Many of us consider Yuriy Tytla a friend, and even more can say they know him. But even if you don’t know Yuriy he needs your help. Yuriy is a senior at Niles North and will (hopefully) be entering U of I in the fall. However, Yuriy’s family may be ripped apart due to immigration laws that have affected him and his family. Yuriy and his family immigrated from Ukraine to Argentina when Yuriy was two years old. Because of persecution in Argentina, his family decided to move to the United States (Florida and then Georgia)  several years later. He has lived in District 219 for the past year.

This is Yuriy’s first year at Niles North.  I have had the pleasure of knowing Yuriy for the past year as he joined the chess team. He is truly a member of our team’s family just as he is a member of our family at North.

Unfortunately, because Yuriy’s family was denied asylum when they first came here they are not legal residents. Yuriy’s father, Mikola, was arrested at his home on April 20. He was held in custody and could have been deported to Argentina as soon as May 10. Yuriy’s mother may also be deported to Argentina. Yuriy, on the other hand, would be deported to Ukraine once he turned 18 — which is next week. In Ukraine, Yuriy would have to serve in the army and would face additional hardships as he does not speak Russian.

On Wednesday Yuriy spoke in Chicago about his father and his current situation. At his press conference he hoped to raise awareness of his situation and hopefully gain support for his family. Many friends who wanted to help signed the petition to stop his Dad’s deportation at this website: http://action.dreamactivist.org/illinois/wow,yuriy/. Many also called the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and requested that they not deport Yuriy’s family. The number and further information is at the aforementioned site.

According to North principal Ryan McTague, the school administration learned of Yuriy’s situation just on Wednesday, May 9. National college adviser Jerry Pope attended the news conference and rally, and read a statement of support for the family. Several North students also participated in the rally. McTague also noted that many faculty members called and e-mailed ICE in support of the Tytla family and requested a delay in the deportation process.

The good news is that the publicity and attention had an effect. Yuriy’s father was released from custody and the family is now back together and has been granted a one-year reprieve from the awful prospect of deportation.

For more of North’s reaction to Yuriy’s story, click here.