Supporters rally to pass DREAM Act to help immigrant youth

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Ivan Nikolov, 22,  is an undocumented immigrant student facing deportation. He came the U.S. with his mother when he was 11. After missing a court date when he was 12, Ivan lost his immigration status.

In May, Nikolov says agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided their Roseville home. Nikolov was put in a detention center for 3 months. Following campaigning by DREAM Act supporters, he was recently released on a tether, but could still be deported any day.

"It's not the children fault that they were brought here as minors", says Nikolov.

He and others gathered outside Western High School in Southwest Detroit today to call on Michigan senators to vote yes for the DREAM Act. The legislation, which comes up for a vote later this week, would allow undocumented immigrant youth who have graduated from U.S. high schools the opportunity to earn their citizenship.

Eligible youth with good moral character would be granted temporary immigration status and would be required to atend college or serve in the military for 2 years. They would be able to apply for permanent residency and then citizenship.

Nikolov is married and says he wants to go to film school, "My goal is just to stay in this country. It's my home. I really don't have any ties to Russia."

UAW International President Bob King and David Hecker, President of the American Federation of Teachers, were at today's rally to lend their support.