"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."
THOMAS JEFFERSON, 3rd President of the United States and Author of the Declaration of Independence."

Need help with writing us a letter?

If you need help with a letter or are too busy to sit down and draft one - click here for a version that you can edit with your personal input and submit to us or send directly to your NC elected officials
Letter of Recommendation

 Some of the letters have been shortened from the original for space purposes

October 10th, 2008

The Honorable Elizabeth Dole
310 New Bern Avenue
Suite 122
Raleigh, NC 27601

Dear Senator Dole:

This letter is being sent to you concerning the immigration process for Bruce and Dianne Stewart and their two children who came to the United States legally and in the proper manner. Close friends of our family, Jack and Barbara Joyce, have also brought this matter to your attention. They received a letter from Ms. Carol Armstrong in the Immigration Counsel from your office.

I understand that your office has had several,( and frequent), requests for help concerning the Stewart family and their situation.

You, as a Senator, are well aware of the role a US Senator plays in responding to a citizen's request and to resolve governmental red tape - whether those request are as a group, a political party, or an individual. It is, after all, those citizens whom you represent. They are the citizens who put their trust in you to see that their needs are carried out.

There are those who come across our borders illegally from various countries who get on welfare, obtain free health care and, in many cases, commit crimes.

By comparison, the Stewarts have costs the taxpayers $0. Instead, America has gained an outstanding, accomplished and financially contributing family with the basic principles and values that have made our country great. Their values are the same values that you espouse. It is those same values that got you elected as our Senator. The Stewarts have distinguished themselves in the Charlotte economic, social and religious communities. Even under great duress, they have contributed to the betterment of our city.

My family and I lived in SC for 20 years. While in SC, I was on the staff of four Governors and on many occasions, had the opportunity to work closely on numerous projects with Senator Strom Thurmond. My son, Mark, served as an intern in Sen. Thurmond's office in Washington and my daughter, Michelle, served as a page. I am convinced that Sen. Thurmond would have responded quickly, for and on the behalf of a constituent who was in a serious and life threatening situation such as the Stewarts find themselves in.

My plea to you , as well as all those who have contacted your office for and on behalf of the Stewart family, is to please act immediately and to do whatever is necessary, even if it is to introduce a bill, so that they can stay in the United States.

Sincerely,
Lance S. Mayfield
Charlotte, NC

"This is really insane. You've made such a positive mark on so many people's lives, it's just bizarre to think of them treating your family this way." 
Sara Abrams, Owner, Abrams Media Group, Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN

January 17, 2008
Letter sent to Congressman Mel Watt.
(Similar letters have been sent to Rep. Sue Myrick, NC Senator Elizabeth Dole & NC Senator Richard Burr by Dr Lawrence Baxter)

Dear Congressman Watt,
I write to request your help in rectifying a terrible injustice that is about to occur to a family here in Charlotte whom I know very well.  You will not remember me, but when I visited you in Washington together with Ken McAllister I was struck by your courage and integrity and I have no doubt that you will be as concerned as I am.

Bruce and Dianne Stewart came legally to the United States some years ago from South Africa.  Bruce Stewart continued to operate his South African business as he expanded its United States operations.  He also steadily developed a young African entrepreneur in South Africa so that she could assume ever greater responsibility for the South African business.  There was also, of course, self interest involved in that businesses in South Africa that are seen to be helping in the advancement of the former victims of Apartheid are more effective.  But Bruce's good intentions have been admirable nonetheless.

