After an arrest in 1995 over a $15 drug deal, Farhan Ezad completed a sentence of probation, graduated with a double major, launched a career, got married and raised three children. Fifteen years later, Farhan faces deportation to Pakistan, a country his parents left when Farhan was only five years old.

Ezad, now 35 and living in Luzerne County, served five years of probation and went on with his life without another brush with the law. Ezad never heard about the drug case again until last July when Homeland Security officials conducted a 5 a.m. raid at his Poconos home to take him into custody for deportation.

He spent a week in federal custody before being released on $10,000 bail to await his March 28 deportation hearing. Farhan lives in Lake Township with his wife and three kids, and another baby on the way, who may not get to see her/his father if Farhan is deported to Pakistan.

Unfortunately, the law is crystal clear: noncitizens, including legal permanent residents, convicted of an "aggravated felony" like a drug deal must be deported. The only way to save Farhan is to request Governor Christie for a pardon and expunging his 1995 record. Tell DHS and Governor Christie that Farhan is an American for all intents and purposes and he is not the type of "criminal alien" that DHS should be prioritizing for removal.

Please sign the petition to Governor Christie and spread the word: http://j.mp/savefarzan