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Travel Ban: When Will I See My Family Again?

05 February, 2017
Q Salam Aleikom, I am from Sudan, but have been working in the US for 6 years in IT. I have a wife and 2 children here in the USA. My wife and I met in college and we are both professionals. I returned to Sudan a month ago as my mother passed away unexpectedly. I was to return back to the US in the beginning of February, but due to Trump’s law I was told that I am currently not allowed to go back. What shall I do now? Both my wife and myself are permanent residents. My whole life is there! My wife and children are there! I went to university and worked there and built a life for my family and self in the USA. It is our home. I don't know what to do, and my wife and children are very afraid, not only that I won't be able to return, but that if I can't, what will we do? Please, tell me what to do now…I need to give them some comfort but I am at loss of words, I am in shock...

Answer

Answer:

As-Salamu ‘Alaykum dear brother,

I am very sorry to hear of your tragic dilemma. It is truly an inhumane ban and you are not alone. There are many stranded with their lives and their family’s lives hanging in a question mark. I know this does not help hearing, but there are so many families going through this and other entry issues in the past week. It is utterly inhumane and heartless. I don’t even think that those who voted Trump in were expecting him to go this far, so fast and so drastically.

Heck, Trump’s wife is an immigrant and there are currently questions surrounding her immigration journey. An article in The Politico states “A California state senator is calling on the White House to release documents related to Melania Trump’s immigration, as part of a broader objection to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. State Sen. Nancy Skinner of Berkeley, standing alongside Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon in the state Capitol last week, made the call as part of a protest against Trump’s executive order calling for limiting funds to “sanctuary cities.”  An AP investigation last November found Melania Trump lacked proper work visas when she was employed as a model after arriving in the U.S. from her native Slovenia more than two decades ago”.

I highlight this brother because as you can see, there will be many issues ahead in the coming weeks concerning Trump’s ban as well as possibly an involvement of his own wife’s background status. We shall see in the next few weeks what happens with this new ban. In sha’Allah, it will be defeated. If not, I do not know if Trump will have the Statue of Liberty removed next as it stands for freedom from oppression, friendship, and welcoming of immigrants to US shores.

Nonetheless, regarding your situation and others like it, there is much confusion, lawsuits and hearings pending. There are many legal and activists groups working on this issues as well as groups of pro bono lawyers set up in airports to aid the families of those detained after landing and those who were already in flight or in other countries en-route to USA.

While you are still waiting in Sudan, you or your wife may want to contact advocacy groups that can help expedite your travel home or at least give you resources and referrals that may help, in sha’ Allah. As you are a permanent resident, your case may be viewed differently than someone who has a visa. However, I am not sure and it keeps changing. This is the latest information I have.

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According to The Atlantic, “individuals who are permanent residents of the U.S. (green-card holders) who were traveling overseas to visit family or for work—though a senior administration official said their applications would be considered on a case-by-case basis. The official also said green-card holders from those countries who are in the U.S. will have to meet with a consular officer before leaving the U.S. “ While there is still confusion surrounding even this statement, I would highly suggest dear brother that you seek out  the assistance of a legal advocacy group in the city/state where you live and work in the US as well as reach out to CAIR, the ACLU, and the representatives in your state who oppose this ban.

If you are not able, have your wife reach out to friends and family in the USA to not only advocate for your return, but also to assist your wife with her fears and concerns. Yes, times are crazy here, but there are many great people and organizations waiting to help those in need. In sha’ Allah, have your wife contact the masjid where you both go and seek support from the community there as well as from the imam who should be working in a unified effort to assist families affected by this horrible ban. In fact by now there should be a strong network of sisters and brothers donating time and resources to help families who are torn apart at the moment by this ban. Your wife should in sha’ Allah have the support and resources she needs to help deal with the fear, pain, and uncertainty of the future.

Please do keep up on the latest reports, brother, and as stated, speak with a representative there on your options. Perhaps supportive letters from your place of employment may help, I do not know at this point.

If this drags on, you may have to make the choice to try to either move somewhere else (Canada is lovely) and start over, or bring your family back to Sudan. I know this all sounds overwhelming, I am so sorry. I pray Allah (swt) grants ease, and may Allah (swt) end oppression.

My dearest brother, please remain strong, encourage your wife and children to remain strong as well. Trust in Allah (swt) for He (swt) is our Protector, and Allah (swt) knows best. It is my feeling that this ban will not last as it rips away the core foundation of what the America was stated to be built on and so many are fighting against it – and Trump.  Insha’Allah, justice will swiftly occur for those  like you who have worked so hard contributing to their communities and making the USA a home for themselves and their families. We wish you the best brother, please let us know how you are doing. May Allah (swt) help us all.

Amen,

***

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About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.