Unfortunately the Stewart's fell into the clutches of a Charlotte immigration "agent" who defrauded them by taking their money and providing them with forged documents purporting to emanate from the United States government.  The activities of this "agent' are under investigation by both the FBI and BCIS.  The Stewart's were left without proper residence status and had to start proceeding all over again and now an overworked and under staffed BCIS has denied their petition for permanent residence and required them to depart from the United States in a matter of weeks.  Their story is accurately chronicled at the following web page:  http://www.keepthestewartsincharlotte.com/index.cfm/p/home.htm
I and my whole family have known the Stewart's virtually since they came to Charlotte some years ago.  We are closely acquainted with both Bruce's and Dianne's extensive business and entrepreneurial activities.  The Stewart's are highly successful business people and they and their delightful children have been a major addition to the Charlotte community.  They have followed all the rules and their forced departure would give the lie to the claims by some of our leaders that the United States is "not hostile to immigrants, only illegal ones."

Congressman Watt, I am sure you will be as appalled as I and many other US citizens are at what has happened.  I appeal for your urgent assistance as it appears that only a private bill of Congress can rectify the monstrous injustice that is about t

Dear Senator Dole:

This letter is being sent to you concerning the immigration process for Bruce and Dianne Stewart and their two children who came to the United States legally and in the proper manner. Close friends of our family, Jack and Barbara Joyce, have also brought this matter to your attention. They received a letter from Ms. Carol Armstrong in the Immigration Counsel from your office.

I understand that your office has had several,( and frequent), requests for help concerning the Stewart family and their situation.

You, as a Senator, are well aware of the role a US Senator plays in responding to a citizen's request and to resolve governmental red tape - whether those request are as a group, a political party, or an individual. It is, after all, those citizens whom you represent. They are the citizens who put their trust in you to see that their needs are carried out.

There are those who come across our borders illegally from various countries who get on welfare, obtain free health care and, in many cases, commit crimes.

By comparison, the Stewarts have costs the taxpayers $0. Instead, America has gained an outstanding, accomplished and financially contributing family with the basic principles and values that have made our country great. Their values are the same values that you espouse. It is those same values that got you elected as our Senator. The Stewarts have distinguished themselves in the Charlotte economic, social and religious communities. Even under great duress, they have contributed to the betterment of our city.

My family and I lived in SC for 20 years. While in SC, I was on the staff of four Governors and on many occasions, had the opportunity to work closely on numerous projects with Senator Strom Thurmond. My son, Mark, served as an intern in Sen. Thurmond's office in Washington and my daughter, Michelle, served as a page. I am convinced that Sen. Thurmond would have responded quickly, for and on the behalf of a constituent who was in a serious and life threatening situation such as the Stewarts find themselves in.

My plea to you , as well as all those who have contacted your office for and on behalf of the Stewart family, is to please act immediately and to do whatever is necessary, even if it is to introduce a bill, so that they can stay in the United States.

o occur.  Please lend us your assistance.  I will write to Congresswoman Myrick and Senators Burr and Dole with a similar request and truly hope that you, our elected representatives, can work to restore sanity to this situation.  I would, of course, be more than happy to testify in support of the Stewart's.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr Lawrence Baxter
Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN

January 18, 2008

Re:Stewart Family's Permanent Residence Denial

Dear Senator Richard Burr, Senator Elizabeth Dole and Rep Sue Myrick

Dianne and Bruce Stewart and their two children live in Charlotte, NC and moved here from South Africa a few years ago.After living legally in Charlotte for the past 7 years, their application for Permanent Residence (Green Card) was denied on January 15th, 2008 and they have until February 14th, 2008 to either leave the USA forever or stay here illegally until they are arrested and physically thrown out of their home (which is not an option for them). Without this permanent residence, they will also never be able to become citizens of their beloved United States.

The Stewart's have been exemplary residents of Charlotte and love their life in the U.S.They are law abiding people who go beyond living their private life by participating in many fundraising and charitable events.Dianne is a PR maven and is always willing to assist fledgling businesses pro bono with their PR needs.

Many of us have become close friends with the Stewart family and we don't understand this cold-hearted approach to a simple problem. It appears that because of one glitch on their application they are being asked to leave.As you can imagine, the family is emotionally devastated and experiencing tremendous anxiety.

