For Immediate Release

Priscila Martinez

734-306-0780

media@thedreamiscoming.com

Undocumented Student Ivan Nikolov Released from Detention

Community members gather to thank supporters; advocate for the DREAM Act

Detroit, Michigan- After continuous efforts from national and local advocates, undocumented student Ivan Nikolov, 22, has been freed from a local jail in Dearborn were he was transferred after spending three months in a detention center awaiting deportation.

One Michigan, an immigrant youth organization, has been rallying support for Ivan for the past two weeks. “Ivan’s case is a good example of why we need the DREAM Act, without it thousands of students like Ivan will continue to be deported. We are grateful for all the work Senator Stabenow, Senator Levin, and all congressional leaders did on Ivan’s case and continue to do on behalf of the DREAM Act, we ask that other Senators join the effort  and pass the DREAM Act!” says Samantha Nawrocki, an organizer with One Michigan.

Family members have expressed their gratitude to all supporters and organizations that have dedicated time and efforts to work on Ivan’s case. “We are appreciative and grateful to know that there are people who are willing to lend a hand to those who need it. Getting Ivan out of detention has been a great accomplishment, but we need to continue our advocacy in order to pass the DREAM Act to ensure other students may get relief as well.” Alanna Woolley said, Ivan’s fiancé of three years.

“As promising as of the news Ivan’s release have been, we must continue our efforts at full force. Ivan still faces deportation, and we ask supporters from across the country to make calls to the Department of Homeland Security asking for deferred action on his case.”  says Erika Andiola from the Arizona Dream Coalition, an organization who has aided on several campaigns on behalf of Dream Act students facing deportation.

One Michigan and supporters will conduct a press conference outside of Senator Levin’s office Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building 477 Michigan Avenue, Suite 1860 Detroit, MI 48226-2576 on Tuesday August 24th, 2010 at 11am.