Mayor wants meeting with hunger strikers
Concerned about the health of local DREAM Act supporters who are on a hunger strike, Mayor Julián Castro said he plans to meet with them today — not only to voice his support for the legislation, but also to ask them to consider eating again.
In a written statement issued Sunday, Castro said he sought the meeting with DREAM Act supporters to open a dialogue and “to urge the hunger strikers to be mindful of their health.”
“The awareness these students have brought to this very important issue is important, but so is their health,” he said. “I plan to urge them to give the legislative process a chance to work.”
If passed, the DREAM Act would provide a pathway to legal status for immigrants brought to the country illegally as minors. To be eligible, the immigrants would have to go to college or serve in the military.
The local hunger strike is now in its 26th day.
Seven of the initial 12 hunger strikers have continued to fast and have been surviving on water and juice, said participant Claudia Sanchez. She said a few have dropped out due to health concerns, and those who remain are beginning to feel dazed and tired.
“We’re at a point of desperation with the DREAM Act,” said Felipe Vargas, one of the hunger strikers, during a fundraiser Sunday.
Sixteen supporters of the bill were arrested Nov. 29 on trespassing charges when they refused to leave the offices of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
On Sunday, Methodist minister Lorenza Andrade Smith, who has chosen to stay in custody until the congressional vote, was expected to begin an “air fast,” meaning Smith will abstain both from eating and drinking, Vargas said.
This afternoon, DREAM Act supporters plan to return to Main Plaza, in front of San Fernando Cathedral, to rally for passage of the bill.
Meanwhile, Castro said he “hopes Congress will focus on the fairness of the legislation.” Last week, he sent a letter to Hutchison urging passage of the DREAM Act.
“The DREAM Act would only help those men and women who were brought to this country through no fault of their own, played by the rules and now simply want to work hard for the American Dream,” the mayor said.
Congress could vote on the DREAM Act as early as this week.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/loc...ers-862878.php
In a written statement issued Sunday, Castro said he sought the meeting with DREAM Act supporters to open a dialogue and “to urge the hunger strikers to be mindful of their health.”
“The awareness these students have brought to this very important issue is important, but so is their health,” he said. “I plan to urge them to give the legislative process a chance to work.”
If passed, the DREAM Act would provide a pathway to legal status for immigrants brought to the country illegally as minors. To be eligible, the immigrants would have to go to college or serve in the military.
The local hunger strike is now in its 26th day.
Seven of the initial 12 hunger strikers have continued to fast and have been surviving on water and juice, said participant Claudia Sanchez. She said a few have dropped out due to health concerns, and those who remain are beginning to feel dazed and tired.
“We’re at a point of desperation with the DREAM Act,” said Felipe Vargas, one of the hunger strikers, during a fundraiser Sunday.
Sixteen supporters of the bill were arrested Nov. 29 on trespassing charges when they refused to leave the offices of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
On Sunday, Methodist minister Lorenza Andrade Smith, who has chosen to stay in custody until the congressional vote, was expected to begin an “air fast,” meaning Smith will abstain both from eating and drinking, Vargas said.
This afternoon, DREAM Act supporters plan to return to Main Plaza, in front of San Fernando Cathedral, to rally for passage of the bill.
Meanwhile, Castro said he “hopes Congress will focus on the fairness of the legislation.” Last week, he sent a letter to Hutchison urging passage of the DREAM Act.
“The DREAM Act would only help those men and women who were brought to this country through no fault of their own, played by the rules and now simply want to work hard for the American Dream,” the mayor said.
Congress could vote on the DREAM Act as early as this week.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/loc...ers-862878.php
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