I respectfully request the following action immediately from our elected North Carolina officials as the Stewart's have very LIMITED time left to rectify this situation:

1.A reversal of the denial of their I-140 Immigrant Petition as being based neither on facts submitted, nor on current law.

2. They need a positive decision approving their application for Permanent Residence, either through an immediate re-consideration of the submissions currently filed with the US CIS in Omaha, Nebraska or though a Private Bill of Congress on the grounds that they have met every requirement for permanent residence and that without the granting of permanent residence, their family would endure an immense and unfair hardship.

I urge you to give immediate attention to this appeal.Please respond directly to Dianne or Bruce Stewart at (704) 844-1064, or their attorney Chris Greene at (704) 525-9221.I do hope you can help.Neither the Stewart's or their friends are accustomed to requesting assistance, but we are putting ourselves on the line and swallowing our pride.

We do not want to see the Stewart's treated in such a harsh manner and we do not want to lose them!

Sincerely,

Sara Abrams, Owner, Abrams Media Group, Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN

January 18, 2008

"I want to do everything I can to keep you all here! I sent out email's to all of my contacts and made some personal calls. I  have sent letters and emailed each representative/senator and will continue to do so. From our talks, I just find it incredibly disgusting what you have been put through and am ashamed of our system. Please, please keep me posted on how things go and please do not hesitate to call me if you need help with anything!!

Kim Hughes
General Manager
704events.com
Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN

January 18, 2008

Sent to the Senator Elizabeth Dole, Senator Richard Burr and Rep. Sue Myrick :

"I am saddened to hear that our federal government is going to throw out a family of productive and God-fearing people like Bruce and Dianne Stewart.  I am sure you have heard of their situation.  I know them to have values and actions in line with what will make America better and I would be ashamed to be a citizen of a country that would make them leave their house, home, friends, and employment because no one in power would take the time to help.  I am a very busy person and I am taking time to write to you on their behalf.  Can't you take time to advocate for them?  You are the one with the power and were elected as my Representative in Congress.  Please make a sensible decision on this immigration issue.  With all of the confusion about, what to do about immigration, this is one situation where the correct response is obvious and yet the government is responding with an obviously wrong determination.  Please help my friends stay where they have lived for seven years.  I need you to represent Me, as is your job."

Dr. Diana M. Rowan, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, Lecturer: Social Work Department, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
US CITIZEN

January 18, 2008

Dear Congresswoman Myrick

RE : STEWART FAMILY PERMANENT RESIDENCE DENIAL

I know you are very interested in illegal immigration issues, but I would like to alert you to the other side of the coin and draw your attention to a serious injustice that is taking place in Charlotte NC.

Dr Bruce Stewart is a specialist in advanced reading skills. He came to Charlotte with his wife and two children in 2001, on an L1-visa, they have a home in Providence Plantation, Charlotte, NC, they are active members of the community and they have been living in Charlotte ever since.

In March 2007, they applied for Permanent Residence and were advised on January 15th, 2008 that their application for permanent residence had been denied. In essence, when their current L-1 visa expires on February 14th, 2008, they will be forced to leave the country or to continue staying here illegally - something they cannot afford to do.

It appears that the reason for the denial of this Green Card application is based neither on the facts of the case, nor on the applicable laws of the US.  In short, Bruce Stewart was granted a visa as an executive to establish and manage a US office for his International Company, Speed Reading international, Inc doing business as ExecuRead, but now the US CIS has found that his executive function is "not complex enough" to justify his classification for Permanent Residence.

The second reason for the denial, is that Bruce Stewart is perceived to still be involved in the day-to-day running of his South African company - in reality his executive involvement amounts to a 60 minute conference call once  a month and he has absolutely no involvement in the day-to-day management of that company.

For the above reasons, his I-140 Immigrant Petition and I-485 Permanent Residence Application were denied. The Stewart's attorney's are in the process of filing an appeal. However, the reality is that this appeal is unlikely to be considered before February 14th, 2008, when their L-1 visa expires and without the intervention of a powerful voice, such as yours, the family will be forced by the system to become illegal aliens through no fault of their own or to leave country, their home, their friends and their employment, thus effectively denying them the resources and the opportunity to appeal this case.

