by Patrick McGee, Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Published on 2002-11-29, Page 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX)

Copyright (C) November 29, 2002, Star-Telegram. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission of the Star-Telegram. Any unauthorized reproduction of this article is strictly prohibited. For reprint information, contact the Star-Telegram at 817-390-7574.

ARLINGTON - At age 21, Muluken Tessema has already had two heart attacks. The Ethiopian immigrant who came to the United States in 1999 for heart surgery has seen his health deteriorate in the past three years and needs frequent dialysis to purify the blood his failing kidneys can barely filter. He and his supporters worry that immigration laws will force him to return to Ethiopia, where he cannot get the medical treatment he is barely getting here.