Pittsburgh Muslim Leader Detained, To Be Deported
December 17, 2007 PITTSBURGH -- One of Pittsburgh's leading Muslim religious figures is in detention and awaiting deportation proceedings.
Kadir Gunduz is the imam of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh and has been a resident of Pittsburgh since 1988 when he came to study at the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently raising three children who are U.S. citizens. The family lives in the city'
More..s Beechview neighborhood.
Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services refused to award the Turkish-born Gunduz an immigrant visa. It's unclear why, but Channel 4 Action News was attempting to reach the bureau for comment.
According to his attorney, Gunduz has been battling immigration issues since he arrived in the U.S.
On Dec. 4, he was told to report to federal offices downtown, where he was arrested. Gunduz's attorney said he is being held in a jail in York, Pa.
The Islamic Center said news of Gunduz's pending deportation caught members off-guard and was a big surprise.
The center described Gunduz as an outstanding community leader who has sought to uphold the law, and called on all religious leaders to support and pray for him during the holiday season.
"Big shock," said David McCarthy , director of the Islamic Center. "The whole community was wondering how a big leader like this is suddenly gone."
Gunduz and his wife both face the possibility of deportation, which would mean a possible separation from their three U.S.-born children, one of whom is severely handicapped.
Gunduz's attorney said to his knowledge, Gunduz has had no previous legal trouble.
Gunduz worked primarily in prisons, where he tried to help inmates with their re-entry into society. He also worked closely with interfaith initiatives.
"I believe I know him, and I can say that we are friends in the sense that every time we get together, we were pleased to see one another and always respectful of one another," said the Rev. Ron Lengwin, a spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Lengwin is among the many local religious leaders who have written letters of support for Gunduz.
The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh has also formed a target="no follow">petition online asking that their leader be freed.
A federal judge is expected to hear Gunduz's case on Wednesday. Less..
Added: Dec 19 2007 In: news_politics
By: bellava Premium 
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