The full story is at www.KeepTheStewartsInCharlotte.com

After reviewing their information, please try to affect the following:

As a US Citizen I am personally outraged at this situation, as I am sure you must be.  I fully endorse your stand on immigration, and I am confident that you will appreciate the uniqueness of this situation and that you will do all in your power to secure fairness and justice for this family that has become so treasured by so many people in this community and in this country.

I have known Dianne Stewart since 2004 and she is a dedicated community leader and hard working professional.

Respectfully,

January 18, 2008

This letter has been sent to : Senator Elizabeth Dole / Senator Richard Burr & Rep. Sue Myrick

Re:Stewart Family's Permanent Residence Denial

Dear Senator Dole:

We have known Dianne and Bruce Stewart for a few years now, and can state unequivocally that they are loving people and are a real benefit to our society.We are deeply concerned for them, which is why we write to you at this time.

Dianne and Bruce Stewart and their two children live in Charlotte, NC and moved here from South Africa a few years ago.After living legally in Charlotte for the past 7 years, their application for Permanent Residence (Green Card) was denied on January 15th, 2008 and they have until February 14th, 2008 to either leave the USA forever, or stay here illegally until they are arrested and physically thrown out of their home (which is not an option for them). Without this permanent residence, they will also never be able to become citizens of their beloved United States.

The Stewarts have been exemplary residents of Charlotte and love their life in the U.S.They are law abiding people who go beyond living their private life by participating in many fundraising and charitable events.Dianne is a PR maven and is always willing to assist fledgling businesses pro bono with their PR needs.

Many of us have become close friends with the Stewart family and we don't understand this cold-hearted approach to a simple problem. It appears that because of one glitch on their application they are being asked to leave.As you can imagine, the family is emotionally devastated and experiencing tremendous anxiety.

I respectfully request the following action immediately from our elected North Carolina officials as the Stewarts have very LIMITED time left to rectify this situation:

1.A reversal of the denial of their I-140 Immigrant Petition as being based neither on facts submitted, nor on current law.

2. They need a positive decision approving their application for Permanent Residence, either through an immediate re-consideration of the submissions currently filed with the US CIS in Omaha, Nebraska, or though a Private Bill of Congress on the grounds that they have met every requirement for permanent residence and that without the granting of permanent residence, their family would endure an immense and unfair hardship.

I urge you to give immediate attention to this appeal.Please respond directly to Dianne or Bruce Stewart at (704) 844-1064, or their attorney Chris Greene at (704) 525-9221.I do hope you can help.Neither the Stewarts or their friends are accustomed to requesting assistance, but we are putting ourselves on the line and swallowing our pride.We do not want to see the Stewarts treated in such a harsh manner and we do not want to lose them!

They are a real credit to our nation, our state, and the Charlotte, NC area.

Sincerely,

Gary & Robbie Arvidson

Kings Mountain, NC
US CITIZENS
 

January 18, 2008

Letter addressed to Senator Elizabeth Dole / Senator Richard Burr & Rep. Sue Myrick

As United States citizens living in Charlotte, North Carolina, we humbly beg you to please take a moment of your time to consider this passionate plea by us for your assistance with the plight of Dianne and Bruce Stewart and their children.

We have been personal friends of the Stewart family for a few years and are absolutely devastated and outraged that their application for permanent residence has been denied.We feel that this is so unfair and an absolute miscarriage of justice!They are an outstanding and exceptional family who have always done everything "by the book" and within their power to become the upstanding and very much respected residents of our community, that they are today. Their devotion to family, friends and all in need of them, has been above and beyond any normal expectations.

On their behalf, we are writing to you to absolutely BEG you to help them in the dire straits in which they now find themselves.

