Press Conference with Mary Hayashi and Jacqueline Coats

Help a Hero’s Widow Stay in the USA by Supporting S-420

Assemblymember Hayashi's Letter to Senator Feinstein

California Assemblymember Mary Hayashi requests your support to fulfill a fallen hero’s last documented wish to allow his wife to remain in the United States by signing the petition below in support of Senate Bill 420 authored by United States Senator Dianne Feinstein.  (Please click here.)

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At a family outing on Mother’s Day 2006, Mr. Marlin Coats lost his life trying to save two boys caught in riptide currents at Ocean Beach in San Francisco.  A former lifeguard, Mr. Coats responded to their cries for help, managing to save one of the two young brothers, but then drowned trying to reach the other boy.  The second boy made it to shore with the help of other lifeguards at the scene.  This year, Mr. Coats received several posthumous awards for his heroism, including the Carnegie Hero Award and the U.S. Coast Guard Lifesaving Medal of Honor.

For his widow, Mrs. Jacqueline Coats of San Leandro, his death has been an incredible loss.  She not only lost her husband but now faces deportation to Kenya, removed from her husband’s memorial and the loving support of his family.

Jacqueline Coats, a native from Kenya, legally entered the United States in 2001 under a student visa. She met Marlin Coats in 2004.  The couple dated for two years and then married on April 17, 2006.  Mr. Coats filled-out the necessary paperwork to petition Jacqueline’s permanent residency on May 10, 2006.  Four days later, Mr. Coats heroically died.   Unfortunately for Jacqueline, the paperwork for permanent residency was not filed prior to Marlin’s death and now she faces deportation.    

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To address this seemingly unjust act of deporting a hero’s widow, Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced a private bill, S 420 - For the relief of Jacqueline W. Coats, which would grant Mrs. Coats permanent residency.  The bill has stalled in Congress.  If S 420 is blocked or dies in Congress then she will be immediately deported.  Public support is critically needed to pass this bill.  It is the only means left for Mrs. Coats to remain in the United States. 

Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D- Hayward) heard the case of her constituent Mrs. Coats and is now leading a public campaign to support Jacqueline and urge the Congress to pass S 420.  As Americans we must honor the memory of a courageous man who gave the ultimate sacrifice and fulfill his last documented wish.  For more information about the campaign and to sign the petition in support of S 420, please click here.