The following information was posted on Change.org in conjunction with a petition that asks Governor Schwarzenegger to stop the Deportation of Steve Torlone, a 50-year-old father of three United States citizen (USC) children, and loving husband to his wife Kim.  Mr. Torlone legally came to the United States from Canada forty-six years ago with his parents at the age of four.  He has been ordered deported (removed) as a result of a 20-year-old theft offense.  He has exhausted all of his appeals.

This is just one more example of the unfairness of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA).  This law, signed by President Clinton, retroactively triggers deportation for individuals like Mr. Torlone who have been convicted of certain crimes even though the crime may not have been a deportable offense at the time of the conviction, and even where the individual has long paid his/her debt to society.  The law strips discretion from immigration judges preventing them from weighing the equities of an individual who has been convicted of certain crimes.  In essence, it prevents immigration judges from doing their job.

Please sign this petition that asks Governor Schwarzenegger to issue a pardon and halt the deportation of Steve Torlone (#A 14-147-674), a 50-year-old permanent resident from Sacramento.

Alternatively, you may call Governor Schwarzenegger at (916) 445-2841, and/or fax him at (916) 558-3160.

Please act now in the hope that Mr. Torlone will be returned to his family in time for Christmas.