It is with the greatest respect to you, that we BESEECH you to please do everything in your power to help our friends, the Stewart family, to remain here in Charlotte where they have been for many years and where they absolutely belong.Their lives would be devastated and destroyed if they were so unfairly forced to return to South Africa.Their children have grown up here and have known no other lives!How unfair it would be to make them leave their schools, friends, activities and everything else that has become their lives!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE HELP US TO KEEP THE STEWARTS IN CHARLOTTE!

Humbly and with respect,

Peter and Janice Rose and family

Charlotte, NC
US CITIZENS

January 19, 2008

Dear Representative Myrick / Senator Dole & Senator Burr

This letter concerns a matter of the utmost urgency and we respectfully request your assistance.

It involves dear friends of ours, Bruce and Dianne Stewart, and their two children who came legally to the United States some years ago. We have known Bruce and Dianne since we moved to Charlotte in 2004. Due to an unfortunate confluence of events, Bruce and Dianne and their children face deportation from the United States for reasons beyond their control. A comprehensive summary of the circumstances that lead to their predicament can be found in the attached web page:

 http://www.keepthestewartsincharlotte.com

In brief, our friends have been defrauded, and the fraud perpetrated upon them in turn has led to a situation where they face imminent deportation to South Africa. They have contributed immensely to our community here in Charlotte, are faithful to the principles upon which our country was founded and are exemplary citizens in all respects.

Frankly, if the bureaucratic decision rendered comes to pass, it would severely shake our faith in the decisions made by our government. The precarious situation they find themselves in simply defies logic. Please comfort us by helping our friends stay in the United States. Any other outcome would be a gross injustice.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Fanie Gouws, CFA  &  Trace Gouws
Charlotte, NC
US CITIZENS
 

January 21, 2008

Senator Richard Burr

Dear Senator Burr,

I was appalled to learn that the Stewarts' application for Permanent Residence has been denied.We need people like the Stewarts in this country.To those of us who know them, it seems it should be obvious that they are intelligent, self-supporting, contributing members of our society.

I was introduced to Dianne Stewart through my daughter and son-in-law she has been associated with them as a marketing consultant for their business for several years and has done excellent work, and they (we) have also established an ongoing personal relationship with her family.Dianne has been gracious enough to provide some consulting services to me for my church at no charge.

Each year, my church sponsors a talk on spiritual solutions to human problems.The committee in charge of the arrangements for the talk this year had discussed at length the challenging issues facing our community we concluded that the most important challenges were those surrounding rapid growth and immigration and the impact of the changes needed to meet these challenges.Dianne is helping us to bring it to the attention of those who would find it most helpful.Acknowledgement of the rule of law is of utmost importance in meeting these challenges.In the course of our conversation, Dianne told me that one of the major reasons she and her family moved to this country from South Africa was her conviction that our country was founded on the rule of law.

My grandparents came to this country from Sweden and France in the 1880's before Ellis Island.My mother's father worked in a textile mill in Rhode Island, and his wife took in laundry he became a Baptist minister and headed the French-speaking Baptist missions north of Boston, interpreted for General DeGaule during WWI, and became Chair of the French Department at Marietta College after the war.My father's father came as an upholsterer working on finishing Pullman cars, his wife as a housemaid.Of their two sons, one became a professor at MIT and the other a CPA.I'm grateful we did not have immigration policies that kept them out.

Please do your best to have the Stewarts' situation revisited.They are, have been, and will continue to make an excellent contribution to our society.

Sincerely yours,
Marilyn Valeo
Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN

January 20, 2008

Dear Representative Myrick 

We need your immediate help. Bruce and Diane Stewart, some very dear friends of ours, are facing the fight of their lives, created by one of our OWN government officials. Approximately seven (7) years ago, the Stewarts entered our country legally, and have obeyed every law and rule since that time. Their application for Permanent Residency was denied on January 15, 2008. They have until February 14th 2008 to either leave the USA forever, or stay here illegally until they are thrown out of their Providence Plantation home.

