John, we have very exciting news to share about our client and renowned New York community leader Robert Panton. NIJC, partner organizations, members of Congress, and supporters like you have been fighting for months to stop Robert’s deportation. Robert is a beloved father, grandfather, and youth mentor, who came to the United States as a young child and has lived here for more than 50 years. We’re thrilled to share that Robert has been granted deferred action—a temporary halt on his deportation! This means Robert does not have to self-deport this March. This is a huge victory for Robert and we want to thank you for your support in helping us fight his deportation! Despite this big win, unfortunately, Robert’s fight isn’t over. Robert continues to face deportation to a country he does not know based on a single drug offense from over three decades ago, despite serving his time for his offense, his exceptional contributions to his community and overwhelming support from elected officials and thousands of people nationwide. Robert must report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in September when his deferred action could expire. Over the next nine months, NIJC will work alongside the growing list of Robert’s supporters to ensure that he can permanently remain in Harlem to continue serving his community and spending time with his three children and nine grandchildren. “If the United States would deport me from America, the only country I know, my community would lose the benefit of a reformed man who now has knowledge to give to the youth,” Robert said. “My grandchildren are just learning about their grandfather, who helps them mentally and as a role model, which is what I lacked growing up, not having male guidance at times. My children will be losing love only a father can give. If I am punished again with deportation, a lot of people are going to suffer for a crime I already paid for.” Earlier this month, NIJC alongside Perkins Coie LLP filed a request for a presidential pardon of the single decades-old drug offense that puts Robert at risk of imminent deportation. Under current immigration law, many Black immigrants with decades of life in the U.S. like Robert face similar unjust double punishments. “A presidential pardon would prevent Robert’s deportation and rectify the racial injustice Robert faces having already served a harsh and disproportionate prison sentence from the ‘War on Drugs’ era, and now a potential second punishment of permanent exile,” said Nayna Gupta, associate director of policy at the National Immigrant Justice Center. “Robert’s story is emblematic of the experience of too many other Black men who face heart-crushing consequences at the hands of two broken systems.” WATCH: Robert tell his story and battle with deportation | 
