Although this particular action has ceased, the hunger strike in New York by Dream Act students and supporters deserves more attention than it received last week. Albor Ruiz reports for the New York Daily News:
Since the first of June, 10 immigrant students have been on a hunger strike outside Sen. Chuck Schumer‘s Manhattan office. Their courageous action speaks volumes of the depth of the immigration crisis.
Yet, almost incredibly, this dramatic event has not captured the attention of mainstream media or moved Schumer to sit down with the students.
The strikers, most of whom were brought to the U.S. as children, set up camp on Schumer’s doorstep hoping to pressure the chairman of the Senate immigration subcommittee, to push for passage of the Dream Act.
For over a week they have braved hunger, rain, wind and some bigoted catcalls. Convinced of the fairness of their cause, they vow to pursue their dream to the end.
“The majority of passersby are sympathetic,” said Mexican-born hunger striker José Luis Zacatelco.
Wearing T-shirts that read “I starve for our Dream,” the students - born in Russia, Mexico, Ecuador and South Korea - make a lively and passionate group.