handcuffed my mom, the immigrants, and their sister. They questioned them for hours. They bullied them to get them to say they want to be deported immediately. But they were brave and asked for asylum, even though they could see that it wouldn't be pretty. 

Detention is prison. It's actual prison, run by private prison companies. They are in lock-down regularly. They have minimal hours to talk, and are charged a lot of money to place calls and messages. They should not be detained, but should be released to await asylum court with us, their loving family.