Rep. Doug Lamborn, Colorado Republican, on Monday evening sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano protesting her department’s attempt to deport Mosab Hassan Yosef, a former spy for Israel, Christian convert, outspoken critic of Islam and disowned son of jailed Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef.
When asked whether he thought the letter would be effective, Lamborn told The Daily Caller, “I am apprehensive about the prospects because when you look at the facts on this case, there should be no problem. But with this administration, when it comes to anything involving Israel you cannot be sure the right thing will be done.”
Lamborn released the letter at 5:30 p.m. with 22 final co-signers:
- Rep. Trent Franks, Arizona Republican
- Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana Republican
- Rep. Frank Wolf, Virginia Republican
- Rep. Joseph Pitts, Pennsylvania Republican
- Rep. Rob Bishop, Utah Republican
- Rep. Bill Posey, Florida Republican
- Rep. John Shadegg, Arizona Republican
- Rep. John Kline, Minnesota Republican
- Rep. Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming Republican
- Rep. Kenny Marchant, Texas Republican
- Rep. Aaron Schock, Illinois Republican
- Rep. Michele Bachmann, Minnesota Republican
- Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Republican
- Rep. Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania Republican
- Rep. Lynn Jenkins, Kansas Republican
- Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska Republican
- Rep. Robert Aderholt, Alabama Republican
- Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California Republican
- Rep. John Boozman, Arkansas Republican
- Rep. Joe Wilson, South Carolina Republican
- Rep. Dan Lungren, California Republican
Mosab is best know for his book “Son of Hamas,” in which he recounted his experience growing up a Muslim to a father who founded Hamas, to working as a spy for Israel, converting Christianity and condemning the religion he left. If he is deported and returns to the West Bank he faces the threat of bodily harm at the hands of the terrorists he betrayed.
As the congressman wrote in his letter, “Mr. Yousef is currently scheduled for a U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review hearing on June 30, 2010, which is expected to determine his request for asylum in the United States. To the extent that DHS officials or attorneys will be involved in this hearing or future hearings, we ask that full consideration be given to Mr. Yousef’s views and conduct in recent years, particularly his cooperation with Shin Bet at significant risk to his own safety and life … Additionally, Mr. Yousef’s conversion to Christianity and work with Israeli intelligence services would place Mr. Yousef in grave danger should he be forced to return to the Middle East.”
The AP reported that Steven Seick, Mosab’s attorney, said that Gonen Ben-Itzhak — the Israeli intellegence officer who recruited and monitored Mosab — will be testifying about his service to Israel. Seick said that the U.S. government will not be calling any witnesses.
Mosab’s deportation hearing is tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. in San Diego.