I pen this plea on behalf of my fiancé, a man who not only turned 40 this year but, has also been my best friend and primary caregiver. His physical presence in my life and in the lives of his aging mother and his 10-year-old son is simply irreplaceable. The stakes are high; his crucial role as provider and caregiver is threatened by looming deportation proceedings to Liberia, the country he fled from during the war in 1997.

A mere child of 9 years then, he journeyed to the USA seeking safer shores. Hence, he has lived a majority of his life here in the United States, and cannot fathom a life outside America. Just like the thousands of others comprising of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), he is facing the grim possibility of deportation, regardless of the reasons or circumstances that led to removal proceedings.

There are approximately 645,610 active DACA recipients as of the end of August 2020 according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These childhood arrivals, like my significant other, have built their lives here, are contributing to society, and need to reside in the only place they call home.

These deportation proceedings bring about a fear of separation, destabilization of families, and an uncertain, potentially dangerous future for the deportees. This affects not only the individuals at the risk of deportation but also their families, neighborhoods, and communities. It is critical we put a halt to this inhumane practice of deportation.

We must stop the removal and deportation proceedings against childhood arrivals refugees and immigrants, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their reasons for removal or deportation, for humanity and the betterment of our nation. It's time to show compassion, time for understanding, time for change. Sign this petition and be a part of that change. Stand for humanity, stand for stability, and stand for the rights of those who call America home.