IMISSA2

Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 3:17 a.m.

I'm really sorry to hear that if deported his life will be in danger. But get out of my country and stay out unless you go thru the proper channels and are a good citizen. Many countrys make ppl learn the native tounge before they are allowed to become citizens amongst many other steps before being allowed to apply to even become a citizen. We as a country need to shut the borders down and really become more critical of the ppl we allow in to the US. The illegal immigrants are ruining our country and we have let them with our over liberal P.C. bull we are heading for a socialist country and nobody seems to care. Our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves

IMISSA2

Wed, Jun 16, 2010 : 3:14 a.m.

I'm really sorry to hear that if deported his life will be in danger. But get out of my country and stay out unless you go thru the proper channels and are a good citizen. Many countrys make ppl learn the native tounge before they are allowed to become citizens amongst many other steps before being allowed to apply to even become a citizen. We as a country need to shut the borders down and really become more critical of the ppl we allow in to the US. The illegal immigrants are ruining our country and we have let them with our over liberal P.C. bull we are heading for a socialist country and nobody seems to care. Our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves

mugwump

Tue, May 25, 2010 : 9:37 p.m.

If you're an illegal alien, you need to go back to your home country. Period. Personally, I think it would be in the best interest of our country to NOT grant the children of illegal aliens automatic US citizenship. If people are here illegally, why should their children be given citizenship status? Makes no sense to me. I am all for immigrants coming to the US, just want them to be LEGAL.

somebody7

Mon, May 24, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.

Where does all the vitriol in these comments come from? This young man has lived in the U.S. since he was 3. I would understand deporting his parents, since they stayed on in the U.S. after the father's educational visa expired, but this culture is all Mohammad has ever known (as far as I can tell from the article).

Rhe Buttle

Mon, May 24, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.

Golly, hate to tell you, but he isn't an "Ann Arbor man". He is an Iranian man who happens to have a place to live, in Ann Arbor. If you are going to tag people, tag them correctly.

Trepang674

Mon, May 24, 2010 : 8:09 a.m.

Soo...he comes to the US to protest w/o repercussion. Sounds like he has authority issues. He had it made being here and screwed it up. Hope he enjoys the plane ride home on our dime.

Me Next

Sun, May 23, 2010 : 11:20 a.m.

I have a question. The parents lost "legal status" at some point & abandoned him? How did that get past ICE? Who has been harboring him? Why didn't the school know he was unlawful entry he had a foreign birth certificate required at enrollment. This is decades of undermining our Rule of Law. Supervise his exit or deport him to Iran - that's Rule of Law. His showing "contempt" for Our Rule of Law violates the security of all lawful citizens & Our nation.

Me Next

Sun, May 23, 2010 : 11:11 a.m.

The 3 unlawful entry foreign citizens attempted to gather support for a lawless foreign agenda. "Senators in DC" committing treason. What the say "in session" is protected not criminal votes. Where they can be arrested is specifically written as not going to or returning from "duty". These Senators should be named as they conspired with invaders after the fact & by sponsoring an Unconstitutional Law (timed & limited Statutory). With massive unemployment everywhere this Legislation ia an act of war on all legal citizens. Stealing their Rightful opportunities in favor of invaders. This young man, obviously of means & abilities, has the right to apply for lawful entry as everyone else. It's a matter of National Security. He has, apparently, the means to immigrate somewhere else. The 3 do not have a Right to be here nor "protected political speech" reserved for lawful citizens. The 3 would have the right to travel out of here as their actions is evidence of prejudice against our Rule of Law. I would vote this disqualifies them from consideration for "naturalized process". To protect themselves I suggest they use their resources to locate & immigrate where they chose - just not here. The only Service (& we should charge for the service when possible) the US, by it's Civil Nature, offers is a return trip to the country that has jurisdiction. I hazard to guess they could leave on their own with supervision to the border.

Ray D. Aider

Sun, May 23, 2010 : 12:18 a.m.

