Gardner resident, Ben Neufield, a pastor of music and youth minister at Fellowship Bible Church, has just received some devastating news. Ben and his family have moved here from Canada in 2005 and in the process of gaining permanent residency for himself, his wife and his oldest son an error was made in the submission of one form. While this simple error with one of the many forms submitted did not keep Ben from receiving his permanent residency his wife and oldest son were denied.

Not only were they denied homeland security has informed them they will be deported if they fail to leave by February 9th. If this is our legal form of immigration maybe it is no wonder our friends to the south go through the trouble of walking over miles of desert to get here.

As it stands now Ben will have to return to Canada with his wife and four kids or risk deportation and a possible permanent barring from the states for his wife and son. However, Rob Wonnell, an attorney and member of Fellowship Bible has provided the following things we can do to help Ben and his family.

Three Ways You Can Help

For all communication, written or oral, reference Case No. LIN0822052853

1. Call Megan at (913) 383-2013.  She is Congressman Moore's legislative assistant that handles immigration.  I have spoken with her and she is already working on the case, so I think if church members call her it should just be a short left message that says "I attend Fellowship Bible Church in Gardner, I understand you are working on Ben and Ingrid Neufeld's case and I just wanted to thank you for your efforts to keep this family together".  The reason I say that is that I think if we just called and demanded a response, it might be met with resistance or frustration, but if we have 400 people call to thank Megan for all of her hard work, it would not only encourage her and demonstrate the love of Christ, but also would let the Congressman's office know how many people (ie voters) are concerned with this matter.

2. Go to http://www.moore.house.gov/default.asp and click on "Assistance" from the menu on top.  In the first paragraph of text, click on "Contact a Constituent Service Representative".  Fill out the required information at the bottom and then click "Go to form".  Fill out the form then click on "Send". You will then need to print the following page, sign it, date it and fax it. YOU HAVE TO SIGN AND FAX THE AUTHORIZATION AFTER YOU SUBMIT IT.

Make sure you reference, by name Ben and Ingrid Neufeld and Fellowship Bible Church in Gardner, Kansas

Unlike the phone calls to Megan, this could be a mass request for help because I don't know who in DC is handling this, but if 400 faxes came in, it would get someone's attention.

3. Contact the DC Office at (202) 225-2865.  Speak to anyone who will listen.

What to ask for:

Any kind of extension or exemption that would allow the family to stay together.  (If you want to be specific, you can request that Ingrid and Asher be allowed to overcome the new guidelines of Public Law 105-119 (specifically 11-26-07 Amendments) which restricted the application of Section 245(i) of the INA, in that it only allows Section 204 immigrant petitions or labor certified applicants to submit a Form I-485 (Supplement A) and the requisite fee, to allow eligibility for reconsideration)

Let them know that the family has attempted to comply with all requests, forms and regulations.

Remind them that there are 4 kids, all under the age of five, that the dad is a permanent resident and the 3 youngest children are US citizens by birth and the thought of them being split up is devastating the community of Gardner.

Remind them of the need for a quick response because of the February 9th deadline for relocation back to Canada.

I consider Ben a friend of mine and would appreciate any help you may have to offer in getting attention brought to his case.

Thanks,

Aaron Weatherford