Sameer, a pseudonym, is considered an “emerging leader” among the 7,000 Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders in the United States today. In the last seven years, Sameer attained an MBA, passed the U.S. pharmaceutical exam, had three children, and obtained TPS for him and his family. Sameer did all of this while trying to keep his family safe, healthy, and free.
Decision Follows Sustained Advocacy by Syrian American Organizations with Congress and Trump Administration
(Washington, D.C. - July 31, 2019) Tomorrow, August 1, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will announce its decision whether to renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians. Today, 7,000 Syrians in the United States are on TPS and an additional 7,000 Syrians in the U.S. who would benefit from redesignation of TPS.
Oscar, a pseudonym, is one of 7,000 Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders living in the United States. Oscar graduated as a medical doctor in the Middle East and came to the U.S. in 2011 for an observership, a program for international medical graduates. Soon after he arrived, the uprising began in Syria. He found himself stuck in the U.S., as his family told him not to return to Syria because his home town was being heavily attacked. Oscar waited and eventually applied for TPS.
Imagine a highly rated doctor who does everything for his patients. He provides top quality care to each person that comes to his office. This doctor helps not only his patients but improves the lives of his community and specific industry. He gives so much to a country he fought hard to be in. He respects the laws, pays his taxes, and contributes in many ways to this country. Now imagine that this model-citizen was told you cannot work, you cannot get access to your bank accounts, you can no longer drive, and you may be forced to leave this country?
Nada Odeh is among the 7,000 Syrian Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders living in the United States. Nada is a well-known art educator, visual artist and museum curator. She works with folklore societies, refugee communities, and museum associations all over the country, using art to tell stories, connect people, and heal trauma.
Joseph, a pseudonym, is among the 7,000 Syrian TPS Holders today in the United States. Joseph is in the hospitality industry and has managed high-end hotels all over the world. However, one year, Joseph put himself and his entire family at risk to protect the U.S. government.
I came to Lebanon in the summer of 1990 to hide from my friends and neighbors in my hometown of Aleppo. I believed I did well on my Baccalaureate exams, but I was afraid of disappointing my loved ones if I had not, so, I hid in the beautiful city of Beirut and waited for my test results.
Monzer Shakally is a dental student who came to the US 6 years ago. Last year, Monzer shared his incredible
journey with us, and we caught up with him recently to see how things are going.
Read his previous stories here: https://arcsyria.org/article/monzer-ive-always-wanted-democracy