Luigi "Gigi" Garofano The Campaign to Free Gigi The US Government finally dropped their case against Gigi on April 22, 2004 Hello, Gigi is a long-time friend and has been a player-manager in the Shoreline Adult Soccer League for nearly 20 years. His value to the SASL and his community is priceless. Gigi has been a resident in the U.S. since 1960 and he has a U.S. wife and five U.S. born children. Unfortunately, Gigi has become victim of recent changes to the U.S. Government's Immigration and Naturalization Service (I.N.S.) laws and was ultimately arrested on November 4, 2003 after returning home from a trip to his native Italy in early September 2003. At a deportation court hearing on January 16th, 2004 the Judge ruled in favour of Gigi being allowed to continue his application to become a U.S. Citizen and the deportation proceedings were halted. The I.N.S., now known as the U.S. Government's Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.), however, chose to keep Gigi in custody pending their right to lodge an appeal against the Judge's decision. The appeal had to be made by February 17, 2004. Fortunately, Gigi was finally released from prison on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 after his wife Theresa posted $15,000 bail. The U.S. Government did, in deed, lodge their appeal on February 17, 2004 making a motion to reopen the deportation case ensuring the Garofanos will be facing a legal battle that may last for many months, perhaps years. On April 6, 2004, the I.N.S. Judge Matthew D'Angelo reopened the case as per the D.H.S.'s motion. At this hearing Gigi was put on the stand and was questioned by the attorney for his defence, the D.H.S. attorney for the prosecution and the Judge. At the conclusion of the hearing the Judge ONCE AGAIN ruled in favour of Gigi. After this, the D.H.S. refused to waive their right to appeal and had until May 6, 2004 to submit their appeal. On April 22, 2004, the case against Gigi was finally dropped. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) issued a brief statement that afternoon. "An immigration judge has granted Mr. Garofano relief, and I.C.E. has decided not to appeal in light of changes to the law," said Paula Grenier, a spokeswoman for I.C.E.’s Boston office. She could not be more specific about the changes. GIGI IS FINALLY FREE TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE AGAIN. Gigi's attorney Michael Boyle said Gigi’s drug charge now disappears as far as immigration proceedings are concerned, and that his application for citizenship can go forward. Even if citizenship is denied, he can remain a legal resident alien as long as he does not break any further laws. PRESS RELEASES For press releases about Gigi's long battle against deportation click HERE -- updated 05-May-2004 'FREE GIGI' FUND The legal expenses for Gigi was $5,000 just for the retainer for the attorney. The final expenses will be much higher than this. Gigi's family needs help to pay for all of the legal costs. If you would like to contribute, please send your donation to: 'Free Gigi' Fund, 'Free Gigi' Fund, Elliot Kravitt, Theresa Garofano, 68 Hunt Road, 226 Old Post Road, Columbia, CT 06237 Northford, CT 06472     Tel: 860-228-1176   All monies will be accounted for and given to the Garofanos to help with the legal expenses. 'FREE GIGI' T-SHIRT Also to help with the legal expenses, why not purchase a 'Free Gigi' t-shirt. You can see a close up and it being used HERE. They cost $10.00 each, in sizes Medium (M), Large (L) and Extra Large (XL). If you would like one, contact Joe Goral (sorry, I don't have contact details) or e-mail Gigi's wife Theresa Garofano or e-mail Gigi's sister-in-law, Jeannette Cole. 'FREE GIGI' PHOTO GALLERY Gigi's team mate, Krys Furman, has created a photo gallery Website dedicated to Gigi, his family, his soccer and other photographs including the Candlelight Vigil to Free Gigi on New Haven Green on December 28, 2003, the Deportation Hearing on January 16, 2004 and Gigi's release from prison on January 21, 2004. I highly recommend that you visit it: Krys's 'Free Gigi' Website Thank You! - Garry Archer Disclaimer: Please note that this appeal is my own and is not sponsored by the SASL, Inc. in any way.