(CNN) – A member of Barack Obama's Kenyan family living in the United States is facing a possible immigration issue: the Associated Press reports that an aunt he speaks about in his memoirs is living in the United States illegally.
The AP says she remain in government housing in Boston, even though an immigration judge denied her request for asylum four years ago.
Zeituni Onyango's refusal to leave the country would be an administrative violation, not a criminal matter.
CNN has not been able to independently verify her immigration status.
The Obama campaign has not yet responded to a CNN request for comment.
Obama called the woman "Aunt Zeituni" in his memoirs, where he described her as the first Kenyan relative he encountered on his visit to his father's home country.
Onyango has donated at least five times to Obama's campaign in July and September, listing her occupation as a "volunteer resident health advocate." Federal campaign finance records indicate several contributions in amounts of $5 and $25.
Updated 11:37 a.m.: Bill Burton, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, issued the following statement in response to the AP's reporting about Sen. Obama's aunt: "Senator Obama has no knowledge of her status but obviously believes that any and all appropriate laws be followed. "
From CNN Politics
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CNN, this is disgusting. You've lost one viewer.
oh great thats all we need another illegal immigrant
taking our us benefits. That is what is going to happen
obama is going to give all illegal immigrants Drivers
License and they will get to draw our Society Security
that we americans have worked for all our lives but
to OBAMA that is sharing the WEALth. Don't care what
the poles say the vote will come on Nov.4th.
Go MCCain
A democrat voting for republican
Who cares?
With so many Americans losing their homes, how is it that "illegal aliens" are in government housing?
QUOTE: "The AP says she remain in government housing in Boston, even though an immigration judge denied her request for asylum four years ago.
Like Dick Chaney would say; So?
Once again another reason THIS GUY SCARES ME. Why hasn't this come up before. The Dems are so entriged by hi speachs and he cant even secure our border angainst illegals. This guy is a JOKE
Ask John McCain how many illegal immigrants it takes to landscape 7 houses. Maybe Sarah Palin's witch doctor Reverend Mutha chased her out of Kenya. Maybe this just doesn't matter. Leave the poor woman alone.
Is she appealing? What is the big picture? Seems like a non-story since she isnt' involved with his campaign. If this has been going on for 4 years....it would be a Republican president shortcoming.
The point is she exemplifies the following:
1) She is here illegally
2) Her entire subsistence depends on tax-payers (her six hour work week doesn't exactly cut it)
3) She proves the point that illegal aliens DO receive welfare
4) Obama only wants to by "thy brother and sisters keeper" with taxpayer money, not his
5) Obama used her in his book for his own benefit...certainly not hers
In a nutshell, his aunt's existence represents everything he wants for all Americans...a subsistence on government handouts provided though REDISTRIBUTIVE policies, i.e., socialism.
I know liberals can't think analytically, but give it a try for once.
Not news worthy... Obama/Biden 08! Only 3 more days!!!!
Is this the most important news that is happening in the world today? Why on earth does this rate a headline? I have been a fan of CNN for many years, but I am beginning to doubt their veracity. I won't even watch Lou Dobbs or Wolf Blitzer anymore.
Thanks for reporting this "BREAKING NEWS" CNN!
I hope the story is true, it will sure help Obama with the Latino vote. They can relate to, and can sympathize with Aunt Zeituni's plight.
OBAMA/BIDEN 08!!
SO what if she is an old lady, follow the law! Obama should have known better and put her up elsewhere prior to the election to cover his tracks.
Infact McCain just want to make big election about small things.
So what happens to millions of illegal immigrants.
OBAMA/BIDEN 08
give me a break...Obama is a citizen, this has been vetted to the exstream but I guess not enough for the racist right that just can't fathom a person of color as president. What his Aunt's status has to do with him is beyond me. McCain has so much baggage that has not been talked about because it's more "news worthy" to dig up
stuff on Obama.
The only thing this does is give the rasists that weren't going to vote for Obama and excuse.
This is clearly from McCain's camp. it's time for the Dems to really start to push the fact that the Navy is covering up a fatal accident McCain was involved in back in the 60's involving drinking and driving. how about talking about Cindy McCain lobbying against Mothers Against Drunk Driving?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/28/news-orgs-investigate-pos_n_138449.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/22/nation/na-hensley22
Now Post this comment!
CNN.. This is ridiculous that you would report on this. Obama barely knew his father's family. Also, why has CNN not reported on Todd Palin's membership in the Alaska Independence Party ( AIP). Now that would be news. I am no longer a fan on CNN.
Give this a issue a big rest since this happen 4 years ago.
Hillaryous .... CNN can't verify the truth of the story or not but Fox News did .... you leftists are an amazing culture of bacteria ... funny as hell ....
Why aren't we looking into McCain's place of birth? I don't recall him being born in any of the 50 states...
Independent Dope,
Can you please post the evidence
Oh I forgot, you dont have any?
Who cares CNN? Very low news.
Obama, did'nt learn anything about his relatives in Africa until he was a full grown man. His father was not in his life when he grew up. He was raised by his family on his mother side. He's like most people that has family they know nothing about, they have the desire to understand and know about the other half of the missing parent. He not a private Investigator, so he didn't look into her past, to determine whether she's here legally. All he know is his father, came over the legal way, why not think the same from his Aunt, he never grew up with. Is there anyone that knows everything about their relatives, and most likely you've been knowing them and around them all your life. So don't expect him to know every aspect of her life. Is there anyone of you willing to put your life on the line, to say you know all things about your family members. If you are, you might have to kiss the world goodbye. Is this the belated October surprise?
Absurd that a news organization that aims to be so widely read and respected would report such an inflammatory story at the 11th hour. More 'drudging' over a non-event.
Seriously, what does this have to do with Obama? What could he do, even if this were true? I personally am not responsible for the actions of my aunt. I doubt there are many nephews who are.
Fortunately, I'm also not responsible for CNN, which has slipped appreciably in my estimation. There once was integrity in journalism.
Another sign of desperation...