A California public school teacher said during an online political webinar that she married a man living in Gaza in an effort to help him obtain U.S. citizenship, a claim that has drawn scrutiny from immigration law experts and raised questions for school officials.
Laura Pinho, a dance teacher at Canoga Park Senior High School in Los Angeles Unified School District, discussed her marriage during a June 16 Zoom event hosted by the activist group CODEPINK. The webinar was titled “Challenging Zionism In Our Schools” and focused on pro-Palestinian advocacy in education.
Statement
During the discussion, CODEPINK activist Marcy Winograd congratulated Pinho on her recent marriage and invited her to speak about it. Pinho, 51, said she married Salem S.E. Abu Amra, a Gaza resident, describing the decision as motivated by political and humanitarian beliefs rather than a traditional relationship.
In the webinar, Pinho said she felt a responsibility to use her status as a U.S. citizen to help others. She stated that she was attempting to “equalize the playing field” by assisting Abu Amra, whom she described as living under difficult conditions in Gaza.
The comments were first highlighted by the North American Values Institute, a nonprofit research organization.
Legal Context
Immigration attorneys say that marrying for the purpose of securing immigration benefits can carry serious legal consequences. Michael Wildes, the mayor of Englewood, New Jersey, who is also an immigration attorney and former federal prosecutor, said public statements describing a marriage as a means to obtain citizenship could prompt federal scrutiny.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, marriage fraud is a federal offense punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Marriage Details
Public records from the Utah County Clerk show that Pinho and Abu Amra were married on April 5. Utah allows marriages to be conducted remotely, including via video conference, as long as the couple obtains a Utah County marriage license, presents valid identification, and has two witnesses.
The state does not require either party or the witnesses to be physically present in Utah at the time of the ceremony.
It is not publicly known whether Abu Amra has entered the United States. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment.
Personal Background
Public records indicate that Pinho shares an address with Derek J. Reid, an improv coach with whom she has a 5-year-old child. Reid told The Post that he and Pinho were domestic partners but never legally married and are currently separated while still living at the same address. He said he was unaware of her marriage to Abu Amra.
Reid also said political disagreements related to Israel and the Palestinian issue contributed to the breakdown of their relationship.
Political Activity
Pinho is the faculty adviser for her school’s Students for Justice in Palestine club. In public remarks and social media posts, she has said she encourages student involvement in protests and political demonstrations.
She has also shared videos of student performances of the Dabke, a traditional Palestinian folk dance, explaining that she incorporates historical and political context into her instruction. Critics have accused her of bringing political advocacy into the classroom, while supporters describe the activity as cultural education.
Public Reaction
Pinho’s social media activity has drawn criticism from advocacy groups that have characterized some of her posts as antisemitic or conspiratorial. These posts have circulated online and prompted calls for closer review of her role as an educator.
According to public salary records, Pinho earned $179,103 in pay and benefits in 2024 as an LAUSD employee.
The Los Angeles Unified School District did not respond to requests for comment, and Pinho has not publicly addressed the criticism beyond her remarks in the webinar.
FAQs
Who is the teacher involved?
Laura Pinho is a dance teacher at Canoga Park Senior High School.
What did she say about her marriage?
She said she married a Gaza resident to help him gain U.S. citizenship.
Where did the marriage take place?
The marriage was conducted remotely under Utah law.
Is marriage for immigration benefits legal?
No, marriage fraud is a federal crime under U.S. law.
Has the school district commented?
LAUSD has not responded to requests for comment.