Now I understand where the term bleeding heart liberal comes from. Why do people think that everybody should have pity feelings for this man's plight? If he is illegal OBEY the law and deport him. Send him to another country that would be more compassionate to him just because he's gay? I don't get it. And I don't apologize for not getting it. No special case here. Treat criminals like criminals irregardless of the human interest aspect of their 'victim-ness'.

bedrog

Sat, May 22, 2010 : 10:30 a.m.

the strongest suit this guy has is his sexuality and the hell he'd face in homophobic,fanatic-led iran... he's ill advised, in such an asylum request, to be as over the top as he's being, especially given much of the mood expressed in this thread, which is mild compared to arizona itself...which, however much they may have arguably overreacted to an existential border/illegal immigrant problem, nonetheless seems somewhat indicative of a wider public concern...especially re 'sleepers' from the islamic world, who may even be 'legals' ( the times square episode, major nidal hassan, minneapolis al shabaabis etc etc... very concerning despite blanket ' warm fuzzies' expressed by a few earlier posters ( e.g rork kuik)... an interview on NPR today with the nyc police commissioner addressed such 'profiling' issues in a sensible and realistic way that correctly boiled down to 'sadly, this is the world we now live in'. if he has any connection whatsoever to the local iranian antisemitic /anti anything U.s. bigot i referred to in an earlier post ( and who is mentioned in a number of articles in the WASHTENAW JEWISH NEWS from jan feb and march) he'd do well to get alot of daylight between them, as it'll likely come up in any hearing he might have

Eileen Peck

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 10:58 p.m.

Andy Jacobs, First, those Native Americans to which you refer themselves migrated to the Americas primarily from Asia. (So much for "native.") By your standards, Native Americans should also be deported. Second, the US didn't even have immigration laws until the late 1800's, so it's hardly correct to say that all white Europeans who immigrated to the US did so illegally. Third, many, many Europeans who immigrated to the US did so as indentured servants. They were more interested in trying to survive long enough to buy back their freedom than they were in "somehow taking/swindling land." Finally, immigration history and migration patterns have very little bearing on Mr. Abdollahi's current situation. The US has immigration laws NOW that Mr. Abdollahi needs to follow. Being brought here by his parents illegally when he was three doesn't change anything for him. There is no immigration equivalent of "adverse possession." He has not earned the right to stay here simply because he's been here illegally for the past 21 years without being caught. Rusty Shackelford, Canada isn't an option for Mr. Abdollahi. From the Canadian Immigration Web site: Under an agreement with the United States, refugee claimants must seek asylum (protection) in the first safe country where they arrive. For example, if you entered Canada at a land border from the United States, you will not be able to claim refugee protection in Canada. Sometimes there are exceptions (such as those who already have family in Canada).

eagleman

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:22 p.m.

Andy Jacobs, last I checked, the land of the Indians was not a nation state with a set of laws governinhg it or delineating its borders. It was not a country, but a land of many tribes inhabiting lands with no concept of legal claims to that land. In our time, we are a nation with legally recognixed borders governed by laws. Apparently, you cannot see the difference. Besides, there is a precedent for seizure of lands. HOw do you think a Persia came to be? A Egypt? A Rome? ALl of those civilizations forcibly acquired those lands by force. Your logic could be applied to almost every spot on earth.

Anonymous Due to Bigotry

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:16 p.m.

@Andy: That makes no sense. Everyone born here, even if to illegal immigrants, is a native-born citizen. If we don't force 2nd generation immigrants to leave because their parents were illegal immigrants then I don't know why we should force 10th generation immigrants to leave because 10 generations back their parents were "here illegally". Furthermore, the original colonists weren't actually here illegally. The indigenous people didn't have any hard-and-fast rules of land ownership any more than they did for sky ownership. As it turns out, 60% of the US population supports the Arizona law. I can only assume that the other 40% just want to totally open up the southern border such that there is no border control at all. Seriously, I'm not seeing much evidence of logical thought from the objectors.

stunhsif

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:12 p.m.

Mr. Due to Bigotry, I love your bro, you say it so well all the time. This guy is not here legally, he needs to be deported somewhere NOW. The 70% of us legal citizens who want the current laws upheldd are sick and tired of people breaking the law and claiming we are mean spritited/racists/etc. I say take them along with convicted murderers/rapists and hard core criminals and drop them off on in the Sahara or somehwere else. I am sick and tired of supporting these people and told I am the bad guy. What is my incentive to play by the rules??????????

