As lawmakers. we attempt always to construct the law in such a way that it can be fairly and consistently applied. It is cases like this that remind us powerfully that the laws we write affect real families whose lives can be permanently and irreversibly changed by our decisions. As I have observed. deportation of Mr. Maleki. and the resulting separation from his family. could have permanent and tragic consequences for his children and his wife. who are innocent in all of this. Ultimately. I believe that introducing this legislation. thus staying deportation long enough to allow Mr. Maleki to apply for a rehearing and make his case again. was the proper approach which balances appropriately all of these interests. It was not an easy decision. but one which given the high stakes for his family called for my giving him and his family the benefit of the doubt. I am hopeful that the INS will consider carefully any new evidence he may present should he move to reopen his case. and will take into account his 10 years of achievement in this country. his broad embrace by the Moorhead community and by the university. and the critical impact his deportation could have on his U.S. citizen family members.* By Mr. KERRY:
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deportation