Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, recently presented Congressional Citations to immigration advocacy group Ecuadorian International Center (EIC), and Queens-based immigration services provider Solution Docs for their help in securing a humanitarian parole for his constituent, 9/11 clean-up worker Martha Freire.
“Martha Freire was there for our country during one of the most difficult times in our history, and I’m proud to see our Jackson Heights community come together for her now,” said Rep. Crowley. “Thanks to the collaborative effort between one of our local immigrant organizations and a small business committed to giving back to our community, Martha was able to reunite with her family in Queens and continue receiving the healthcare she needs and deserves.”
A survivor of domestic violence, Ms. Freire lived in the U.S. under U nonimmigrant visa status. However, when Ms. Freire left the country for Ecuador in 2013 to attend the funeral of one of her daughters, she was not allowed to reenter the U.S.
That’s when Ms. Freire contacted Solution Docs for help. The Queens-based business, which is located in Crowley’s district, agreed to help her file for humanitarian parole at no cost. Her application was subsequently approved based on the numerous medical conditions she developed as a result of her exposure to hazardous materials during the clean-up effort at the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Ms. Freire was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2010 and has been receiving treatment at Bellevue Hospital Center.
In June, Ms. Freire was able to return to the U.S., where she is caring after her 17-year-old daughter, who had been left on her own.
“The compassion of Solution Docs and the value of community-based groups like Ecuadorian International Center cannot be overstated,” continued Crowley. “The immigration assistance that these organizations provide is incredibly critical, especially given the continued resistance from opponents ofmuch-needed comprehensive immigration reform at the federal government level.”
Humanitarian parole is used sparingly to bring someone who is otherwise inadmissible into the country for a temporary period of time due to a compelling emergency.
Congressman Crowley is the eight-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.
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