Soothslayer

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 6:26 p.m.

Unless you are a NATIVE AMERICAN you and your ancestors originally got into America ILLEGALLY by somehow taking/swindling land or otherwise benefiting from the previous other white folk who let themselves and then you in. Immediate and long overdue deportation for all non Native Americans. Send yourselves home now!!

pbehjatnia

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 6:18 p.m.

He is illegal. How he got here or how old he was when he came is irrelevent. The law is what it is and not what we may sometimes wish it to be. He should be deported. As to persecution in Iran as an outright and inevitable consequence to this young man:Iran is no picnic and has a horrendous record for human rights violations and gays have a fine line to walk in Iran. However, being gay is not illegal in Iran - it is the sexual acts that are prosecuted. Do I think this is alright? No. Of course not. Do I think this is incredibly stupid? Yes. But, it is the law in Iran. As an Iranian he can move freely to countries such as Turkey, Dubai or Japan. He does not have to stay in Iran and the U.S. is not his only safe haven to live his life. But that isn't the point anyway. The point is that he is here illegally and should be deported.

LBH

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 3:41 p.m.

Since this young man was brought here when he was three it's not like he had a choice. He is advocating change after talking to senators who undoubtedly gave him the standard 'somebody needs to take the lead on this' with the subtext of 'but is sure as heck won't be me because I have no spine'. He didn't choose to sneak into the country and he has been, according to what has been reported here, behaving in a citizenly manner. The binary argument that 'he's illegal, toss him out' feels extremely short sited and not in keeping with what people always tout as American Values.

Stephen Landes

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 3:37 p.m.

Rusty: you applaud him for "loudly demanding his rights"? He has no rights here in terms of remaining as a resident of the US. This problem is his parent's fault and they should be on the hook to fix it as best they can or LEAVE. We have had amnesty programs before an apparently this family chose not to avail themselves of the opportunity. That is unfortunate, but it is their responsibility and not ours.

Jay Thomas

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 3:20 p.m.

I'm sure Mr. Abdollahi will be just fine. We pick and choose which laws to enforce in this country. Take a look at Barack Obama's illegal alien Aunt. A court denied her case for Asylum five years ago and ordered her deported. She just ignored it and continued to live in public housing at taxpayer expense (medical costs also for an illness she has). Whoever said they don't cost us money is wrong. If he is so afraid of going back to Iran (after decades without being deported) perhaps he should be a little less vocal. Some people have a martyr complex and just want the government to make an example of them (not much you can do there I'm afraid). There are plenty of gays in Iran, they just have enough sense not to make a public spectacle of themselves...

Anonymous Due to Bigotry

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 3:01 p.m.

So if I understand it correctly: 1) People have a right to immigrate illegally. 2) We should just leave illegal immigrants here undocumented so they can be paid substandard wages and subjected to poor working conditions. 3) Enforcing immigration laws in any way would be racist because it would necessarily impact mostly hispanic people (50% of the mexican population in this country is here illegally). If it mostly affected white people that would be OK, but not if it affects most hispanic or other non-white people. 4) Periodically we should offer them amnesty in order to encourage more illegal immigration. I really don't get what it is with this guy. Since when did people have some sort of RIGHT to break the law? I don't think he should be deported to Iran if he really will be executed, but if we stop deporting anyone from Iran because of being gay then every illegal immigrant from Iran will claim to be gay in order to avoided deportation.

Joel Goldberg

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.

@Carl Duncan: "what does his alleged gayness have to do with being and illegal alien?" My non-expert understanding is that a person can apply for refugee status in the U.S. if there's a reasonable expectation s/he would face persecution if deported "home". Iran's anti-homosexual laws may provide cause for a refugee application on that basis.

Wonderwoman

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 12:13 p.m.