These people are professionals, wonderful parents, true friends, and productive members of our city. They have not committed any crimes, nor broken any laws. They have been informed recently by their attorney that our government thinks they do not earn enough money to stay in the USA. (Strange, since they apparently earn enough to stay in their upscale home, make car payments, support a family of four, and pay taxes). We believe this decision has been made not based on submitted facts, but rather, on some other vague unknown criteria.

If one were to google the gentleman who apparently made this decision to deny Permanent Residency for the Stewarts, page after page of negative comments, many involving lawsuits filed against him would be revealed. In contrast, a google search on Diane and Bruce Stewart would yield nothing negative.

We who are US citizens often take our citizenship and our living conditions for granted. Here is a family whose sole purpose for leaving their homeland behind was simply to have a safe stable place to raise their family, where they wouldn't have to worry about their children being shot at or tortured. For seven (7) years the Stewarts have lived, thought, breathed, and ached to have what we have. But we will not let them. We say they aren't good enough, or rich enough to be one of us. Yet thousands...no millions of illegal immigrants are allowed to roam our streets, have jobs, drink & drive while ignoring our traffic laws, because they provide cheap labor. Shouldn't we be fighting to keep good, solid, productive potential citizens like the Stewarts, instead of creating more roadblocks for them?

We need the following from your office as our elected official:

• A reversal of the denial of I-140 Immigrant Petition as being based

neither on facts submitted, nor on current law.

• A positive decision approving the Stewart's application for

Permanent Residency, either through an Immediate reconsideration of the submission currently filed with the US CIS in Omaha, Nebraska or though a Private Bill of Congress on the grounds that the Stewarts have met every requirement for Permanent Residency, and that without granting Permanent Residency, the Stewart family would endure an immense and unfair hardship.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter,

Patricia Scher
US citizen
Charlotte, NC

January 22, 2008
Representative Sue Myrick

Dear Representative Myrick,

I'm writing this letter on behalf of Bruce, Dianne, Michael and Sarah Stewart of 5617 Providence Glen Rd. in Charlotte, N.C. 28270. With the the number of unskilled immigrants entering this country, many needing public assistance, it is a shame to deny citizenship to those who have much to offer. Dr. and Mrs. Stewart clearly have the resources to provide for themselves and be an asset to our area.

Dianne has a business acumen that speaks of her intelligence. Her assistance has helped my wife launch a new business venture. Diannes help has sped up the process of getting my wife started and has pointed directions that she would not have considered on her own. This could not be done without a thorough business background and without being an insider in Charlotte business circles.

Talking with Dr. Bruce Stewart is enlightening. He is articulate and possesses a vast knowledge that is superior most people seeking citizenship. He has helped me increase my reading speed and comprehension. If the Stewarts can not stay in this country, it will deprive my wife and me of our very dear friends.

Truly yours,

Donald Zelman
Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN

The Stewarts have been exemplary residents of Charlotte and love their life in the U.S. They are law abiding people, homeowners, taxpayers, etc. who go beyond living their private life by participating in many fundraising and charitable events.

It appears that because of ONE GLITCH  on their application (submitted by who we now know is a fraudulent attorney) they are being asked to leave.  Now I understand that I'm sure you read many letters of this sort, all with their own stories, but please, take 5 minutes to review THEIR story:   http://www.keepthestewartsincharlotte.com/index.cfm/p/home.htm    TAKE A MOMENT, PLEASE CLICK ON THEIR SITE.  I respectfully request the following action immediately from our elected North Carolina officials as the Stewarts have very LIMITED time left to rectify this situation:

1. A reversal of the denial of their I-140 Immigrant Petition as being based neither on facts submitted, nor on current law.

2. They need a positive decision approving their application for Permanent Residence, either through an immediate re-consideration of the submissions currently filed with the US CIS in Omaha, Nebraska or though a Private Bill of Congress on the grounds that they have met every requirement for permanent residence and that without the granting of permanent residence, their family would endure an immense and unfair hardship.

