Keep Ton's Family Together: Donate Now

This is my friend Ton. Ton came to the United States with his family in 1981 as a child refugee of the Vietnam/Laos War. Coming to the USA was not just a dream, it was a lifeline. However, transitioning from a third-world country posed many challenges, particularly in adapting to a new culture and a new language. He and his family were legal immigrants to the USA and he was a resident alien with permanent resident status. Ton attended OKC public schools and was a standout student athlete in soccer.

At the age of 19, my friend Ton, was arrested on theft and drug charges. He served 7 years in prison and had his permanent resident status revoked. In 2008, Ton was released from prison and committed himself to walking the straight and narrow. Shortly thereafter, he met Ngoc, the love of his life, and in 2012 they wed. Today, Ton is a successful auto body technician and he and his wife Ngoc have two beautiful girls, Skylar (13) and Suri (11). Ton has been the model for what a husband and a father should be and I am proud to call him my friend. On Memorial Day, my friend pulled me aside and said goodbye. He was concerned that at his upcoming immigration check-in he would be detained by immigration. I told him he was crazy and over thinking the current situation. He had been here on a work visa for 20 years! Unfortunately, his concerns were legitimate, and he was told they were sending him home. Home to a country where he was an infant when he left. Home to a country where he is unable to speak, read, and/or write. To a country he has no family or friends. For 17 years, after he served his time, my friend has dedicated his life to being a great father, husband, upstanding citizen, and a tax paying resident of the United States of America. He has babysat my kids and been with me through good times and tough times. I am at a loss for how this is right. Yes, he made mistakes, but he served his time. He was not sent home at the end of his sentence in 2008, but now is the time?!? It is heartbreaking to witness families being torn apart due to deportation, particularly when so many, like Ton, have worked hard to rebuild their lives here. I’m asking for all of my friends and family to join me in helping keep him here in the USA. Help keep his family together. The costs of fighting this travesty are significant. If you are able to help, I am asking for your help. This will be an expensive, uphill battle and I am asking for your support. A GoFundMe account

has been setup to help the family. Please consider contributing to keep him in the USA with his wife and kids