March 22, 2006

The Board of Trustees of FACTS formally supports the Justice for Mrs. Jiang Campaign, a community response to the mistreatment accorded Mrs. Jiang Zhenxing, a parent in our charter school.

The family of Jiang Zhenxing recently endured a brutal deportation attempt during which Mrs. Jiang, a longtime Philadelphia resident, mother, and business owner, was denied any communication with her family, adequate food, and prompt medical attention despite a second trimester pregnancy. Newspapers reported that she was given needed medical attention only after airport officials insisted. When she was finally taken to a hospital, it was found that, tragically, Mrs. Jiang had miscarried her unborn twins. The Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) has denied any wrongdoing and will not open a serious investigation into Mrs. Jiang's case. Instead, they have reaffirmed their intention to pursue deportation of Mrs. Jiang.

The Justice for Jiang Zhenxing Campaign believes that every human being is entitled to human rights and that current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices have shown utter disregard for those rights. We demand full accountability from ICE regarding the Jiang case. We demand a full investigation, accountability, and change in abusive deportation practices by ICE. We support immigration reforms that help families' efforts to reunite and stay together, and we oppose the anti-immigrant legislation now being considered in Congress.

For more information about the Campaign, contact Asian Americans United (215.925.1538 or ellens@aaunited.org). To sign a petition, visit the Asian American Legal Defense and Educartion Fund.