The basic history and timeline of the Romeike family, who are facing deportation after being in the US legally for 15 years
Congress is even considering a bill to make them permanent residents
Congress is considering a bill that would grant the Romeikes permanent status as legal residents, with a possible pathway to citizenship. U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., filed the bill on Sept. 12, and it is being reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee.
Representative Harshbarger (TN) sent a letter to Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas, asking them to grant the Romeike family asylum. The following 31 members signed that letter.
Mike Johnson (LA)
Mary Miller (IL)
Jeff Van Drew (NJ)
Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA)
Josh Brecheen (OK)
Tim Burchett (TN)
Andy Ogles (TN)
Bill Posey (FL)
Michael Guest (MS)
Chuck Fleischmann (TN)
Andrew Clyde (GA)
Randy Weber (TX)
Daniel Webster (FL)
John Moolenaar (MI)
Chris Smith (NJ)
Barry Moore (AL)
Rudy Yakym (IN)
H. Morgan Griffith (VA)
Tim Walberg (MI)
Barry Loudermilk (GA)
Robert Aderholt (AL)
Rick Crawford (AR)
Bruce Westerman (AR)
Richard Hudson (NC)
John Rose (TN)
Mike Ezell (MS)
Mark Green, M.D. (TN)
David Kustoff (TN)
Jeff Duncan (SC)
James R. Baird (IN)
Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN)
Note: This is an update to the ongoing Romeike case. You can learn more about the Romeikes and what happened here.
45 TN lawmakers intervene on behalf of German homeschooling family facing deportation
Nashville Tennessean
Forty-five Tennessee state lawmakers are calling for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to reconsider deportation of an East Tennessee family who immigrated to the United States from Germany so that they could homeschool their children.
In a letter sent Monday to ICE Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner, members asked that the Romeike family, of Morristown, be allowed to continue living in Tennessee.
“To uproot this family who has been contributing to our city, county and state in many ways seems unduly cruel and unnecessary,” the letter reads. “As time is of the essence, we ask that a review of their circumstances be made and at least give this family more time.”
Rep. Rick Eldridge, R-Morristown, in whose district the Romeike family resides, led push for the letter, which was also signed by several members of House Republican leadership, including House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, and Assistant Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood.
One Democrat, Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, D-Chattanooga, also signed the letter.
Romeike Letter by USA TODAY Network on Scribd