kathleen

Being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but not being able to reach it, that is how Abu Omar (and many other Omars) must have felt. Not only did he together with his family have to flee their hometown in a life or death situation, they also spent their days as illegal immigrants living in slums.

When Abu Omar saw his one and only hope of starting life afresh in America, his key to bringing himself and his family out of misery and poverty, it was shattered right before his very eyes. All because he was suspected of paying the ransom fees, actually meant to save his children’s lives, to a designated terrorist organization such as Al Qaeda or Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, denying him resettlement.

Only if evidence is provided that the terrorist he paid the sum of money too are not on the State Department’s list will he then be able to qualify for a 0.5% chance of starting a new life in America but sadly he has no evidence whatsoever to set himself free. When life seemed like it could not get any worse for Abu Omar, it just did.

I feel that it is very unjust to judge people by their name for instance killing all those “ Abu Omars” in Iraq, or forcing them to change their name, the thing that is given by their parents which they value. In addition, the United States should consider modifying their laws on the entry of Iraqi refugees into their country and be more understanding towards them, by doing so, they would really help make a difference in the lives of many these refugees.