Harjit Kaur, also known as Shanta or Sarabjit, is a 73-year-old grandmother who has lived in the East Bay for over 30 years. A resident of Hercules, she worked for two decades at a small business in Berkeley and regularly attended the El Sobrante gurdwara. After her asylum case was denied, Harjit complied with ICE check-ins every six months for more than 13 years. Despite her efforts to obtain travel documents from the Indian Consulate—where she was turned away—ICE assured her she could lawfully remain under supervision.
Now, despite her long record of compliance, ICE has detained Harjit. At her age and with serious health issues like thyroid disease, migraines, knee pain, and anxiety, detention puts her life at risk. She has never refused to return to India but cannot without documents. We urge you to stand with Harjit and demand her release by contacting your representatives today.
Harjit Kaur, also known as Shanta or Sarabjit, is a 73-year-old grandmother who has lived in the East Bay for over 30 years. A resident of Hercules, she worked for two decades at a small business in Berkeley and regularly attended the El Sobrante gurdwara. After her asylum case was denied, Harjit complied with ICE check-ins every six months for more than 13 years. Despite her efforts to obtain travel documents from the Indian Consulate—where she was turned away—ICE assured her she could lawfully remain under supervision.
Now, despite her long record of compliance, ICE has detained Harjit. At her age and with serious health issues like thyroid disease, migraines, knee pain, and anxiety, detention puts her life at risk. She has never refused to return to India but cannot without documents.
Harjit's case represents a failure of our immigration system. She has been a contributing member of her community for decades, paying taxes, working legally, and building relationships with neighbors and friends. Her detention is not only cruel but unnecessary—she poses no flight risk and has demonstrated her commitment to following the law for over 13 years.
The community has rallied around Harjit, with over 10,000 people signing petitions calling for her release. Local organizations, faith leaders, and elected officials have all spoken out in support of her case. This is not just about one person—it's about the values we hold as a community and a nation.
We urge you to stand with Harjit and demand her release by contacting your representatives today. Together, we can bring Harjit home to her family and community where she belongs.