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Teen Came To Country In Fourth Grade
UPDATED: 7:29 pm EST January 4,
2006
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An immigration judge refused Wednesday to release from jail a teenager who faces deportation to his native Germany, saying it wasn't clear whether he had the authority to do so. Judge M. Christopher Grant said he would consider evidence that might allow him to free 18-year-old Manuel Bartsch to finish high school with his friends. "The judge is looking at the evidence. That is the significant thing that happened today," said David Leopold, Bartsch's lawyer. Bartsch wants to stay in the U.S. until he graduates this spring from Pandora-Gilboa High School in Putnam County in northwest Ohio. Nine years ago, he came to the United States with his step-grandfather on a 90-day visa when he was in the fourth grade, but never applied for permanent citizenship. His attorney wants him out of jail while a decision is made about his deportation, WEWS reported.Bartsch is fighting to stay in the U.S through next summer to graduate with his high school class.
Previous Stories:
- December 30, 2005: Teen Illegally In U.S. Granted Stay
- December 28, 2005: Local Teen Put In Jail As Immigration Case Considered
Copyright 2005 by NewsNet5. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
