U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez introduces bill to grant legal status to immigration activist Ravi Ragbir
Two days after speaking at and being bestowed a huge honor at a Brooklyn Heights church, immigration rights leader Ravi Ragbir— who faces deportation as soon as Saturday— now has a powerful ally in Congress on his side.
On Tuesday, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) took legislative action to grant legal status to Ragbir. Responding to his still uncertain future, Velázquez has introduced a private bill, H.R. 4937, which would grant Ragbir legal permanent status, and in the case of his deportation, a legal right to return to the United States.
“The outrage after ICE detained Ravi is a testament to his status as a community pillar,” Velázquez said. “Ravi poses no danger to anyone and, in fact, has dedicated himself to helping others. Threats to deport him are nonsensical and inhumane. My bill puts our community’s support into legislative action. If enacted, it would allow Ravi to stay in the U.S. and, should he be removed, establishes a legal mechanism for him to return.”
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