Publicity helps student seeking asylum

FRESNO, Calif., June 4 (UPI) -- Numerous offers of help have been pouring in for a California valedictorian whose effort to remain in the United States was chronicled by a Fresno newspaper.

Arthur Mkoyan, a "straight A, student" planned to attend the University of California at Davis this fall but instead has been ordered to return to his native Armenia with his mother by late June, The Fresno Bee reported.

After a story about Mkoyan appeared in The Bee, the Armenian National Committee of Central California contacted the family and said it was exploring ways of helping.

U.S. Rep. George Radanovich, R-Calif., has offered to take a second look at Mkoyan's request for help and the office of Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., says it is also looking into the case.

Arthur Mkoyan is set to graduate June 10 from Bullard High School.