A member of our Capitol Hill team recently received a letter from Michigan State Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood. It reads as follows:
Thank you for your interest in the legalization of stateless individuals, particularly Mikhail Sebastian’s challenging situation. The status of stateless persons is certainly a human rights issue and I appreciate you sharing your concerns with me.
I am a proponent for the institution of measures that would improve the protection of stateless persons. Unfortunately, as your State Senator in Michigan, I am unable to enact the federal legislation necessary to address the legal rights of stateless individuals. You may, however, wish to contact your U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow or your U.S. Representative John Dingell, as they could provide insight into how this issue could be addressed at the national level [...]
Again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue. I certainly hope to see this matter receive further support and attention [...]
This should not be seen as an obstacle, a step backwards, or a step to nowhere at all. We are learning that we have supporters in our mission. It is up to us to continue to work in order to capture the attention of people in powerful positions who will help us bring Mikhail home.
Emily
Hope College ’13
Emily,
I alluded in my past comments that you need to contact US congressman or Senator.