LBH - A high percentage of people were illegal aliens. It was high enough that the hospital system thought it was more cost-effective to launch and education campaign to teach them how to access medical care appropriately because the hospital had to write many bills off as charity - HUGE sums of money. And yes, when you see the same groups of people coming in over and over again for serious medical care, you do tend to form an opinion. Bigotry is "stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own." I'm not being "completely and stubbornly intolerant" of others. I'm advocating enforcement of the laws we already have. When illegal aliens usurp law enforcement and health care monies that citizens are paying for, no citizens benefit from that. It's a slap in the face to immigrants who sacrifice time and money to come here legally, let alone the citizens who pick up the tab.

friend12

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 11:55 a.m.

ronaldduck your are correct when it comes to rights of all individuals in this county. The key phrase is one can not be deprived of those rights "without due process of law". The deportation hearing is "due process of law". Remember that a criminal act and illegal entry into the US are both grounds for deportation. He committed a criminal act when he refused to leave and for that reason alone should be deported. Deportation will probably be a death sentence. Unfortunately, he has no one to blame except himself. Should have claimed asylum instead of protesting.

Carl Duncan

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.

Is the author of this story portraying this illegal immigrant as being (un)documented "gay?" If so what does his alleged gayness have to do with being and illegal alien? Sexual orientation should have nothing to do with immigration status. My understanding of the story is he is an illegal immigrant and needs to go back home.

ronaldduck

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.

All of the people who are advocating that every illegal in the US should immediately be deported should consider that they could have ancestors that came here illegally. All it takes is for one of your great great great grandfathers to be deported and you no longer exist because the lineage would be broken. Keep that in mind. For you who think that they have no rights because they are not citizens I copied this for your info. Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886) In Yick Wo v. Hopkins, a case involving the rights of Chinese immigrants, the Court ruled that the 14th Amendment's statement, "Nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws," applied to all persons "without regard to any differences of race, of color, or of nationality," and to "an alien, who has entered the country, and has become subject in all respects to its jurisdiction, and a part of its population, although alleged to be illegally here." This was just the first of many rulings by the Supreme Court with the same conclusion. When the Supreme Court decides cases dealing with First Amendment rights, it typically draws guidance from the 14th Amendment's principal of "equal protection under the law." In essence, the "equal protection" clause extends First Amendment protection to anyone and everyone covered by the 5th and 14th Amendments. Through its consistent rulings that the 5th and 14th Amendments apply equally to illegal aliens, they also enjoy First Amendment rights.

JSA

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 11:07 a.m.

The only relevant issue is that he is an illegal alien. On that basis he should be deported and that should be the end of the issue. To imply that enforcing the law is bigotry reveals nothing more than ignorance. Most recent polls put those in favor of enforcing immigration law at around 65%. Think of it as Democracy, obeying the will of the legal citizens.

LBH

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 11:05 a.m.

@Wonderwoman Appreciate a first had account. Thanks! I do have some questions, though. Were the lower income people who were absorbing resources solely illegal immigrants, or were they even the vast majority of those absorbing resources. It is also a bit unsettling to see the implication that "They were just interested in getting better so they could go out and risk it all again for quick cash." Unfortunately, that statement does smack a bit of bigotry. Would that statement be more true for illegal immigrants than other people in the lower income bracket? This is a issue that has been building for a quite while but it seems that rational discussion on the topic is nearly impossible. This is probably due to the often knee jerk and vehement reaction from people who imply that because of illegal immigrant's heritage, all kinds of bad traits or behaviors must surly be present. I am certainly not advocating turning a blind eye, but I am also not feeling like punishment and enforcement is *the* solution or even *a* solution. It is too simplistic an approach to a very complex issue.

InsideTheHall

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 10:57 a.m.

Ship him out now he has no standing here.

Wonderwoman

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 10:35 a.m.

