Ravi Ragbir is an immigrant activist.

Ragbir came to the U.S. from Trinidad in February 1991 on a visitor’s visa. In 1994, he became a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

In 2006, Ragbir was detained and ordered deported by an immigration judge — without a hearing — based on a conviction for fraud.

Ragbir is currently working to vacate the conviction based on factual and legal errors in his trial.

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During his own immigration struggles, Ragbir became a popular speaker and immigrant activist.

Today, he is a nationally recognized leader in the immigrant rights movement.

Through his work, Ravi married Amy Gottlieb, a U.S.

Citizen and fellow immigrant rights activist.

Despite being eligible to readjust his status to permanent resident based on his marriage, the Board of Immigration Appeals denied Ravi’s request for an opportunity to be heard.

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Ragbir has met with members of Congress and Administration officials, and has testified in front of the New York City Council to discuss detention and deportation policy.

In 2010, Ravi also became a full-time organizer for the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, one of the largest coalitions in the city focused on immigrant rights, with over 20 faith-based and supporting organizations, representing over 3,000 New Yorkers.

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