Immigration Troubles for Obama’s Aunt Puts Prez on the Hotseat

Zeituni Onyango, the half-sister of Barack Obama’s father, moved to the United States in 2000. She petitioned the government for asylum, so she could stay in the US, but her bid was rejected. In 2004, an immigration judge ordered that she should be deported. However, since that time she has been living in Boston in public housing.

During his campaign for the Presidency, the illegal immigrant status of Obama’s aunt reared its head, clouding some people’s trust in his ability to legislate illegal immigration objectively should he become president. But he has held fast to the statement that he had no idea his aunt was illegally living in the United States, and he believes that her situation should be dealt with according to the existing laws covering a situation such as hers.

Now the issue has come to the forefront again, with a new twist. There is a rarely-used provision in the immigration laws that allows people to request another hearing of asylum claims as long as they can demonstrate that something about their situation has changed to make them eligible for asylum. And obviously, Onyango’s situation has changed. She is now the aunt of the most powerful leader in the world.

If Onyango is deported back to Kenya, she will have no chance at living a normal life and keeping a low profile, which could put her at risk. Legal analysts posit that her bid for asylum may be looked upon more favorably now, since the Kenyan government might perceive that Onyango may have some new political power because of her family ties to the president of the United States.

Very few Kenyans have asked for asylum in the United States in recent years, and only about 20% of them have been granted asylum by immigration courts. In order to be granted asylum, people must demonstrate that they are facing persecution in their home country because of their race, religion, political beliefs, nationality, or social status. Onyango’s initial reasons for seeking asylum have never been made public, and her new hearing will be held behind closed doors.

In recent years Kenya has seen increasing amounts of violence. Last year more than 1,000 people were killed after a heated presidential race where the loser was a member of the Luos tribe and the winner was a member of the Kikuyu, the largest Kenyan tribe. Tensions have always existed between the Kikuyu tribe and the Luos, which is Onyango’s tribe.

Onyango’s case is being scrutinized closely by everyone, because no matter what the outcome is, it will affect the President’s image. Critics say that the whole situation has already caused damage to Obama’s credibility when it comes to issues of immigration. If she is granted asylum as a result of this second hearing, Obama could appear to be soft on enforcement of immigration law. If she is denied again, Obama could be slammed by advocacy groups supporting immigrants. The White House says the president is steering clear of the proceedings, saying that neither he nor anyone in his circle will have any involvement in the situation.