Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Ben Chandler and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell sent a letter Thursday to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff urging him to review the case of Lino Nakwa, a Transylvania University student seeking to become a permanent resident of the United States after fleeing a war-torn homeland.



Nakwa, a native of Sudan, has been denied permanent resident status and therefore faces possible deportation. In their letter, Chandler and McConnell urged Secretary Chertoff to ensure that Nakwa receive full, fair, and prompt consideration of his case.



“The outpouring of support for Mr. Nakwa has been extraordinary. Knowing what this young man has been through, Senator McConnell and I are doing all we can to ensure that he is treated fairly and that his personal safety remains a top priority,” said Congressman Chandler. “Senator McConnell has shown great leadership in this matter. I applaud him for this effort, and I hope that working together, we can make a difference in the life of an exceptional individual.”



“Many throughout Kentucky have been touched by the story of Lino Nakwa,” Senator McConnell said. “I thank Representative Chandler for his hard work and am proud to join him in writing to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to urge him to fully review Mr. Nakwa’s case.”



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