Servanos get 60-day reprieve

December 21, 2007  --  Got something to say?
Print This Post Print This Post

Dr. Pedro Servano,
PHILADELPHIA Supporters of Dr. Pedro Servano and his wife, Salvacion, have mobilized to stop the deportation of Filipino Dr. Pedro Servano and his wife Salvacion after the Immigration and Citizenship Enforcement office here granted them a 60-day extension to remain in the United States.

The couple and their four children who are American citizens because they were born here, appeared at the ICE office late last month to hear the extension. They faced imminent deportation to the Philippines for an error that was made on their citizenship applications more than 25 years ago. Often single Filipinos whose petition to immigrate to the US are approved do not report changes in their civil status because this would require them to reapply for immigration under the new status.
With the reprieve, the couples future now rests in the hands of U.S. Sens. Arlen Spector or Robert Casey, both of Pennsylvania, or U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-10 of Dimock, who could sponsor a private bill granting the Servanos amnesty.
The INS didnt give us a drop-dead date of when the Servanos would be removed from the United States,” said Gregg Cotler, one of three attorneys working for the Servanos. They gave us a sufficient amount of time to work with the senators offices. There are tremendous equities in this case, making it unusual.

The Servano family remained optimistic that they would be able to stay in the United States.
Dr. Servano is a doctor with the Geisinger Health system with more than 2,000 patients. His wife operates an ethic grocery on Market Street in Sunbury and the couple also owns and has renovated the old YMCA building, also on Market Street in Sunbury.

More than 2,000 signatures have been gathered thus far to a petition circulating in the internet supporting the continued stay of the Servanos in America. Were happy for any type of extension, said Shappine Servano, the Servanos 24-year-old daughter. The couple also has a 22-year-old son, Steven, Peter, 15, and Phoebe, 13.
A representative for Sen. Arlen Specter has confirmed the senators interest in the Servanos situation. Scott Hoeflich, Senator Specters Chief of Staff, released the following statement earlier: The office was contacted on Nov. 12 regarding the Servanos and promptly contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement to inquire about the case. The office will continue to work with the Servanos and ICE to see what resolution can be obtained.

Gregg Cotler, an attorney for the Servanos, believes Sen. Specter is preparing to draft a legislative bill granting the Selinsgrove family permanent U.S. citizenship.

But even if Sen. Specter champions a private bill, the Servanos will be far from home free. Congress has passed only a relative handful of the thousands of private immigration bills that have made it to the floor in the past 20 years. While Mr. Cotler acknowledges the odds, he thinks the Servanos may prove an exception to the rule.

One of the problems with private legislative bills is (politicians) usually dont know enough about the equities of the cases. Its just too difficult. People dont know what theyre about, they just know its a private immigration bill,” he said. Were out there letting people know this story, letting them know how outstanding the factors for the Servanos really are.”

Mr. Cotler noted other legislators have recently become interested in the Servanos, naming California senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein.

Were trying to get as many people involved as possible, so when there is… a vote, theyll understand the equities involved in this case,” he said.

I think its a travesty this is happening to good people who are here in this country contributing, buying property, raising a family,” he said. Its a 20-year-old item, a paper error. It should be overlooked and they should be given U.S. citizenship,” said one supporter.

Several other local luminaries are tapping their own friends in high places to help the Servanos.


Posted by News Team | Filed Under Articles/Stories 

Comments

Got something to say?





Authentic Diecast Model Cars