As part of the application, the non-citizen can submit letters from friends, families, and others. These letters can argue why the detained person should be allowed to stay in the country. Once a judge decides that a person qualifies for a pardon, then the judge must weigh the good things about the person against the bad things they have done. Ultimately, the judge must decide if the person “deserves” to stay in the country. [2] X Trustworthy Source United States Department of Justice Official website of the U. S. Department of Justice Go to source The purpose of the letter is to bolster the judge’s sense of the worth and value of the applicant.
family ties in the United States how hard the removal will be on the person’s family the applicant’s work record ties to business or property community service successful rehabilitation from drugs or other criminal behavior good character
Since the person requesting the letter could be in detention, communication could be difficult. If the person has a lawyer, you may want to speak to the lawyer. Although the lawyer cannot share confidential details about the case, you could use the lawyer as a go-between who can ask the requestor what the letter should be about.
Try to think of concrete examples to support any judgment you make. Even if you are talking about your feelings, you should be able to use specific examples to support your point. For example, suppose you want to explain why you would miss your daughter terribly if she is deported. You can support that statement by explaining how you grew closer by coming to the United States, since your daughter helped translate for you and helps you pay your bills. These details explain why you will miss her.
Because sincerity is so important, you should not copy other people’s letters. Although you can look at sample letters to get a handle on formatting and length, you should always use your own words and ideas.
If you know the requestor in a professional capacity, then you should use letterhead.
Also state how long you have known the requestor. [8] X Research source If you are relative, you will state your relationship to the person detained: “I am Imelda Sanchez, the wife of Richard Sanchez. We have been married for six years and have known each other for nine years total. Richard is the father of my two children, Emily and Michael. ” Alternately, if you are an employer, you would state that fact: “I am Bob Akin, the sole owner of Akin Carpentry, where I have supervised Simon Alfred for the past eighteen months. ”
You could write, “My children and I rely on my husband every day. Without his job as a construction worker, we would not have enough money to pay the rent on our two bedroom apartment or to put much food on the table. Because of my disability, I have only been able to work part-time and therefore cannot support my two children on my own. Even more important is the love and support my husband provides our family. ” Again, it is important to use your own words; explain your situation in sufficient detail. Alternately, you might have been asked to write a letter because you live in the country that the detainee would be deported back to. In your letter, you could explain the hardships that the person would face. [10] X Research source For example, the person may face religious persecution or extreme poverty.
For example, you could write, “I have employed Mr. Alfred as a carpenter for the past eighteen months, beginning in March 2014 and ending when he was arrested by immigration officials. During that time, he never missed a day of work and even showed up when sick. He arrived on time and never left early, unlike my other employees. ” You should also state your opinion of the requestor’s honesty and trustworthiness. Be specific. [11] X Research source For example, do not simply state, “I trust Mr. Alfred a lot. ” That is too general—and unpersuasive. You will need details to show the reader why you believe the requestor has the character traits you say he does. Instead, you could write: “Within two months I felt comfortable leaving Mr. Alfred to supervise the other two workers on our team, whenever I had to go to the hardware store or to meet with a client. He supervised the other workers and made sure that they completed tasks on time. Within another four months, I trusted him to talk to clients directly. Just before his arrest, he was helping me collect payments from clients. ”
After adding the contact information, insert “Sincerely” and then space down a few lines and type your name.
Accordingly, you should wait to sign the letter until you appear before the notary public. Be sure to bring sufficient personal identification. A valid driver’s license or passport should be sufficient. To find a notary near you, use the locator from the American Society of Notaries. Notaries may also be found at most large banks or at courthouses.
