A group of undocumented teens undeterred by the rain, stood on a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk performing a mock trial of President Obama yesterday afternoon. “It’s unfair that Obama has continuously postponed this statement and it’s for his party politics,” said Jensine Raihan, 16, of Astoria, Queens. “He is prioritizing the Democratic Party over peoples lives and that’s unfair.” A courtroom scene was set with handmade cardboard podiums and a gavel. Two DRUM members held masks over their faces with the likeness of Obama and Schumer. They stood by as some came forward to testify and tell their stories. “It’s a struggle every day to survive,” said Subashish Barua, 25, an undocumented native of India. “Working long hours, paying taxes, and not being paid properly, and still getting abused by employers just because I’m undocumented”. Barua said he endures low wages and poor working conditions out of a dedication to support his family back home. Being the only son of his family, they depend on his income. If an executive order for administrative relief was granted Barua could qualify for a work permit, which would allow him to be employed under legal conditions, he said. The DRUM youth leaders feel stories like Barua’s are far too common and action needed to be taken.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:08:33 +0000
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