Monzer Shakally was 16 years old when he joined the protests in the streets of Damascus, was arrested and tortured by the Syrian government, and, once released, escaped to find safe haven in the U.S. Now 23, and entering his second year of dental school in Iowa City, Shakally must wait on edge as the
Monzer Shakally was 16 years old when he joined the protests in the streets of Damascus, was arrested and tortured by the Syrian government, and, once released, escaped to find safe haven in the U.S.
Temporary Protected Status is a temporary legal status given to immigrants who entered the U.S. legally and remained here continuously so they can stay and work. It is granted by the Department of Homeland Security to recipients from countries plagued by war, environmental disaster or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. It's intended to remain in place until those conditions improve.
Syria was first designated for TPS in March 2012, one year after mass protests swept across the country and were met with a brutal crackdown by President Bashar al Assad's government. The chaos of the resulting civil war has mutated into a proxy battle and counterterrorism campaign, with Turkey, the U.S., Russia, Iran and other regional countries and terror groups like ISIS, al Qaeda and others all involved.
"We're not settled down. We're not able to know what's next," said Odeh, who left Damascus in 2012 after a colleague with whom she tried to provide donations to fellow Syrians displaced by the war was tortured to death. Six years after coming to the U.S., she heard her daughter and son say recently,"'Our lives suck. We don't know what we're doing' ... they are raised in this insanity.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump may end protected status for Syrians, leaving many fearing 'a death sentence'The Trump administration may terminate protected status for Syrians in the US, leaving thousands filled with fear and anxiety ahead of an announcement expected Thursday.
Read more »
Senate Republican blocks vote on protected status for VenezuelansSenate Republicans block vote on whether to grant Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans in the US who fled political and economic turmoil
Read more »
Trump may be crude, but Baltimore really is spiraling—that's why I left | OpinionThough it is perfectly legitimate to express outrage over President Donald Trump's tweet, it's equally legitimate to talk about the failed leadership by Democrats of this once-great city.
Read more »
'Without fear': U.S. bill aims to protect athletes after Nassar sex-abuse scandalTwo U.S. senators introduced legislation on Tuesday to prevent sexual assaults a...
Read more »
Rare bee sentenced to death by government officials makes daring escapeIts believed the rare osmia avosetta, native to Turkey and Iran, stowed away in a British family's luggage. Experts worry it could infect local species with disease.
Read more »
Trump administration proposes rule requiring hospitals to publish the prices negotiated with insurersThe Trump administration is proposing a rule that would require hospitals to publish the prices that are negotiated with insurers or risk being fined.
Read more »