Kerry Tells Homeland Security Not to Deport Wife of Missing Soldier

Rebel Reaper pointed out this tragic story earlier today here and on his own blog, about Department of Homeland Security attempts to deport the missing soldier’s wife.

Senator John Kerry announced this morning that he is working to prevent US officials from deporting Yaderlin Hiraldo, a woman from the Dominican Republic whose husband has served two tours of duty in Iraq and is currently missing in action. Even FOX News has picked up on this one, noting that both Senators Kerry and Kennedy have gotten involved.

Vincent Morris, a spokesman for Kerry, said the senator is also looking into whether this is a more widespread problem in the Army.

Kerry said it is unconscionable for the Department of Homeland Security to deport the missing soldier’s wife under the current circumstances, and asked the agency not to take any action until her husband is found. The couple were married in 2004.

“Under no condition should our country ever deport the spouse of a soldier who is currently serving in uniform abroad,” Kerry said. “I feel even more strongly in this case, given the terrible uncertainty surrounding Army Specialist Alex Jimenez, who has been missing since May. Our country owes a special debt of gratitude to anyone who puts their life on the line by wearing a uniform and fighting overseas on behalf of the United States. My heart goes out to the family of Specialist Jimenez and I am determined to do everything in my power to make sure his wife is not deported from our country while our military is frantically searching for him.”

Senator Kerry’s letter to DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff is here: Kerry Tells Homeland Security Not to Deport Wife of Missing Soldier