Kenault Lawrence is the husband of a Virginia-born U.S. citizen named Melissa and father to their three year old boy, Devario. Kenault came to the United States as a green card holder when he was only 11 years old. He was the undefeated wrestling champion of the high school where he and Melissa became sweethearts. Melissa describes Kenault as “the best man” she knows. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Kenault to Jamaica in 2013 on the basis of non-violent marijuana-related criminal convictions, leaving Melissa as a single mother forced to rely for the first time in her life on government subsidies. 

Several months after Kenault was deported, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision strictly limiting the type of marijuana-related offenses that may be considered “aggravated felonies.” We know now that Kenault’s convictions were wrongly classified, denying him the opportunity to ask for a second chance to stay in the United States. Kenault has filed a motion asking for his case to be reopened, which would give him the limited opportunity to return to the United States and present his case to an Immigration Judge. ICE has vigorously opposed this request. 

Read about Kenault's unjust deportation in USA Today.

We believe Devario should have a chance to grow up with the father who loves him. Join us in urging ICE to withdraw its opposition to Kenault's motion to reopen his removal proceedings. Urge ICE to bring Kenault home!