I urge you to give immediate attention to this appeal. Please respond directly to Dianne or Bruce Stewart at (704) 844-1064, or their attorney Chris Greene at (704) 525-9221. I do hope you can help.

Best regards,

Jacqui Ackerman

January 22, 2008

Representative Sue Myrick

Dear Representative Sue Myrick,

It certainly was a pleasure to see you at the Christmas Hanukah reception at the Morehead Inn.It was also my pleasure to be one of your sponsors for this event.

I am writing on behalf of a long-time friend and Sr. Executive of mine and Jim Thompson's company, Darlene Gibson, who has brought to my attention the serious injustice with a family that are very close friend's of Darlene Gibson.I am making you aware of the situation and asking if you can help this family gain a Permanent Residence status?

In order to correct this injustice I respectfully request:

A reversal of the denial of their I-140 Immigrant Petition as being based neither on facts submitted, nor on current law.

A positive decision approving their application for Permanent Residence, either through an immediate re-consideration of the submissions currently filed with the US CIS in Omaha, Nebraska or though a Private Bill of Congress on the grounds that they have met every requirement for permanent residence and that without the granting of permanent residence, this family would endure an immense and unfair hardship.

Dr Bruce Stewart is a specialist in advanced reading skills. He came to Charlotte with his wife and two children in 2001, on an L1-visa, they have a home in Providence Plantation, Charlotte, NC, they are active members of the community and they have been living in Charlotte ever since.

In March 2007, they applied for Permanent Residence and were advised on January 15th, 2008 that their application for permanent residence had been denied. In essence, when their current L-1 visa expires on February 14th, 2008, they will be forced to leave the country or to continue staying here illegally - something they cannot afford to do.

It appears that the reason for the denial of this Green Card application is based neither on the facts of the case, nor on the applicable laws of the US.  In short, Bruce Stewart was granted a visa as an executive to establish and manage a US office for his International Company, Speed Reading international, Inc doing business as ExecuRead, however, the US CIS has found that his executive function is "not complex enough" to justify his classification for Permanent Residence.

The second reason for the denial, is that Bruce Stewart is perceived to still be involved in the day-to-day running of his South African company - in reality his executive involvement amounts to a 60 minute conference call once a month and he has absolutely no involvement in the day-to-day management of that company.

For the above reasons, his I-140 Immigrant Petition and I-485 Permanent Residence Application were denied. The Stewart's attorney's are in the process of filing an appeal. However, the reality is that this appeal is unlikely to be considered before February 14th, 2008, when their L-1 visa expires and without the intervention of a powerful voice, such as yours, the family will be forced by the system to become illegal aliens through no fault of their own or to leave country, their home, their friends and their employment, thus effectively denying them the resources and the opportunity to appeal this case.

The full story is at www.KeepTheStewartsInCharlotte.com

I fully support crackdown on illegal immigration, but this family has lived here legally for 7 years, are tax-payers, and contribute to the community in many ways. I am confident that you will appreciate the uniqueness of this situation and that you will do all in your power to secure fairness and justice for this family that has become so treasured by so many people in this community.

Sincerely,

Verl Purdy
AGDATA, LP
Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN

January 22, 2008

Dear Senator Burr, 
RE : STEWART FAMILY PERMANENT RESIDENCE DENIAL

I am taking the liberty of drawing your attention to a serious injustice that is taking place in Charlotte NC. I feel that you should be made aware of the situation before even more injustice is done, as I am sure that you will be as outraged about this as I am.

Dr Bruce Stewart is a specialist in advanced reading skills. He came to Charlotte with his wife and two children in 2001, on an L1-visa, they have a home in Providence Plantation, Charlotte, NC, they are active members of the community and they have been living in Charlotte ever since.