I worked closely with hospital administration for several years, and a huge part of resources went to undocumented illegal aliens who used the ER as their doctor. No one asked questions because hospitals are health providers first and foremost. The hospital spent a lot of money on preventative programs and educating this population so they would go to a regular doctor. Many were just low income, less educated families that made their life here, but they did it illegally. I felt for them, but I also realized that they were relying on someone else to take care of them for food, health care, and many other programs for the needy, and they were doing it all illegally. In working with this population, there were many who distributed drugs and came into the ER with gunshots and other potentially fatal wounds because of their risky behaviors. They didn't care that someone else was footing the bill. They were just interested in getting better so they could go out and risk it all again for quick cash. I know not every illegal person is doing this, but this is a trend that is gaining popularity among illegals, and the issues need to be addressed. I thought the guest worker program was a good idea. At least they could work legally if there were jobs for them. Wanting enforcement of the law doesn't make people bigots. Comparing modern day law- breaking with immigration long ago makes no sense. There are solutions, but turning a blind eye to the problems and instead verbally attacking people for their opinions doesn't help anyone.

TooT

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.

illegal /ligl/ Show Spelled[ih-lee-guhl] Show IPA adjective 1.forbidden by law or statute. 2.contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.: The referee ruled that it was an illegal forward pass. Seems pretty simple to me. If they don't come in thru the front door according to our laws. They should be made to leave. Have any of you read the Mexican laws for immigrants?

LBH

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 10:17 a.m.

Several comments here imply that illegal immigrants are getting stuff "free". If they are attending college, they are paying for that. If they are getting driver's licenses, they are paying for that. If they are licensing their cars or boats, they are paying for that. When they pay rent, or a mortgage, or buy food, or buy clothing, or buy school supplies for their kids, they are paying for that too. The implication that all illegal immigrants are sitting around sucking up "our" resources is bogus but appears to serve as a rallying point for people seeking somebody to blame for an unstable economy and high unemployment. Just like in any segment of the population, there are hard working, responsible people and there are those who are not so hard working or responsible. I say again, we need real information, we need rational discussion, and we need reform.

friend12

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost He will get his 24th ammendment rights - a deporation hearing. He also had the right to protest and the right of free speech. Once he refused to leave the property which is the right of the Senators office to request, he violated trespassing laws. Even if he had a green card (was a documented immigrant) that alone becomes grounds for deportation.

Danah Greer

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.

Why does guy think he has the right to protest the laws of OUR Country when he is here illegally!!? Perhaps he should return to Iran and affect change there.

friend12

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.

The immigration case is the most serious. The trespassing is protected political speech, and we anticipate to raise that defense. If they were asked to leave and refused then they are guilty. Freedom of speech is irrelevant. If found guilty, I believe their deportation will be almost immediate. I feel sorry that he may have sentenced himself to death, but, immigration reform also includes prevention and removal of undocumented immigrants. He should be deported. What he should have dome before protesting is requested asylum in the US and probably would have gotten it. Not a very smart person.

bunnyabbot

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.

rusty said-As for the substance of the comments, what you people don't seem to understand is that the DREAM Act is the very legal mechanism that would allow people who came here undocumented as children to normalize their status as adults. that's nice, but guess what, it's not a law additionally I agree with others, why are schools letting people in without documentation. also, sounds like he's playing the gay card

LBH

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 9:04 a.m.

So, once this "rounding up and deporting of all illegals" occurs, as several on this list are advocating, then whom will you turn your venom upon next? Perhaps American non-Christians will be next? The system is broken, it needs to be fixed and the only way that will happen is by having people advocate for change. Y'all should probably look into your not so distance pasts to see when it was that your family were the immigrants. The notion that illegals are stealing huge numbers of resources from us is ridiculous and is fueled by fear and hate. Another fine example of, if you repeat a lie often enough, people believe it as the truth. Show me the *real* numbers which *prove* that this thievery of "your" resources is happening. Illegals working here have money withheld from their paychecks for benefits they will never receive. They also are probably working for lower wages which is benefiting the business who employ them (not saying that is appropriate, just saying). We need real and reasonable reform and we need it now. Bush's guest worker program was a good first step and possibly the only program he advocated that I supported, but it was blown up along with the World Trade Center. Another casualty of that terrible day. Please people, let's see the facts from legitimate sources!

Rork Kuick

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 8:56 a.m.

I am also appalled at some of the anti-Iranian comments here, and ask that our local folks that are even vaguely from that part of the world do not think those are representative. I am very happy to have you around our area, and especially at the University, where not a few of you are contributing more to our country and the welfare of it's people than lots of the rest of us here ever will. Thank you.

stillatownie

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 8:54 a.m.

