Meet Cliona Ward, an Irish immigrant who has lived almost half her life legally in the United States. After months of detention that sparked a huge campaign in Ireland and in the US, she was finally released from custody. Ward, 54, recently avoided arrest by US immigration officials at San Francisco Airport on April 21. This followed a whirlwind month that started with her arrest at Seattle Airport one month before.
Born in Dublin, Ward immigrated to the US as a child and has built her professional and personal life here. She is a green card holder, graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz, and now works for a non-profit. Besides that, she’s a committed mother to a chronically ill son who is a US citizen.
Ward’s immigration problems stem from a criminal record that began in 2007/2008. This score includes fees for simple drug possession and other non-violent misdemeanors. Though her criminal record was expunged at the state level, it was still on file at the federal level. This gap led to her almost being imprisoned when police intercepted her at Seattle International on March 19th. She spent more than three days in custody.
When Ward was released from Seattle, she was told that she needs to provide proof of her partially expunged convictions. On April 21, she delivered the papers to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officials at San Francisco Airport. They arrested her again a few days later.
Her initial detention of 17 days eventually became an international cause célèbre. Advocates and community members rallied for her release, emphasizing her contributions to society and the impact of her detention on her family. The deal’s inauspicious beginnings quickly turned into a dramatic legal battle. Just days ago, a California judge did indeed consent to an application for post-conviction relief that should overturn Ward’s original convictions.
Ward walked out of the Tacoma ICE facility, weary but elated to be a free woman, thankful for the support she received throughout her ordeal.
“You can consider it an absolute and beautiful success – each of you have literally helped to save Cliona’s life as she knows it and we love you for your humanity and kindness.” – Orla Holladay
The case has raised questions about immigration policies and the treatment of individuals with criminal records seeking to live legally in the United States. Supporters will tell you without a doubt that Ward has an abiding love for her community. They contend that her primary status as a caretaker should have factored into the decision to detain her.
Cliona Ward’s story offers a revealing glimpse into an increasingly complex immigration system. It shines a light on the cruel punishment inflicted upon people who have established lives in the US after sinning in their youth. The fight for comprehensive immigration reform is far from over. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the human element involved in these processes.