— by Lin McNulty —
In response to numerous letters, phone calls, and email from concerned Orcas Islanders to local Senators and Representatives, the following letter has been sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, on behalf of Benjamin Nuñez Marquez.
Mr. Nuñez has been employed at West Sound Lumber for nearly 15 years before being picked up in 2008, while taking his 80-year-old friend and neighbor to the hospital in Anacortes, by Customs and Border Patrol. Lacking proper immigration documentation, he was ordered deported.
The Orcas community has rallied around this man and the valuable skills and services he offers.
Following is the text of the letter which was publicly released today (April 9, 2014), one week after it was sent to Secretary Johnson:
April 2, 2014
Dear Secretary Johnson,
We write to you today concerning Benjamin Nuñez Marqez, a resident of Orcas Island in our home state of Washington. Our offices have received numerous letters and phone calls from constituents expressing their strong support for Mr. Marquez’s case. As we understand it, Mr. Marquez is in the process of applying for a renewed stay of removal.
The abundant correspondence from constituents indicates strong community support for Mr. Marquez in his home community of Orcas Island. According to constituents, Mr. Marquez is a valued community member who contributes significantly to this close knit community.
We also understand that Mr. Marquez fulfills a vital role at a local saw mill that provides important services and economic activity to the local region. According to the mill’s owners and business partners, the operation of the mill is dependent upon Mr. Marquez’ hard work, leadership, and specialized skills. Many believe that if Mr. Marquez is deported as scheduled on April 29, 2014, the saw mill will have to close. Both the mill’s owners and our constituents insist that this could have a negative impact on the local economy of Orcas Island.
As we understand it, the legal representation of Mr. Marquez will soon be applying for a renewal of his temporary stay of removal. This would allow Mr. Marquez to continue his work at the mill for another year and assist in training the individual who will take over his duties at the mill.
We ask that you give Mr. Marquez’ case full and due consideration under current immigration law and policy. Thank you for your time and consideration of this case.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray
United States Senator
Maria Cantwell
United States Senator
Rick Larsen
Member of Congress
Jim McDermott
Member of Congress
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This action deserves thanks. I hope Mr. Nunez knows how much more than this we wish for his well-being.
I am not a “political action” person,… but for once I am going to be, and copy the above letter and email the politicos mentioned above. Hopefully this input of support, by so many, will transpire in Mr. Nunez’s favor and he can continue as an Island resident. He is obviously beloved and respected by so many islanders.
If Mr. Nunez’s “stay of removal” is not renewed, I would suggest that hundreds of us on Orcas ( or more!) link together our arms with his, and demand that if they take Mr. Nunez, they take us all as well.
Mr. Nunez is our beloved neighbor and friend, and has been for almost two decades. To lose him is to lose a piece of our hearts.