Key Takeaways
• Sammy, a 52-year-old Laotian refugee, faces deportation after 45 years in the US due to a juvenile conviction.
• Supporters seek Governor Kathy Hochul’s pardon to erase his conviction and stop deportation amid ICE check-in.
• ICE detention capacity rose to 41,500 daily in 2024, increasing risks for long-term residents with old convictions.
If you’ve ever wondered how a single decision from decades ago can change the course of someone’s life, Sammy’s story will help you see just how real and urgent these situations can be. Sammy, a 52-year-old Laotian refugee who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for 45 years, is now facing deportation. His supporters, family, and community are doing everything they can to stop this from happening. Let’s walk through what’s happening, why it matters, and what options remain, using a question-and-answer format to make things clear and personal.
Who is Sammy, and Why is His Story Important?
Q: Who is Sammy?
Sammy is a longtime legal resident of the United States 🇺🇸. He came to the country as a child refugee from Laos, fleeing violence and hardship after the Vietnam War. For 45 years, he has called Brooklyn home. He’s a son, a friend, a neighbor, and a member of the community. Now, at 52, he faces being sent back to a country he barely remembers.
Q: Why is Sammy facing deportation after so many years?
Sammy’s deportation is based on a criminal conviction from his teenage years. He made a mistake as a young person, served his sentence, and has lived a law-abiding life ever since. But under current immigration laws, even old convictions can trigger removal for non-citizens, no matter how long they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 or how much they have changed.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Q: What is the current situation with Sammy’s deportation?
As of June 26, 2025, Sammy is scheduled to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for a check-in within the next week. At this appointment, he could be taken into custody and held in a detention center until he is deported to Laos. His supporters are making a last-ditch effort—sometimes called a “Hail Mary”—to stop this from happening.
Q: Who is trying to help Sammy, and how?
- Supporters and Advocates: Community groups, legal advocates, and everyday people are raising awareness about Sammy’s case. They’re using social media, organizing rallies, and contacting officials.
- Legal Team: Sammy’s lawyers are exploring every possible legal option, including emergency motions and appeals.
- Governor Kathy Hochul: Supporters are asking New York Governor Kathy Hochul to grant Sammy a pardon. This is seen as the last legal option to erase the old conviction and stop the deportation.
How Does the Deportation Process Work in Cases Like Sammy’s?
Q: What steps does ICE take when someone like Sammy faces deportation?
Here’s what usually happens:
- ICE Check-In: The person must report to ICE at a set time. This is when they might be taken into custody.
2. Detention: If detained, the person is held in an ICE facility while removal is arranged.
3. Removal Proceedings: ICE arranges for the person to be sent to their country of origin, unless a court or official stops the process. - Legal Appeals: Lawyers can file last-minute motions or seek executive clemency (like a pardon from the governor).
- Community Advocacy: Supporters use public campaigns to put pressure on officials and raise awareness.
Q: What is a gubernatorial pardon, and can it really help?
A gubernatorial pardon is when a state governor officially forgives a person’s conviction. In Sammy’s case, if Governor Kathy Hochul grants a pardon, it could erase the legal reason for his deportation. However, such pardons are rare and can be politically sensitive.
Why Are Old Convictions Still Causing Deportations?
Q: Why do old convictions matter so much in immigration cases?
U.S. immigration law is strict. Even if someone has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades and has changed their life, a single old conviction can make them “deportable.” This is true even for non-violent offenses or crimes committed as a minor. The law does not always consider rehabilitation or the time that has passed.
Q: Has there been any change in these laws recently?
No major changes have been made to help long-term residents with old convictions. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has increased funding for detention and removal operations. The 2024 DHS Appropriations Bill raised ICE’s detention capacity to an average of 41,500 people per day, up by 7,500 from the previous year. This means more people like Sammy are at risk.
What Are the Human Impacts of Deportation?
Q: What would happen to Sammy’s family and community if he is deported?
- Family Separation: Sammy’s family, many of whom are U.S. citizens or legal residents, would be split apart. This can cause emotional pain, financial hardship, and long-term trauma.
- Community Disruption: Sammy is deeply connected to his Brooklyn neighborhood. His removal would affect friends, neighbors, and local organizations that rely on his presence and support.
- Loss of Support Systems: For someone who has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 since childhood, being sent to a country they barely know can be overwhelming and dangerous.
Q: How do supporters feel about the situation?
Supporters believe that deporting someone like Sammy is unfair and goes against the idea of second chances. They argue that people who have served their time and built a life in the United States 🇺🇸 should not be forced to leave everything behind because of mistakes made as a teenager.
