#KeepJeanHome
In 2018, Jean Montrevil - a father, husband, and a long-time leader of the immigrant rights movement in New York City was targeted by ICE for organizing in defense of immigrant communities. ICE used decades-old convictions that Jean served his time for and was released over 30 years ago as a pretext. Because the conviction was in Virginia, Governor Northam had the power to sign a pardon and he did!
Mr. Montrevil filed a federal lawsuit against federal immigration officials for deporting him in retaliation against his constitutionally protected activism, has been granted a 90-day period of special interest parole in October, 2021, permitting him to enter the country while he pursues longer-term avenues to remain with his family in New York as conditions continue to deteriorate in Haiti.
On October 18, 2021, Jean returned to New York City from Haiti and reunited with his family, members of his congregation at Manhattan’s Judson Memorial Church, and supporters at the John F. Kennedy International Airport after 3 years of separation.
On December, he was granted 3 years of protection from deportation as part of a settlement for the First Amendment lawsuit Montrevil and his legal team filed against the U.S. government that argued federal immigration officials targeted him for deportation due to his activism.
“It is the power of organizing that brought the government to the negotiating table.” says Alina Das.
“I’m very excited to be with my family. Thank God, I got a chance to come back to the U.S. to live a normal life. In Haiti, with the gangs, I couldn’t even go outside. I’m happy to be back in a safe environment. Other than that, I’m excited just to be with my kids. That’s what I always wanted. A chance to watch my kids grow and be around them. Now that I got that chance, I have a lot of people to thank. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.” — Jean Montrevil
2023.04.18 Jean Montrevil with his family and communities from FFF, Judson Church and legal representatives after his court hearing after his immigration hearing, after a New York immigration judge ruled that Jean will no longer face deportation after a decade of being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for his activism.
Jean Montrevil with his family
Jean Montrevil’s legal team
