Chicago Priest On Hunger Strike In Support of Dreamers

CHICAGO, IL — A Pilsen-based priest is doing a hunger strike in support of 'Dreamers,' people who came into the country illegally as children. Rev. Gary Graf hasn't eaten solid food in ten days, as Congress continues negotiations on an immigration deal. He says he will continue his fast—health permitting—until at least March. 5, which is the deadline set by the White House to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which guards Dreamers from being deported.

The priest announced his hunger strike at the St. Procopius Catholic Church during a mass earlier this month. Many other priests and bishops in the Chicago area are supporting Graf, and some have offered to continue his fast if it begins to compromise his health.

For years, Graf has been an outspoken supporter of refugees and undocumented people living in the U.S. In 2013, the priest went to Mexico and scaled a 20-foot border wall into the U.S. to show solidarity with undocumented newcomers, and stir up conversation about their stories.

“As a priest, I’m very well aware every single day of my life that parents — all parents — sacrifice their lives for their children,” Graf told the Chicago Tribune. “I don’t have my own children, and as my spiritual children, this is my opportunity to also be in solidarity with them.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan said negotiations on an immigration deal are underway; however, many Democrats are skeptical of Republican pledges to bring up legislation to shield Dreamers.

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