Wow. A lot of commenters seem to still agree with one of our founding fathers' core principles: institutionalized bigotry.

Davidian

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.

I think what's clear (and awesome) is that people are FED UP with illegal immigration. There will be no more silencing the VAST MAJORITY of AMERICANS who feel this way!! I have no problem with immigration, as long as it is documented and controlled. But for illegals--DEPORT THEM NOW, ALL OF THEM.

Blue Eyes

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 8:42 a.m.

Undocumented immigrant = illegal, not a citizen, therefore does not have the rights of a citizen. If they've been here long enough for him to attend schools and college, it's been a bonus for him and his family who all certainly knew they were illegals. My message to them - go back to whereever it was you came from and apply for immigration the same as the many legal immigrants have done for years. Quit expecting the US to waive its laws because you don't want to follow the process and you somehow think you're more special than those who do the follow the process!

Wonderwoman

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 8:29 a.m.

Illegals cost U.S. citizens millions of dollars every year in health care and law enforcement alone. This is a no brainer. It's too bad his country doesn't accept him, his parents did him a disservice by keeping him here illegally, and he wasn't born in this country. But let's not paint him and other illegals as perpetual victims who have no choice in the matter. We are talking about the here and now. He is old enough to think and act for himself, and he can rectify his situation by entering this country legally instead of protesting. It's not easy to do it the right way, but we all take the hit when people don't obey the law. Arizona is taking a stand that should have been taken a long time ago and supported by the federal government all along. People get deported from other countries to other countries all the time and no one worries about it because everyone knows that's just how it is.

Val Losse

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 8:10 a.m.

I don't understand what the problem is? The law clearly states that illegal immigrants are to be deported and have no legal standing in this country. I'm a naturalized citizen and very proud of it. I don't go around with a hyphinated name. I am American. All people coming to this country who are illegally here should be deported immediately. The law should be changed that any child born to illegal immigrants are not citizens of the United States just because they were born here.

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.

Rusty, Yes unlike Mexico and other countries he has the right to free speach and other rights under the constitution. As a visitor, he also has the RESPONSIBILITY to follow our laws. It is illeagal under US Law to overstay your visa. He should take the necessary steps to fix that problem. Unfortunately he chose to ignore his responsibilities to be part of our society and now must suffer the consequences. If I came to your house, sat at your kitchen table, ate your food and refused to leave, would you call the police to evicte me? As I and others have noted, there is currently no way for him to do that. The DREAM Act would allow for people to do exactly what you say he should do. He is protesting in favor of the DREAM Act. What more do you want?

outdoor6709

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.

Rusty, Yes unlike Mexico and other countries he has the right to free speach and other rights under the constitution. As a visitor, he also has the RESPONSIBILITY to follow our laws. It is illeagal under US Law to overstay your visa. He should take the necessary steps to fix that problem. Unfortunately he chose to ignore his responsibilities to be part of our society and now must suffer the consequences. If I came to your house, sat at your kitchen table, ate your food and refused to leave, would you call the police to evicte me?

bedrog

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.

this is a sad case...and although i am second to none in my concern about the threats of radical islam, especially when it's nested in western democracies, i'm open to case by case consideration of people who find themselves in this young man's position... he IS at risk in iran, by virtue of his sexuality and he's here illegally thru no fault of his own. id want to know more about his views on other issues though ( e.g. as they apply to the concept of military jihad, u.s. foreign policy etc) before i'd make a judgement on his particular case. in fact there is one iranian i can think of locally (who posts here regularly )and, legal or not, should be a candidate for deportation as an open enemy of this country.

vg550

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:36 a.m.

I agree with "Patriot" 100%. His comment of: "This guys (and 35 million others) are in the United States of America (my country) ILLEGALLY and should be immediately deported home and not have any access to any benefits of being a USA citizen (no welfare, no drivers license, no voting, no work, no wages, no healthcare, no nothing). They are not a USA citizen and therefore belong to another country. They need to go home and fix their problems back home and not become a free ride burden to us." is something I've heard numerous times from many people except our POLITIANS. They need to wake up and represent "we the people".... we the LEGAL people!

