Manuel Bartsch has been in jail after being arrested by the immigration department. This after he was seeking help with paperwork so he could graduate with students he has known since the fourth grade.
After being on the fast for deportation, the attention of the nation has slowly focused on this unusual case. Earlier this week a judge stopped his deportation to hear the case. The most recent ruling was that he would be more waiting. Something he has done in jail since December 21, 2005.
Though he is still considered an illegal alien, the community which has rallied behind him is excited to have him be able to return to school in Gilboa, OH. In a sudden change from Wednesday his status has been changed.
His grandfather (a U.S. citizen) is his guardian but left to go to Germany. Bartsch was left to finish school which was when the problems arose when he sought information.
Bartsch discovered the incomplete paperwork when he was searching for documents to show he was an American citizen. When he couldn’t find any, he contacted U.S. immigration authorities hoping the office would have records. He was detained and jailed.
It can only be hoped that the young man can finish his education now with some normalcy before the immigration office takes any further action. I am sure they have plenty of other more pressing cases requiring their attention and resources.
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[...] After he was released so he could attend the last months of his Senior year, help for this young man seems to coming his way. A resolution was sent to Congress on behalf of Manuel Bartsch. Immigration authorities want to deport the Ohio high school student because of a paperwork mix-up. [...]
Posted on March 1st, 2006 at 12:16 am
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