At only 14 years old, Cayla Roberts was sold by her father in China and smuggled into the United States, along with 29 other children, to enter into the sex trade. Clearly, China was a place of trauma and danger for Roberts.
Yet now, ten years later, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is trying to deport her.
Raised in the Michigan foster care system, Cayla excelled in school, helped to rebuild houses after Hurricane Katrina, and eventually married an American man. In a few weeks, she'll graduate with honors from the Western Michigan University.
Roberts has said that she fears the smugglers waiting for her in China. Roberts's own father told her that if she ever returned, he would either kill her or ask her to kill herself.
But at this point, her safety seems to mean little to the Immigration and Customs Enforcements Office.
This is not simply illogical; it also demonstrates a horrifying lack of compassion on the part of immigration officers. Tell ICE: Don't deport Cayla Roberts!
We the undersigned urge you to stop the attempt to deport Cayla Roberts from her home in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Not only does she have a successful history in her 10 years living in the United States, but her return to China may Roberts in serious physical and emotional danger.
We ask you to pardon her by prosecutorial discretion and allow her to stay in the United States with her new family, husband and safety.
Thank you for taking our comments and concerns into serious consideration.
