TUSCON, Ariz. – A group of three undocumented youth and one permanent citizen were arrested May 17 at the offices of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for protesting Arizona's immigration law – including one student from Ann Arbor, Mich.
The students – dressed in graduation cap and gowns – were protesting to demand swift action on the DREAM Act, a piece of legislation pending in the U.S. Senate, which they say would create a path to citizenship. The act would require undocumented youth who are in the country to receive temporary residency status, then within six years complete at least two years of higher education or military service.
Among the youth was Mohammad Abdollahi, a 24-year-old gay man from Iran who lives in Ann Arbor. Abdollahi came to the U.S. when he was three-years-old. He was one of four youth arrested Monday night by Tucson Police.
Steve Ralls, communications director of Immigration Equality, put up a blog on the Huffington Post praising Abdollahi's actions. Immigration Equality is a non-profit based in Washington, D.C., which is fighting for immigration reform for the LGBT community. In the post, Ralls writes:
"Simply put: Abdollahi, if arrested, will likely be deported to a country where gays and lesbians are put to death.
"That is why the DREAM Act – which was recently included in a Senate immigration outline for comprehensive immigration reform – is so important to so many immigrants, both gay and straight. It is, quite literally, the difference between building a future in the United States or spending the future in a place where they must fear for their lives."
While the activists were sitting in McCain's office, protesters gathered outside. They were met with some resistance, and confusion. Activist David Abie Morales has video on his Facebook page showing that activists were told the building in which McCain's office was located was both privately owned and government-owned property.
Flavia de la Fuente, spokesperson for the undocumented youth confirmed on May 18 that the three have now been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A candle light vigil was held outside of the Pima County Jail on Monday night to show support for the arrested invididuals. At press time, activists in Michigan were planning vigils in Detroit and Lansing on May 18.
This story ran in full on http://www.michiganmessenger.com.
