| April 21, 2006 - A unanimous three judge panel of the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the removal order against Carla Freeman. In granting the petition submitted by Brent Renison and Michael Millender, the Court in an opinion authored by Judge Raymond C. Fisher, ruled that the widow Carla Freeman was not stripped of her status as a spouse of a US Citizen, and as such should not have been deported by the Department of Homeland Security.
Carla Freeman was the first to successfully challenge the government's automatic denial policies, and her case was a precedent setting victory for widows and widowers and their children nationwide. Unfortunately, following her court victory, USCIS officials denied her application for discretionary reasons and she was not allowed legal permanent resident status. Her bravery in the face of great odds and her personal sacrifice have benefitted many other widows and widowers across the country. She is a hero to many.
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YOU Magazine Article About Carla Freeman |
Freeman v. Gonzales Opinion |
| December 1, 2004 - As reported in the Washington Post Article, Carla Freeman departs the U.S. under order of deportation to care for her ailing parents as her appeal remains pending.
May 17, 2004 - Carla Freeman's application is denied and she is placed in custody, ordered removed administratively with no hearing, and arrangements are made to place her on a plane bound for Italy. Brent Renison filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus which temporarily halts the removal, and she is released later that evening. Her case goes before a U.S. District Judge who sides with the government, and she appeals to the Ninth Circuit.
May 14, 2004 - Three Senators and two Congressmen urge Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to refrain from deporting Carla Freeman, a request ICE does not honor that following Monday.
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Freeman Denial |
Freeman Congressional Letter |
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