23. Mr. Hassoun arrived in the United States on September 10, 1989, as a
nonimmigrant visitor. He changed his status to that of an F-1 nonimmigrant student on June 5,
1990, when he began his studies at Nova Southeastern University.
24. After completing his degree in computer science and after receiving work
authorization, Mr. Hassoun worked in the IT field as a computer programmer and systems analyst.
During this time, his mother sponsored him for a green card, and filed an immigrant visa petition
on his behalf. This petition was granted in 1990, but his adjustment of status (“green card”)
application remained pending for years. While waiting on his green card, Mr. Hassoun began a
family and had three sons, all of whom are U.S. citizens.
25. On June 12, 2002, Mr. Hassoun was detained by immigration authorities and
Case 1:19-cv-00370-EAW Document 13 Filed 05/14/19 Page 5 of 22
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charged with overstaying his visa, despite the fact that the government had approved his mother’s
petition sponsoring him for permanent resident in 1990, and his application for a green card
remained pending. The government detained Mr. Hassoun at the Krome Service Processing Center
in Miami, Florida throughout his immigration proceedings.
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