[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 9 (Monday, January 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          JUSTICE FOR LAULI'I

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2011

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I recently introduced a private bill (H.R. 
354) on behalf of a remarkable young man, Lauli'i Matu'u.
  Lauli'i was born deaf and was abandoned by his birth-family in 
Western Samoa. Lauli'i lived on the streets until age 10 when Greg 
Lewis, a U.S. citizen, took him in, taught him sign language, and cared 
for his medical needs. In 1992, Mr. Lewis was appointed as legal 
guardian to Lauli'i, but it took 14 years before Greg was finally able 
to bring Lauli'i to the U.S. Lauli'i is in danger of being deported 
because his humanitarian visa has expired. Lauli'i has no family or 
ties to Western Samoa, deporting Lauli'i would be a travesty of 
justice! My bill will grant Lauli'i permanent U.S. residence.

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