Sen. Hirono Hails 30-Day Stay of Deportation for Ortiz

US Sen. Mazie Hirono. Courtesy photo.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono applauded the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to grant Andres Magana Ortiz a 30-day stay of deportation. This is a temporary reprieve as the Department of Homeland Security considers Ortiz’ wife’s Petition for Alien Relative.

“Today’s announcement is a positive step, but our work to keep Mr. Magana Ortiz with his family isn’t done yet,” said Sen. Hirono. “I call on the Department of Homeland Security to process the Magana Ortiz family’s application to bring Andres out of the shadows as quickly as possible to keep Andres together with his wife and kids. Andres’ ordeal speaks to the very real fear and anxiety spreading through immigrant communities across the country. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship and which prioritizes family unity.”

This afternoon, Sen. Hirono took to the Senate floor to implore Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to keep Mr. Magana Ortiz with his family.

“Secretary Kelly, I renew our call once more: Let Andres stay in our country,” she said. “Let his children have a father present and active in their lives. It’s not too late to keep this family together.”

Sen. Hirono, earlier this week, spoke to Secretary Kelly over the phone to ask that he exercise his discretionary authority to allow Ortiz to stay in Hawai‘i. The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to issue a stay that would stop the deportation.

Sen. Hirono and the Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly to stop Ortiz’ deportation.

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