Farmington Couple Granted Stay of Deportation

FARMINGTON, CT — A couple which had been scheduled to be deported to China Friday was granted a stay Thursday, following a meeting between Gov. Dannel Malloy, other state government officials and representatives from the Department of Homeland Security.

Malloy announced that a stay of deportation has been granted to Zhe Long “Tony” Huang and Xiang Jin “Kris” Li of Farmington, who have been in the United States for nearly 20 years and own a small business in Simsbury.

Earlier this week, Malloy had sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen,pleading for a stay of deportation for the couple. Deportation would have separated them from their children, ages 15 and 5, who would have been placed into foster care.

“I am beyond thrilled that Tony and Kris were granted a stay of deportation, giving them the chance to remain with their children as a family and continue contributing to our state and our nation,” Malloy said. “I’d like to thank all of those involved who stood up for basic human decency and helped to keep this family in Connecticut. Together, we will continue to fight for what is right – and it is right for the Huang family to remain right here at home.”

“This is good news for Tony and Kris, their children, and the community,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said. “I’m very happy that their family will remain together. I join many other state and local officials who question the policy to deport these parents – who have no criminal history and who are productive members of our state – owning businesses, paying taxes, and involved in our communities. I applaud the decision to stay their deportation; the Huangs should stay with their children and in the lives they have built here. They also serve as yet another example of why we must examine how we are handling immigration issues in this country.”

Photo credit: Tim Jensen