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Frisco, Colorado

Neguse Introduces Private Bill to Provide Deportation Relief for Jeanette Vizguerra

March 28, 2019

Washington D.C.— Today, Representative Joe Neguse, who serves on the Sub-Committee of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced a private bill in the House of Representatives to provide a stay on the deportation of Jeanette Vizguerra, a mother of four living in limbo in Colorado because of her unique immigration case. The private bill would extend Vizguerra’s stay for 6 months and stop ICE from initiating removal proceedings, due to the fact that ICE is attempting to deport her based on their erroneous belief that there is a preexisting removal order. Vizguerra has been fighting final deportation since 2009, twice seeking refuge in the basement of a church.

Ms. Vizguerra previously was granted a two-year deportation stay from a private bill introduced by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, which expired on March 15th, 2019. Former Congressman Jared Polis has also previously served as a champion for her in Congress, introducing private bills on her behalf during his time in Congress.

Ms. Vizguerra has taken sanctuary while her court case proceeds, with the constant fear of being unlawfully detained by ICE. A six-month deportation stay would provide temporary deportation relief and allow her to continue her advocacy work.

In 2017, Jeanette was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people, because of her courage in being willing to come forward and publicly share her story.

Issues:Immigration