CDIR SUPPORTS SERVANO FAMILY APPEAL NOT TO BE DEPORTED

Los Angeles – The Coalition in Defense Of Immigrant Rights (CDIR) express its support for the Filipino couple Dr.Pedro Servano and his wife,Salvacion Capistrano not to be deported.

The CDIR noted that the couple have stayed in the U.S, for the last 25 years and have four grown children. The coalition noted that the latest decision not to detain them or deport them on Monday was a step in the right direction. Instead they were told to report on the immigration facility to explain.

Dr,Servano is a prominent family physician in Selinsgrove, an underserved area of Pennsylvania. Salvacion. A daughter of Filipino veteran – Bataan death march survivor. She now operates a grocery store in Sunbury.

The couple began their life together in Philadelphia where Pedro studied and practice medicine while Salvacion continued with nursing. Then in1990 moving to San Diego they applied for citizenship. That when their travails began.

The immigration officer noticed discrepancies in their application and accused the couple of lying and misrepresenting their marital status. A ground for deportation.

The Servanos waged a long legal battle since then. In 2002, they lost at the ninth Circuit Court Of Appeals. They were due to be deported but a groundswell of support from the community. A prayer vigil was held last week and an on line petition with thousands of signatures was set up.

The CDIR expressed elation that a private bill of declaratory relief was to be given to them. They must be given a chance to explain their side and the Department for Homeland Security must also weigh in the positive contributions the family

has given to their community.

CDIR Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia said “chapters in Los Angeles,San Diego amd Seattle fully support the just struggle of the Servano family. They have the right to remain in the U.S and be productive citizens of this country”

“Salus Populi est Suprema Lex . Let the voice of the people be heard. Let not the honest mistake be an obstacle to justice. Let justice be fair and just for all.” Garcia ended.

For information about CDIR please call(213) 413-4944 or email@cdir_USA@YAHOO.COM