What Do Officials and Experts Say?
Q: What is the government’s position on cases like Sammy’s?
ICE and DHS officials say they must enforce the law as it is written. They argue that removal orders are necessary to uphold immigration laws and protect public safety.
Q: What do legal experts and advocacy groups think?
- Legal Experts: Many immigration attorneys say that the law is too harsh and does not allow for enough discretion. They point out that people like Sammy have already paid their debt to society.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations such as the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) argue that deporting long-term residents for old, non-violent offenses is unjust and hurts communities.
- Policy Analysts: Experts note that the increase in detention and removal funding shows a trend toward stricter enforcement, even for people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for most of their lives.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Sammy’s are becoming more common as enforcement priorities shift and detention capacity grows.
What Are the Chances of Stopping Sammy’s Deportation?
Q: Is there still hope for Sammy?
There is still a small chance. If Governor Kathy Hochul grants a pardon, or if a court issues an emergency order, Sammy’s deportation could be stopped. However, time is running out, and such interventions are rare.
Q: What can supporters do right now?
- Contact Officials: Supporters can call or write to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and ask for a pardon.
- Raise Awareness: Sharing Sammy’s story on social media and in the news can help put pressure on decision-makers.
- Support Legal Efforts: Donations and volunteer work can help Sammy’s legal team continue their fight.
How Did We Get Here? (Background and Policy Context)
Q: Why are so many Southeast Asian refugees facing deportation?
After the Vietnam War, the United States 🇺🇸 resettled thousands of refugees from Southeast Asia, including Laos. Many arrived as children and grew up in American neighborhoods. However, strict immigration laws passed in the 1990s made it easier to deport non-citizens with any criminal record, even for old or minor offenses.
Q: Has anything changed in recent years?
While there have been calls for reform, no major changes have been made to protect long-term residents with old convictions. The focus on enforcement has only grown, with more funding for detention and removal operations.
What Are the Broader Implications?
Q: What does Sammy’s case mean for others?
Sammy’s situation is not unique. Many legal residents with old convictions are at risk of deportation, even if they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades and have strong community ties. This raises questions about fairness, rehabilitation, and the purpose of immigration enforcement.
Q: What are advocacy groups asking for?
Advocacy groups want lawmakers to change the law so that old, non-violent convictions do not automatically lead to deportation. They also want more discretion for judges and officials to consider a person’s entire life, not just their worst mistake.
What Can You Do If You or Someone You Know Is in a Similar Situation?
- Know Your Rights: If you are a legal resident with a criminal record, talk to an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with your ICE check-ins and any legal requirements.
- Seek Support: Reach out to advocacy groups like the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) or Refugee Council USA for help.
- Contact Officials: If you believe a pardon or intervention is possible, contact your governor’s office or local representatives.
- Access Official Resources: For more information about ICE procedures and your rights, visit the official ICE website.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Sammy’s case shows how old convictions can still lead to deportation, even after decades of lawful life in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Supporters are making a last-minute push for a pardon from Governor Kathy Hochul, which could stop the deportation.
- The law does not always consider rehabilitation or community ties, and there are few options for relief.
- Advocacy and public pressure can sometimes make a difference, but the process is difficult and uncertain.
- If you or someone you know is at risk, seek legal help and support from advocacy organizations right away.
Sammy’s story is a powerful reminder that immigration laws affect real people, families, and communities. While the future is uncertain, the efforts of supporters, legal teams, and advocates show the importance of standing together and fighting for fairness. For those facing similar challenges, knowing your rights, seeking help, and raising your voice can make all the difference.
If you want to learn more about the deportation process or find resources for legal help, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website provides official information and contact details. And remember, every voice counts—whether you’re supporting Sammy, advocating for change, or simply learning more about how immigration laws work in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Deportation → The legal process of removing a non-citizen from a country due to immigration violations or criminal convictions.
Gubernatorial Pardon → An official forgiveness by a state governor that can erase a conviction and stop related legal actions.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → A U.S. agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, detaining individuals, and arranging deportation.
Criminal Conviction → A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime, which can affect immigration status.
Detention Center → A facility where individuals are held temporarily while awaiting immigration or legal processing.
This Article in a Nutshell
Sammy, a refugee living in Brooklyn for 45 years, faces deportation due to a teen conviction. Supporters seek a rare gubernatorial pardon to stop this. This case reveals harsh immigration policies ignoring rehabilitation, stressing the urgent need for reform and community action to protect long-term residents like Sammy.
— By VisaVerge.com
