debut: 2/16/17
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Ravi Ragbir, TT-born immigration activist, granted clemency
Ravi Ragbir, an immigration activist from Trinidad and Tobago, who co-founded the New Sanctuary Coalition in 2007 has been granted clemency by US President Joe Biden on his final day in office.
According to a White House statement, Biden said America is a country built on the promise of second chances. He said he was using clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. As for Ragbir, the White House Statement said, "Ragbir was previously convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Since his release, Mr. Ragbir has advocated for vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals that support immigrant communities.
He has received numerous awards, including from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.
Advocates, religious organizations, and lawmakers commend his efforts to promote justice and human dignity. "
Ravi Ragbir, who immigrated to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago in 1991, became a lawful permanent resident in 1994 but faced a 2006 deportation order after a mortgage fraud conviction. Following two years in immigration detention, he began advocating against deportation through his work with Families for Freedom.
Ragbir was a vocal critic of ICE, leading to tensions. In 2018, ICE arrested him during his check-in, prompting public outrage. Ragbir argued that the arrest retaliated against his activism and violated his First Amendment rights. A court agreed, granting him a three-year stay of his deportation order.
Ravi Ragbir, an immigration activist from Trinidad and Tobago, who co-founded the New Sanctuary Coalition in 2007 has been granted clemency by US President Joe Biden on his final day in office.
According to a White House statement, Biden said America is a country built on the promise of second chances. He said he was using clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. As for Ragbir, the White House Statement said, "Ragbir was previously convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Since his release, Mr. Ragbir has advocated for vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith network of congregations, organizations, and individuals that support immigrant communities.
He has received numerous awards, including from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.
Advocates, religious organizations, and lawmakers commend his efforts to promote justice and human dignity. "
Ravi Ragbir, who immigrated to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago in 1991, became a lawful permanent resident in 1994 but faced a 2006 deportation order after a mortgage fraud conviction. Following two years in immigration detention, he began advocating against deportation through his work with Families for Freedom.
Ragbir was a vocal critic of ICE, leading to tensions. In 2018, ICE arrested him during his check-in, prompting public outrage. Ragbir argued that the arrest retaliated against his activism and violated his First Amendment rights. A court agreed, granting him a three-year stay of his deportation order.
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