Prominent Immigration Attorney Ray Lahoud to Vote For Morganelli

Ray Lahoud is one of Northampton County's finest  and a proud product of Easton Lebanese heritage. He distinguished himself at Lehigh and Georgetown Law School, and had a bright career ahead of him on Wall Street. Instead, he stayed and began practicing immigration law. His practice was even featured on NBC News.

Raymond explains below why he's voting fir John Morganelli.

"As you know, I am an immigration attorney. And, yes, I will be voting for John Morganelli, as I am sincere in the belief that voting is not a one-issue decision. Candidates are not about one issue. There is more to voting than one issue. A Democrat need not be far left to be a Democrat. A Republican need not be far right to be a Republican. Differences are good between the parties and within the parties. John Morganelli is more than immigration. But, there is more to John Morganelli on immigration and I believe his record is not as accurate as others are portraying. In my practice as an Immigration Attorney, I have worked with the District Attorney countless times on immigration specific matters, particularly within the context of victims of crime who are undocumented. Indeed, he may have a tough position on the discretionary ARD program for those charged with a DUI, who, because of their lack of documentation, are prohibited by the Commonwealth to drive with or without alcohol (is it possible that the the precondition to ARD when charged with a DUI is not lawful status, but lawful driving privileges when arrested?). ARD is just one fact pattern.... one issue. Here is another immigration issue: each year, tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants are victims of brutal crimes, such as rape, domestic violence, human trafficking, and horrendous child exploitation and abuse. The perpetrators are not limited to others who are undocumented; they are of every "status." Often, the victim's undocumented "status" itself becomes a tool of further victimization. Northampton County is not immune from this awful problem. In fact, crimes of this sort are growing exponentially. The local papers do not publicize the "status" of the victim. Time and again, John Morganelli has certified U-Visa for these victims--giving them a path to legal status in the United States. Time and again, he has gone to bat for them and did what he could to protect them from deportation. Time and again, he has protected these victims from being picked up and deported after their perpetrator reports the victim's undocumented status to immigration authorities. Time and again, he has gone beyond U-visa certifications and taken affirmative steps to help undocumented victims of crime not only secure justice, but secure lawful status and a home in Northampton County. I recall an instance in which it was the District Attorney's certification and persistence that protected a victim from deportation. When faced with aggravation from immigration and its bureaucracy during the process, John persisted, as the deportation was to a country where the very perpetrator was deported to only months before...and was waiting. Again, this is just one issue. One issue within an issue. Put simply, there is more to John Morganelli on immigration and there is more to John Morganelli than immigration. This is a good thing, as we live in a world of many issues."