May

17

Bartsch Will Graduate - Update

May 17, 2006 |

Bartsch learned he was illegal after living here with his Grandfather who was an American citizen. When his grandfather went to Germany he left the boy here to graduate. That was when the trouble began.

Backing from the community is strong for this teenager whose step-grandfather (U.S. citizen) apparently never finished the paper work years ago. The grandfather went to Germany and prompted the need to seek help on documentation. Immigration officials didn???t help but rather arrested the young man who was looking for help. The school is also supportive and has requested that Bartsch finish school and graduate in the spring.

After his status was changed it allowed him to return to graduate with his friends. Bartsch will graduate this Friday and now awaits another hearing. There is legislation pending that could grant him citizenship, something he hopes happens. Still it will be weeks or months before the process can somehow come to a decision.

Putnam County teen whose battle with federal immigration authorities gained worldwide attention made a renewed appeal yesterday to stay in the country and thanked newfound friends for supporting him when he was jailed in December.

“I consider myself an American,” said Manuel Bartsch, 18, who has lived in Gilboa, southwest of Toledo, for nearly half of his life. “I grew up here. I have a lot of friends back home. I’m a part of the community. Hopefully, I can continue on doing what I’m doing.”

We will keep you posted as it develops over the summer.

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