Hunger strike for legalization

WW photo: Anne Pruden

June 8 was the eighth day of a hunger strike being conducted by immigrant youth to demand passage of the DREAM Act, a piece of legislation that would offer legalization to undocumented youth who meet certain criteria. The 10 undocumented youth began their hunger strike on June 1 in New York City, where they are demanding a meeting with Sen. Charles Schumer, who has pushed for more militarization of the border.

On June 3, staff members from Schumer’s office approached the hunger strikers and offered a meeting with Schumer on June 18 — 15 days later! The youth, who are putting their lives on the line, held a news conference June 8 to demand a meeting by the end of the week. The photo shows hunger strikers as they begin the strike in front of Schumer’s office.

— LeiLani Dowell