Many of us at the Arlington, Miami, and Charlotte Immigration Courts worked with Assistant Chief Counsel Marcia Gottesman over the years. In addition to being an outstanding professional, Marcia is a very dedicated single parent and an all around good person.
I recently learned that Marcia has developed serious health issues relating to heart disease that prevent her from working. She has been approved by ICE as a recipient for the donation of annual leave. Employees of other federal agencies can donate annual leave by using OPM Form 630-B.
All donations are completely anonymous so neither Marcia nor anyone else would know if someone donated leave, unless the donor were to say something. Thus, if someone at EOIR or any other agency were to donate leave, it is my understanding that would be no conflict of interest or even an appearance of bias or impropriety because the program is so anonymous. However, those outside DHS who do business with DHS should, of course, check with their Ethics Officer as I am not purporting to give legal or ethical advice.
Marcia has given me permission to make this information and request for assistance public on “Courtside.” While those of us who have left Government are no longer eligible to participate in leave donations, I hope that those readers who are still in Federal Service will consider Marcia’s humanitarian predicament.
For those who would like to communicate directly with Marcia, I have permission to release her contact information if you contact me through immigrationcourtside.com.
Regardless of whether you personally know Marcia, I hope that you will join me in thinking of her and her family during this challenging time.
Also, please feel free to share this information with others who know Marcia or might be in a position to assist her during her time of need.
Thanks!
PWS
07-16-19