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Canadian Vet Deported-Demtry Furman

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On August 1, while at the BMV, Demetry Furman, a Canadian citizen, married to an American citizen, was detained by ICE. Why? Because in 1992 he gave a ride to someone who was in possession of marijuana and sold it to a police officer. Guilty by association, he paid an 80.00 fine and worked at an equestrian camp for 28 days. Canadian Parliament later pardoned and expunged the conviction from his record and he went on to earn 2 degrees, own a business, serve in the military and retire honorably. While deployed to Afghanistan, he fought alongside US troops, holding a top secret clearance, working with the CIA, DEA, US Military Intelligence, and more. He also trained in the US on military installations and it was during this time he met his wife, also a veteran. For over 6 years they actively pursued his green card- only for Immigration to make numerous errors and lose his file. They contacted their Senator, Congressman, USCIS, and even The White House, asking for help with their case. Only 3 weeks after being told he wouldn't be deported because he was following all he was told, he was arrested. The US refuses to recognize his pardon and has labeled him a drug trafficker, which not only makes him ineligible for bond, but also bans him from the US. The Immigration Judge, Consulate and his attorneys have all called this a miscarriage of justice. In fact, the judge stated she spent hours trying to find a way to release him, but her hands are tied by ICE holding jurisdiction. One ICE officer plead to his superiors for prosecutorial discretion, only to be reprimanded and told his job was to deport, not help. During his hearing, 3 undocumented immigrants were released- they all had DUI’s, identity theft, assault on a police officer, breaking and entering, but because Demetry is  labeled a drug trafficker, he can’t be released! He's been behind bars at Geauga County Jail for 72 days, awaiting deportation, locked up with real drug traffickers and felons. Rather than being treated like someone who laid his life on the line for our country, he's being treated like a terrorist! After suffering a head injury, he was thrown in solitary confinement for 3 days without medical treatment. He and his wife have spent over 15k on attorneys and fees. His wife suffers from numerous health issues and is dependent upon him for her care. They own a small hobby farm with crops and animals that she's unable to care for by herself and her health has suffered tremendously. Immigration allowed him to come to the US during her cancer treatments and it was at this time they married and began the application process for his green card. Over 6 years later, and by no fault of their own, they are no further along in the process and he's behind bars for a nearly 27 year old charge that no longer exists in Canada. Please help us in spreading the word and helping them with attorney fees and relocation costs. Thank you.
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Donations 

  • Ashley Benton-Cooper
    • $100
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Tyler Maxwell
Organizer
Medina, OH
Cynthia Lynn
Beneficiary

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