May 10, 2002
Mr. Edward McElroy
NY District Director
Immigration and Naturalization Service
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278-0127
Dear Mr. McElroy:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Doctors for Global Health, DGH (www.dghonline.org ), it is important to express to you our concerns about the mass detention of immigrants since September 11, 2001. Over the past several months, the unjust circumstances under which immigrants have been arrested and detained have come to light on an increasing scale.
The families of those detained are simply asking that due process, which is guaranteed for all under the United States Constitution, is respected for their loved ones. We support them strongly in this, and ask that you agree to a public hearing over these detentions in New York. Ms. Andrea Quarantillo, District Director of the Newark Regional INS, and Mr. Jerry Speziale, Sheriff of Passaic County, have already agreed to participate in public meetings sponsored by Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), Prison Moratorium Project (PMP), and the Coalition For the Human Rights of Immigrants (CHRI).
Because a large number of post-September 11 detainees come from New York City, and specifically Brooklyn, we feel it is essential that a meeting take place there as well as in New Jersey. This is important so that the families and communities of the detained can express their concerns and ask questions. We are asking you, as the New York District Director of the INS, to participate in the forum, helping create the transparency so necessary for a working democracy.
Our request is a simple one: a public hearing to ensure accountability and justice. We join DRUM, PMP and CHRI in calling for such a meeting. We hope that this will be a first step toward re-establishing due process as a fundamental right under the Constitution for all. Such a meeting will allow an open dialogue with officials who have the authority to negotiate and be accountable to their constituencies. Furthermore, we would like to set the agenda beforehand for both meetings with local community members and community organizations serving their needs.
We look forward to your cooperation and participation in a public conversation. We write this letter to you in the spirit of continuing to work together in the service of our families and communities.
In Health and Human Rights,
Shirley Novak, MA, Advocacy Counsel
Board of Directors, Doctors for Global Health
