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Obama's Aunt Is Living Illegally in US

Kenyan aunt's application for asylum was rejected in 2004

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 1, 2008 4:31 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Barack Obama's Kenyan aunt has been living illegally in the US since 2004, the AP reports. Zeituni Onyango—affectionately referred to as "Auntie Zeituni" in the candidate's memoir—has been living in a Boston housing estate for the last 4 years, despite having been ordered to leave the US after her application for asylum was rejected. Onyango's actions are a non-criminal violation of immigration law.

It’s unclear why Onyango was denied asylum, or how she managed to qualify for public housing anyway. Now that her case has been made public—and apparently in reaction to the political sensitivity of the situation—immigration officials have taken the unusual step of ordering that all deportations before the election be approved by regional directors or higher.

The door to the public housing complex in South Boston where Barack Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango reportedly lives.
The door to the public housing complex in South Boston where Barack Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango reportedly lives.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
The public housing complex in South Boston where Barack Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango reportedly lives.
The public housing complex in South Boston where Barack Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango reportedly lives.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A police officer sits in his cruiser Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 outside the public housing complex in South Boston where Barack Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango reportedly lives.
A police officer sits in his cruiser Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 outside the public housing complex in South Boston where Barack Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango reportedly lives.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A photograph of Barack Obama Sr., father of Barack Obama, hangs on the wall of his grandmother Sarah Hussein Obama's house in the village of Kogelo, Kenya.
A photograph of Barack Obama Sr., father of Barack Obama, hangs on the wall of his grandmother Sarah Hussein Obama's house in the village of Kogelo, Kenya.   (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Guest
Nov 1, 2008 7:26 AM CDT
RichardF, You are so right. We are so blessed to have Obama running for President. He is not shady and self centered. Lets all send the GOP back to where ever they came from. We don't need anymore lying for the next 4 years. Palin is a joke and McCain is a joke for picking her as his VP. Go Obam/Biden
RichardF
Nov 1, 2008 5:45 AM CDT
I think what the voters are seeing, frankly, is how shady and self-centered the GOP is in it's willingness to lie about anything and anyone to win this election. McCain and Palin continue to spread rumors and innuendo even when they have been proven false. Americans want a President filled with hope, not with hate.
Greatbear100
Nov 1, 2008 5:23 AM CDT
How many skeletons are in Obama's closet? What will it take for the voters to see how shady and self centered Obama really is? His aunt here illgally and living in public housing. He sends $80,000 to his cousin, Odinag, in Kenya to assist with the plot to establish a radical Islamic state.

Obama campaign confirms Boston aunt
Boston Globe

'Auntie Zeituni' tracked to Boston housing estate
Times (UK)

 
Barack Obama • Kenya • illegal immigrant • Boston • deportation • Immigration and Customs Enforcement • Election 2008 • Zeituni Onyango

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