The Journey Inward

There is a story in my area of the country that is devastating people, while also bringing out the activist in them.  It's because of Karim, a man blessed with a big heart and the gift of charisma.  He enjoys people and as a server at a local restaurant, never misses an opportunity to chat, joke and connect with his customers who come back partly for the food and mostly for him.  He is a beloved fixture in the community, as well as a loving husband and proud father.  

Karim has lived in the United States for over 20 years.  He has worked and paid taxes.  He does not have a criminal record, here or in his home country.  Each year, he reports to the ISAP office to fulfill his work authorization requirement to remain in the country.  

This year when he went for his annual check in, he was told there was a problem and he needed to go to the Newark ICE office.  Once there, he was detained and remains there still, almost a month later.  There is a concern that he will be moved across the country, away from his family and support system.

Our NJ State politicians, Andy Kim, Cory Booker, and Tom Kean have been working tirelessly on his behalf.  There is a Facebook page (Free Karim) and a Go Fund Me page for his legal expenses and his family (can be found on the Facebook page).  

Karim has written to his supporters from the detention center, a heart wrenching combination of his experience, his outlook, missing his family, and gratitude for God and his abundant love.  

This heinous act hits home for me, but is one of so many happening all across the country on a daily basis.  Peaceful, contributing members of our society are being wrenched away from their families and detained and/or deported because of their unwanted, unwarranted role in a political and egotistical struggle to gain power and control.  Karim is a human being ~ kind, considerate, living his best life while improving the lives of others. He is not a threat.  He is not a statement.  He is not a pawn.  He is a human being.  This has to stop.

  

Photo:  Courtesy of Free Karim on Facebook