We don’t agree on much. In fact, we’ve often found ourselves on opposite sides of the street — literally — at rallies and protests. But today, we stand together for one reason: to keep Kelly Yu in the United States with her family.
As GOP chair for LD29 and co-chair of Northwest Valley Indivisible, we’ve faced each other in the Arizona heat, holding opposing signs at political events. We’ve debated fiercely on policy, values and the future of our country. Yet, when it comes to basic human decency, we find common ground.
Kelly Yu is a Peoria business owner, a mother and a valued member of our community. She fled China’s “one-child policy” more than 20 years ago while pregnant with her daughter. Since then, she has built a life here in Arizona — raising her U.S. citizen daughter, contributing to our economy and living without a criminal record.
Recently, Kelly was detained during a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Now she faces deportation. Her husband and daughter are devastated. They are running out of time.
This is not about politics. It’s about humanity, family and the values we share as Arizonans. Kelly has built a business, contributed to our community, and harmed no one. Deporting her now serves no public good and inflicts lasting harm on her family.
We urge our elected officials — at every level and from both parties — to do everything in their power to prevent Kelly’s deportation.
We also ask you, the people of Arizona, to make your voice heard. Contact your U.S. senators, representatives and even the White House. Tell them Kelly Yu deserves to stay here, where she belongs.
When people who disagree as strongly as we do stand side by side for justice, it should send a message. Kelly Yu’s case is not partisan. It is personal. It is urgent. And it is the right thing to do.
Editor’s note: Lisa Everett is chair of the Arizona LD29 Republicans and Brent Peak is co-chair of Northwest Valley Indivisible. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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