TIME SENSITIVE: Send letters now to support Lino’s fight for a Stay of Removal!

Lino is a beloved father of two US citizen daughters, a severe burn survivor, a longtime Massachusetts resident and small business owner of nearly three decades, with deep ties to his local and faith community.

Back in 2002, the Velasco’s family home in East Boston tragically caught fire. Lino suffered severe burns across his body and endured the devastating loss of his sister. Despite this life-altering accident, Lino has worked tirelessly to support his family and be an active member of the East Boston community. He manages a small construction business and is deeply connected to his faith community. One of his daughters is in college pursuing a nursing degree, and his youngest is 11 years old, lives with epilepsy and requires significant care and attention.

While living in the United States, Lino has demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience. The Immigration Court itself acknowledged that if it had the authority to allow him to stay in the United States to further his treatment on humanitarian grounds or otherwise, it would do so. But that authority lies solely with the Department of Homeland Security.

As a result, Lino is required to do weekly check-ins at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) offices through April. Over the past year, many of these check-ins have resulted in our neighbors getting detained or ordered to self-deport.

Lino deserves to remain at home, here in East Boston, where he can continue supporting his family and accessing the medical care he needs. We urge ICE Boston Action Field Office Director David Wesling to grant a stay of removal so that Lino can remain in the United States and continue receiving treatment for his burns, care that is not adequately available in his country of origin, El Salvador.

In addition to signing this letter to the ICE Boston acting Field Office Director David Wesling, call on Senators Markey and Warren, as well as Rep. Ayanna Pressley, to use the full weight of their respective offices to support the following:

1. Urge ICE Boston Field Director David Wesling to let Don Lino stay to receive his treatment and be with his family

2. Issue a public statement highlighting this case and your commitment to taking action to support and protect Lino Velasco

3. Affirm that dignity and safety must be guaranteed for every person in the U.S.

Congressional Office contact info:

• Office of Rep. Ayanna Pressley: (617) 850-0040
• Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren: (617) 565-3170
• Office of Senator Ed Markey: (617) 565-8519

Keep Lino Home!