Deportation Target Has High-Profile Defenders

In July 2004, Homeland Security moved to deport him and placed him in immigration detention, saying he did not mention his conviction in Turkey on his 1993 green-card application and 1998 naturalization application. The government also alleges that he was a member of the PKK, which the U.S. government designated a terrorist organization in 1997.

"We believe, based on his conviction in Turkey for participating in terrorist actions against the Republic of Turkey, that he has no legal right to remain in the U.S.," said Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Tim Counts.

While detained, Parlak planned to sell his house to pay legal bills. But his supporters raised more than $100,000, according to Dzuris, including $50,000 from an anonymous Chicago donor.

"Most immigrants have a lot of supporters in their communities, but those communities don't have the power and money," Dzuris said.

Parlak was released from detention in June 2005 on the orders of a federal judge.

Even if the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit upholds an immigration judge's decision to deport Parlak, he can legally remain in the United States until Upton's and Levin's bills are voted on. They are not expected to move to a vote until Parlak has exhausted other legal options.

Meanwhile, Parlak's brother, Huseyin, who had worked at Cafe Gulistan, was deported in May after his student visa expired and his asylum claim was denied.

As well-wishers showered Ibrahim Parlak on Sunday with hugs and gifts of eggplant and pastries, he said he feels vindicated by the public, regardless of his case's outcome.

"This represents what America is," Parlak said.