In March 2007, they applied for Permanent Residence and were advised on January 15th, 2008 that their application for permanent residence had been denied. In essence, when their current L-1 visa expires on February 14th, 2008, they will be forced to leave the country or to continue staying here illegally - something they cannot afford to do.

It appears that the reason for the denial of this Green Card application is based neither on the facts of the case, nor on the applicable laws of the US.  In short, Bruce Stewart was granted a visa as an executive to establish and manage a US office for his International Company, Speed Reading international, Inc doing business as ExecuRead, but now the US CIS has found that his executive function is "not complex enough" to justify his classification for Permanent Residence.

The second reason for the denial, is that Bruce Stewart is perceived to still be involved in the day-to-day running of his South African company - in reality his executive involvement amounts to a 60 minute conference call once  a month and he has absolutely no involvement in the day-to-day management of that company.

For the above reasons, his I-140 Immigrant Petition and I-485 Permanent Residence Application were denied. The Stewart's attorney's are in the process of filing an appeal. However, the reality is that this appeal is unlikely to be considered before February 14th, 2008, when their L-1 visa expires and without the intervention of a powerful voice, such as yours, the family will be forced by the system to become illegal aliens through no fault of their own or to leave country, their home, their friends and their employment, thus effectively denying them the resources and the opportunity to appeal this case.

The full story is at www.KeepTheStewartsInCharlotte.com

In order to correct this injustice I respectfully demand:

A reversal of the denial of their I-140 Immigrant Petition as being based neither on facts submitted, nor on current law.

A positive decision approving their application for Permanent Residence, either through an immediate re-consideration of the submissions currently filed with the US CIS in Omaha, Nebraska or though a Private Bill of Congress on the grounds that they have met every requirement for permanent residence and that without the granting of permanent residence, this family would endure an immense and unfair hardship.
As a US Citizen I am personally outraged at this situation, as I am sure you must be.  I fully endorse your stand on immigration, and I am confident that you will appreciate the uniqueness of this situation and that you will do all in your power to secure fairness and justice for this family that has become so treasured by so many people in this community and in this country.

I have known the Stewart's since 2004 and consider them good friends and the kind of legal immigrants that America needs to continue our long tradition of welcoming all the peoples of the world to our shores irregardless of race, color, or creed! As a son of immigrants myself, and a decorated Vietnam vet, who fought for my country so that good people like the Stewarts can be given the chance to be Americans, I consider the termination of their right to become Americans as  a slap in the face of all who came before them. They are contributing members of our society and more then ever wish to become American citizens along with their children. You would think that with the illegal immigrant problem we have, we would open our arms and embrace good people to our shores instead of rejecting them! Please Senator Burr, would you intercede on their behalf?

Yours sincerely,

Steven Caliendo
Charlotte, NC
Decorated Vietnam Vet
US CITIZEN

January 21, 2008

Senator Elizabeth Dole  / Senator Riuchard Burr / Rep. Sue Myrick

Re: Immigration of Bruce, Dianne, Sarah and Michael Stewart File No. LIN0712651194 / Alien No. A99984936

To my esteemed United States Senator Elizabeth Dole/ Senator Burr / Rep. Myrick:

I have not been involved in the immigration matter pertaining to the family of Bruce and Dianne Stewart, however their case has come to my attention as a legal observer; and it appears to me that they truly need and deserve your support. Our country is veering toward the End of Days when such productive people are denied the opportunity to live here while less desirable applicants are successfully storming the gates, breaking our laws, demanding that we meet their various needs, and burdening our struggling financial systems. To the contrary, we should actually be soliciting more well-educated and self-supporting immigrants like the Stewarts to become permanent residents rather than tossing them out of the country. I ask on behalf of the Stewarts that you examine their circumstances and do whatever you can to assist their efforts to remain in the United States as permanent residents.

Sincerely,

R. Craig Miller
Partner
Dozier, Miller, Pollard & Murphy LLP
Attorneys at Law
Charlotte, NC
US CITIZEN