Thread: MI-Ferndale restaurateur faces deportation

Posted: Sept. 29, 2009
Ferndale restaurateur faces deportation
BY KORIE WILKINS


As the proprietor of a popular Ferndale restaurant, Alex Stolaj is as known for his tasty fare as his friendly nature.


And now, the dozens of people who flood Sam's Ferndale Grill on Woodward aren't just lining up for food -- they are standing up for Stolaj, who is in federal custody and slated to be deported to his native Albania.



More than 500 people have signed a petition in support of the 40-year-old Stolaj, who is married with a 10-year-old daughter. And Ferndale Mayor Craig Covey, a longtime customer and friend of Stolaj, has contacted Democratic U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin on his behalf.



"We hope his immigration issues can be settled quickly and positively, so that he can stay here in Michigan like so many hardworking immigrants have done over the past 300 years," Covey said.



According to Stolaj's sister Violeta Sterbyci, 33, of Shelby Township, Stolaj was arrested Aug. 31 in the restaurant and taken to the St. Clair County Jail.



Stolaj had been fighting deportation, after being accused four years ago of paying off an immigration worker for a green card. Sterbyci said the family denies the allegations and says there is no proof that Stolaj, who came to the United States in 1996, broke the rules.



Michael Gilhooly, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, confirmed that Stolaj is in custody but declined further comment. Stolaj's family said his wife, Diella, and daughter, Mariana, who live in Sterling Heights, cannot sleep and spend their days worrying and praying.



Customers like Mike Regan, 63, of Shelby Township are worried, too. He signed the petition and said he'd be willing to tell a judge that Stolaj should be allowed to stay in the United States.



"It's ridiculous that our government is going after someone like Alex," Regan said. "He works, he pays taxes, he provides jobs to people.



"It makes no sense."



Contact KORIE WILKINS: kwilkins@freepress.com




http://www.freep.com/article/20090929/N ... eportation

ICE come on down to all local schools, I have it first hand that my school are following the law which is voluntary E-Verify. This means they don't E-Verify.

Give him a speedy trial. If he is innocent of the charge, let him go. If he is found guilty, ship his criminal backside out immediately.

The issue is not one of good or bad behavior, but one of compliance with the rule of law.

This is a nation of laws. And unless we enforce them all and insist they be obeyed, we will certainly be doomed.