NEW YORK, June 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP greeted the reunified Darfuri refugee family of Mr. Motasim Adam, Ms. Wejdan Saleh and their daughter, four-year-old Wesal Adam, Tuesday at the firm's offices, capping off a year of pro bono work on the family's behalf. The firm's efforts resulted in the admission to the U.S. of Wesal, who had lived in a displaced person camp in Darfur almost her entire life. The matter highlights the importance of pending legislation to close a gap in immigration law affecting children of refugees granted asylum in the U.S., such as Mr. Adam and Ms. Saleh. The pro bono effort was led by Kasowitz Benson associates Alan Lungen and Teresa Matushaj, who worked in conjunction with the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS), and was overseen by Kasowitz Benson partner and pro bono coordinator David Abrams.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6304 .

"We are tremendously proud that our firm's efforts have helped lead to this wonderful, but long overdue, result," says Kasowitz Benson name partner Daniel Benson. "Alan, Teresa and David are to be congratulated for their dedication, skill and passion in bringing this about."

After fleeing persecution in Darfur, where he was outspoken in his opposition to the genocidal ruling regime and janjaweed Arab militias, Wesal's father, Motasim, gained asylum status in 2002. Later, Motasim learned that his wife, Wejdan, was in a refugee camp in Chad. When Motasim, who is now a Darfuri community activist, New York City cab driver and MBA student, visited his wife in late 2003 through early 2004, she became pregnant and returned to Sudan to give birth to their daughter, Wesal, in August 2004.

After Motasim filed a petition with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for his wife and child to join him in the U.S., Wejdan was authorized to enter the U.S. in November 2006. However, because Wesal was conceived only after Motasim had been granted asylum -- which under current law did not entitle her to legal entry to the U.S. -- the child's application to accompany her mother was denied, and a subsequent application for humanitarian permission to enter this country was also denied. Thinking the matter would be quickly resolved, Motasim and Wejdan had to make the almost unimaginable and wrenching decision to leave their young child with family friends in the displaced person camp in Darfur -- where women are in particular danger -- so that Wejdan could safely come to the U.S.

Lungen learned of the family's predicament, and brought the matter to the firm, through his involvement with HIAS, an immigrant advocacy and aid organization. Lungen and Matushaj researched the gap in U.S. law that resulted in the denial of Wesal's entry, and determined that lobbying for the child's entry would provide the quickest and most likely solution. With HIAS's guidance and expertise, and the cooperation of the Department of Homeland Security, Lungen and Matushaj resubmitted Wesal's petition for humanitarian parole and provided additional information at the request of DHS. Through their continuous advocacy and monitoring, humanitarian permission for Wesal's entry was granted on May 12, 2009. Motasim was able at long last to bring her to the United States on June 15, 2009, for the family's joyful reunion.

"It is so gratifying that we have been able to remove this beautiful little girl from the horrors of Darfur and see this family fulfill their dream of living together here in New York. It has been a great pleasure to get to know Motasim and to hear his passion and advocacy for the Darfuri refugee community in New York and his opposition to the ongoing genocide in Darfur," said Abrams. "We are also hopeful that the proposed legislative changes will make sure that family separations such as theirs are prevented in the future."

About Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP

Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP is a national law firm specializing in complex litigation. Principal practice areas include general commercial litigation, creditors' rights and bankruptcy, employment practices, intellectual property, and family law. The firm, with over 300 lawyers, is committed to pursuing creative, aggressive and winning approaches to our clients' most challenging legal matters. Clients include leading companies in the financial services, technology, manufacturing, utilities, chemical, energy, entertainment, consumer products, pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries. The firm has offices in New York, Newark, Houston, Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.kasowitz.com.

The Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6039

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

CONTACT:  Rubenstein Associates
          Ming Lee Hatch
          212-843-8019
          mhatch@rubenstein.com