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Schakowsky & Upton on Ibrahim Parlak News

July 17, 2018

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Illinois, and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Michigan, tonight released the following statements in response to news that Ibrahim Parlak’s application for deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture has been granted:

“Ibrahim Parlak is a beloved member of the southwest Michigan community,” said Schakowsky. “For decades, this good man has welcomed guests to his popular restaurant, hired many local people, raised a wonderful daughter, and been surrounded by loving friends. For the same period, Mr. Parlak has been living under the threat of deportation to a country in which he was once the victim of torture and where he would have been killed if forced to return. Today, a Judge ruled that Ibrahim Parlak will not be deported. All the people who have worked for years to support him are celebrating this decision and Ibrahim is rejoining in the America that has been his home for so long. I join with my colleague Fred Upton in continuing to offer a hand of friendship to Ibrahim and his family.”

“Justice has prevailed,” said Upton. “This has been a full team effort for more than a decade. We’ve always supported Ibrahim because we know who he truly is: A fantastic father, local business owner, and friend to many families here in Southwest Michigan. Truly, a model immigrant. Ibrahim, his family, friends, and supporters can begin to rest easy as we’re hopefully turning the page on this chapter for good and finally stop wasting taxpayer dollars. We stand ready to assist in anyway needed moving forward.”

Issues:Immigration