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:33 a.m.

Rusty - how about you sponsor him since you are so sympathize to the ILLEGAL. Open your own wallet and fork out $100,000 a year to support him and take the on responsibility you say this country should to "give him a chance". You do it first and lead the way. Put your money (not mine) where your mouth is. Step up and be a man of your words! I say he is ILLEGAL plan and simple - send him home NOW. This is just pure selfish ignorance. Where are you getting the idea that (1) he lives on $100,000 a year and (2) he has ever been a burden to taxpayers for any amount? Show me a shred of evidence for your claims about Mohammad. I agree with you on one thing, you are quite simple. Just putting the word "ILLEGAL" in capital letters does not make your case any stronger. Cracking down on Mohammad would be like cracking down on parking tickets. He arrived here as a small child, his "illegality" is a pure technicality, he has known no other home. He is clearly an intelligent and engaged young man--the type of person we need more of.

cmf_a2

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:26 a.m.

He is not a citizen of the U.S. He is here illegally and should not expect the benefits of being a U.S. citizen. When I go to another country, it is the same for me. I have to respect the country's laws and understand that I made the decision to go there. He made the choice to openly inform everyone of his sexuality and preferences, perhaps he should have thought through the consequences of his actions.

flyingpatricio

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:23 a.m.

If you're undocumented and illegal you need to go home!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7:20 a.m.

Patriot wrote: "Rights are granted to USA citizens - not visitors or anyone else in the world. Until he is a USA citizen he does not have that right to free speech here." Sorry, but wrong. The 14th Amendment grant ALL people in the United States the right that "life, liberty, and property" shall not be denied "without due process of law" and that ALL people in the United States "equal protection of the law." We know these protections go beyond simply citizens because the 14th Amendment also specifically protects citizens' "privileges and immunities." I guess there are some patriots who don't know much about the Constitution. Good Night and Good Luck

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7 a.m.

Rights are granted to USA citizens - not visitors or anyone else in the world. Until he is a USA citizen he does not have that right to free speech here. That is not true at all. Courts have always held that constitutional rights apply to everyone in US jurisdiction, not just citizens. There is literally zero legal basis for that claim. As for "stealing from us," now c'mon, that's just silly. There's no evidence this family never paid their taxes, in fact in all likelihood they paid them much more scrupulously than most citizens.

Patriot

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 7 a.m.

Rusty - how about you sponsor him since you are so sympathize to the ILLEGAL. Open your own wallet and fork out $100,000 a year to support him and take the on responsibility you say this country should to "give him a chance". You do it first and lead the way. Put your money (not mine) where your mouth is. Step up and be a man of your words! I say he is ILLEGAL plan and simple - send him home NOW.

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 6:56 a.m.

really cinnabar? You think protesting for a political cause should be punished by the very real possibility of torture and murder? And the certainty of being drafted into a military hostile to the United States? I'm glad that Mohammad can at least see that some of his neighbors right here in Ann Arbor aren't exactly good people, either.

rusty shackelford

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 6:53 a.m.

As for the substance of the comments, what you people don't seem to understand is that the DREAM Act is the very legal mechanism that would allow people who came here undocumented as children to normalize their status as adults. There is no real way to do that now. In other words, everyone who says "he should have dealt with this a long time ago," there was no way to do it! That's exactly what he wants and what many Republicans are trying to prevent. Would all of you "Muslims are scary" folks really want him to go back to Iran, where he will be drafted (as every young man is) into their army, and then technically preparing to fight against us some day? I'm sure no one wants that, least of all Mohammad. I applaud him for loudly demanding his rights. The right of protest and free speech is not restricted to people who are officially citizens. Mohammad, if worse comes to worse, go to Canada before you are deported. You'll be pretty close to your family and they have sane and humane immigration and asylum policies there, unlike here.

cinnabar7071

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 6:48 a.m.

Send the trouble maker home. He is fully aware of his action, and should be held accountable. I have no sympathy for law breakers.

Patriot

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.

