Whitehall police chiefs needs to do right thing concerning immigrant
Yilun Cheng’s Aug. 23 article, “Aiding police doesn’t ensure access to visa,” is a story of bravery and cowardice.
Brave is Mr. Ventura Hercules, who was shot in an armed robbery, left for dead and testified against his attacker from a wheelchair. He helped the government obtain a conviction and learned to walk again.
Mr. Ventura Hercules is an immigrant. Federal law allows him to apply for legal residency and citizenship through a U-visa for helping law enforcement. But Whitehall Police Chief Mike Crispen refuses to follow that law. Not only that, he dismisses its importance entirely, saying that there are “other ways to build relationships” with immigrants. This is cruel and cowardly.
Can you imagine the courage it takes to speak up against your attacker in a court of law, and then speak out about this treatment from your local police? Citizens, could you do this, even knowing you have full status? Now add to that Mr. Ventura’s status as an immigrant.
Chief Crispen’s refusal to follow federal law and correct the paperwork his department submitted for Mr. Ventura is immoral. It is also reversible. Chief Crispen, do the right thing.
Lynn Tramonte, director, Ohio Immigrant Alliance