Dutch US green card holder to be deported over teen drug charge

A Dutchman who has lived in the United States for 40 years is awaiting deportation to the Netherlands over a minor drug charge when he was 16.

Owen Ramsingh, who was born in Amersfoort and emigrated to the US in 1986, has been held by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since September 27, when he returned from visiting relatives in the Netherlands.

Despite having had a green card for 40 years and having raised a family in the US, officials say his felony conviction 26 years ago could be classed as an “aggravated felony” resulting in a lifetime ban.

“The truth is that the ICE had already made up their minds,” Newsweek quoted his wife Diana as as saying.

Ramsingh will now return to the Netherlands, along with his wife and daughter, who have been here twice. A crowdfunding campaign to help him on his feet has nearly reached the goal of $30,000.

The arrest and deportation are a result of president Donald Trump’s tougher stance on immigrants who have long-term visas or green cards and who have previous charges or convictions. Critics argue these were often minor and occurred years ago, Newsweek said.

Diana told Newsweek that the family did not know when Owen would be deported, but that the Dutch embassy was working to expedite the process for his well-being.