I am at immediate risk for deportation to Cambodia, a country I have never been to (I was born in Vietnam and have lived in the U.S. 40 out of the 42 years of my life). To prevent my deportation, I am seeking the support and willingness of a Governor's Pardon, which may stop ICE’s efforts to deport me. I feel like I am an ideal candidate for a Governor's Pardon that will grant me permanent residence in the U.S.

Today, I legally reside in America under “Order of Supervision.” It just means that I check in with ICE at my appointed schedule. 

Over 20 years ago I was in a gang and committed a crime. I plead guilty to second-degree murder in 1994. Being a part of the drive-by shooting that caused the death of another human being is the greatest regret of my life.

Since my sentence, I made a decision to leave the gang life and strive to be a better human being. While in the California Youth Authority, I was the leader of a bible study group with the Protestant chapel for 4 years. After my release, I wasted no time and immediately jumped in obtaining a job with a local community benefit organization, Hope Now For Youth. That organization focused solely on empowering young men like myself, that they could succeed once released. 

I have also been fortunate to conduct over 100 anti-gang presentations, workshops, and speeches at public schools and community events since my release in 2001. With Hope Now For Youth, I held the title of “Vocational Placement Counselor” and helped lead over 125 young men be placed into a full-time job. During this time, I was able to obtain my Associate of Arts degree from Fresno City College, a Bachelors of Art from Fresno Pacific University and Masters of Art from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. 

While I was the Executive Director of Jobs of Hope in Greeley, Colorado, I helped Co-found it and watched over 80 young men and women be placed into full-time jobs. That organization continues today, 2 years after I left to care for my ailing mother-in-law in Fresno, CA. 

I am currently the Student Ministries pastor at North Fresno Church-Mennonite Brethren denomination, of which I am a licensed minister. I am responsible for the spiritual development of 7-12th graders and young adults up to the age of 29. In addition to my current full-time job, I also volunteer as an assistant flag football coach at a low-income elementary school.

My wife and I share a 3 bedroom apartment with our 3 beautiful children and my mother-in-law. They are all United States citizens. For me to get deported would only bring heartache and distress to them and my neighborhood, church community and the student-athletes that I am responsible for. 

My hope is to receive a pardon and then work towards getting my deportation order overturned. Thank you for your time.