Upton meets with Ibrahim Parlak, who is fighting deportation
Posted: Jan 20, 2016 7:26 PM EST | Updated: Jan 20, 2016 7:49 PM EST
Representative Fred Upton, R-Mich. met with the owner of Cafe Gulistan in Herbert, Michigan Wednesday. Ibrahim Parlak has been fighting deportation to Turkey for several years.
"It's just stunning to me to invest so much time going after a respected citizen, rather than let him be here, and pay his taxes, employ people, raise a family. It's just crazy," Congressman Upton said.
Parlak temporarily closed his restaurant to focus on fighting deportation, but it is now open on weekends only.
Upton will propose a bill that would let Parlak stay in the U.S. for the rest of his life.
"As long time family and a friend and a representative, being with us, standing by us, it's a great feeling," said Parlak.