These illegals want to stay here (ILLEGALLY) so they can get an education (free?) and then enlist in our military(?) - hello anyone awake out there!!!! 1) Why are PUBLIC universities allowing ILLEGALS to register and attend school. That is pure fraud. The universities who accept them should be fine and lose government funding. They are as bad as employers who hire ILLEGALS to work. 2) Join our military????? Hello - ILLEGALS want to join our military. Are you kidding me? Are we hiring illegals and terrorist for our own military? This guys (and 35 million others) are in the United States of America (my country) ILLEGALLY and should be immediately deported home and not have any access to any benefits of being a USA citizen (no welfare, no drivers license, no voting, no work, no wages, no healthcare, no nothing). They are not a USA citizen and therefore belong to another country. They need to go home and fix their problems back home and not become a free ride burden to us. Good bye ILLEGALS from anywhere - go home now or face immediate deportation and loss of anything you have gotten here in the USA. You want to come to the USA - file papers in your country and make an application to do so LEGALLY. This is our country - not yours. GO HOME

Graz

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 6:27 a.m.

For those saying that he should have been working on becoming a legal resident, you should know that someone in his situation has no viable way of achieving legal status. Why do you think that immigration reform activists are pushing for an amnesty bill. If he had gone to the immigration office and applied for legal residency papers, he would have been arrested and deported. While I am fully in agreement that there needs to be changes to the laws to correct the illegal immigration problems, the debate and search for a solution gets muddied by people that get into the debate and haven't a clue about the process, nor about the insurmountable roadblocks in the way of minor children brought to this country by parent that were undocumented or that lost their legal status. We must not start to prosocute these people for the crimes of their parents. That will become a slippery slope. And for those that say that they should return to their country of birth, imagine if you were required to come up with the money to return to the country of your ethnic origin having not lived in the culture and maybe not even knowing the language. Remember, unless you're Native American, you are the descendant of an immigrant, some, like the people that came here in the 18th century that also came here with "no papers". We need REASONABLE immigration reform. And truthfully, there's almost no way that anyone could "round them all up and deport them".

Davidian

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 5:59 a.m.

I sypmathize with the fact that he faces persecution in his native country. Perhaps he should go to HIS country and protest the treatment of gays there. Perhaps he should RETURN to his native country and try to make it a better place. That's what a truly brave person would do. He is an illegal immigrant, plain and simple. Deport him now. No excuses.

stunhsif

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 5:53 a.m.

Agree with Kulse012. Rather than protest and waste our money deporting him, he should have been working toward becoming a legal resident years ago. If this young man is upset, he needs to go and have a talk with his father. Perhaps his father will apoligize for putting his son in this situation. I say deport him to a country that won't persecute him for being gay but he needs to go.

kulse012

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 5:41 a.m.

For a guy who is concerned about being deported and persecuted in Iran, he's really doing a lot to help his case. I'm sure the immigration judge is going to just melt when he/she hears about how "active" he is. He's had a lot of chances since he wasn't a minor anymore to figure something out to possibly stay here legally. He'd rather go protest, and get deported...and it wasn't even the Arizona law that will nail him.

sandy schopbach

Fri, May 21, 2010 : 5:28 a.m.

Undocumented, I guess he is. But when you're a minor, you can't document yourself; it's your parents' responsibility. The question then becomes: should he be punished for what his parents did... or rather did NOT do? If he's been a law-abiding citizen until this protest - which falls under free speech - I think he should be given a chance to put his immigration house in order and apply to be allowed to stay, if only on a student visa. Especially as he has grown up here and been a student here and would like to continue his education here. And then there's the question of his homosexuality. If he is sent to another country than Iran, a country that will not persecute him for his sexuality, then maybe. But to send him back to Iran, a country he doesn't even remember, a country where he will be persecuted, put in prison and perhaps even put to death - whether by the government or by the general homophobic population - that seems a bit harsh. If exceptions are to be made in affairs of immigration, they should probably be based on a question of humanity, of shelter from persecution. After all, isn't that what America is all about, what it was founded on, what the Pilgrims came here for: the right not to be persecuted? P.S. And in case you're wondering, I'm a heterosexual. If that makes any difference in the weight and seriousness of my words.