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June 10, 2010
Amanda Nava
Sophomore Eugene Kotelnikov and his mother Tatiana Miroshnik are being deported at the end of June because Miroshnik’s marriage visa has been expired for approximately 11 years. Both born in Russia, Kotelnikov and Miroshnik have been living in America for thirteen years and have remained here on a marriage visa that expired after Miroshnik’s divorce. WHS students are erupting in rallies and protests in support of the fight for the right to keep a family together in America.
The first major march was after school, May 28. Students walked from the WHS campus to congressman Pete Stark’s office to bring his attention to allow Eugene to talk to the county representative regarding his current situation. Stark was told to contact Senator Dianne Feinstein and to convince her to pass a bill that would allow Kotelnikov and his mother stay in the U.S. for an extended amount of time. News spread throughout the student population and students have sent e-mails to the senator pleading for Kotelnikov’s right to stay with his sisters and mother in America.
“This is the most hopeful I’ve felt during this situation,” Kotelnikov said during the first rally. “I feel like this is beyond me. I feel this is a mark in history. This is something I will never forget. This is something my mom will never forget.”
Kotelnikov was surprised at the number of people showed up at the rallies as well as the number of people who were fighting for an immigration reform that benefit the children who are brought to America with no say. People spoke of the Development Relief and Education of Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, that is a bill that gives illegal immigrants the chance to stay in America for educational purposes.
Passage of the DREAM Act would allow Kotelnikov the chance to continue his education in America alongside his family.
Since then, there have been multiple rallies on the street as well as a candlelight vigil, June 2. Protesters chanted “I.C.E., be nice”, “save Eugene don’t be mean” and “support, don’t deport.” I.C.E. stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Police eventually informed protesters that the use of blow horns was prohibited. Instead of using blow horn, protesters used whistles at the following rally, May 31, to get the attention of passerby.
A benefit concert is being hosted to raise money for the family’s legal fees at Centerville Presbyterian Church, June 16. Donations are being collected at WHS and at Kotelnikov’s church.
